'This is evil': AI tool charging $2 per minute to talk with Jesus faces massive backlash online

Faith-based AI tools have been all the rage in the market recently. But while AI inventions are usually awaited with bated breath, these are being condemned by worshippers of faith. After Buddhabot, a tech company has set up a new platform that allows users to have conversations with an AI avatar of Jesus Christ. 'Just Like Me' has created different versions of the Christian lord based on certain celebrities, experts and personalities. According to the company these "digital twins" are intended to provide guidance, mentorship, support and friendship to users of the site. Users can pay $1.99 per minute to have video calls with AI versions of personalities such as Myspace co-founder Chris DeWolfe, deceased political commentator Charlie Kirk and even Jesus Christ. The latest personality to be added to the website is the avatar of Jesus Christ. Jesus' AI version will offer words of prayer and encouragement, speak a variety of languages and also recall previous conversations to make the interactions feel more personal and real. Moreover, the platform offers a package deal of $49.99 to give users 45 minutes of conversation with the AI Jesus monthly. Company CEO Chris Breed said the model was trained on the King James Bible and also understood scriptures along with sermons from various preachers. The avatar of Jesus Christ is based on actor Jonathon Roumie's portrayal of Jesus in the TV show, The Chosen. While the AI tool may have intended to bring people closer to their god and allow them to connect with him on a personal level, worshippers of the faith are calling the company 'evil' for monetising on the lord and his love. "They don’t want you to know this, but you can speak with the real Jesus for free through prayer," wrote one user on X. "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Mark 13:22," reminded another. "This is evil. You can talk to the real Jesus for free whenever you want," added another. "1.99 a minute? Whew, getting my confessions in with Jesus also got hit by inflation," quipped another. Faith-based generative AI has seen an uprising in recent times. Considering AI has infiltrated numerous realms including therapy, medical advice, relationship counselling and many more, religion was among the only few left. Now, worshippers delving into the world of AI can turn to Hindu gurus, Buddhist priests and AI avatar Jesuses without having to truly talk to any. While Pope Leo XIV has acknowledged the "human genius" behind AI, he also deemed it one of the most critical matters facing humanity. In 2025, he warned that AI could negatively impact people's spiritual development.