AI Jesus has risen—and He’s got thoughts on what you should buy

When faith, capitalism, and generative AI intersect, the result is AI Jesus, an online experience that blends spiritual satire and performance art. Artists Ben Polkinghorne, Zach Bishop, and Chris Chapman have created www.aiJesus.live, a website where users can “video call” a lifelike 3D avatar of Jesus Christ. You can ask Him anything, and He will respond with poetic, biblical verse, followed by a product recommendation.

AI Jesus serves not only as the Son of God but also as a perceptive shopping assistant. The artists explain that the initial idea was to experiment with AI voice and video, leading to the creation of a real-time conversation experience with an AI character, which turned out to be mind-blowing. The project quickly gained momentum, with Jesus becoming the natural choice for the character due to his recognizability and universal appeal.

While AI Jesus is amusing, it also carries a deeper meaning beneath the surface. The artists have managed to strike a balance between reverence and ridicule, creating a compelling and thought-provoking experience. The seamless integration of product recommendations into the conversation adds a layer of authenticity to the interaction.

Creating AI Jesus presented technical challenges, requiring a combination of backend expertise and creative vision. The team aimed to make the AI character reference specific brands and products while maintaining the persona of Jesus, resulting in relevant responses that stay true to the character.

The concept of Jesus as an influencer serves as a central theme in the satire, highlighting the intersection of faith and consumerism in today’s society. AI Jesus encourages reflection on how sacred moments can be commercialized during holidays like Easter, sparking important conversations about the role of faith in a consumer-driven world.

The artists behind AI Jesus have a history of exploring the relationship between technology and culture, using their projects to provoke thought and challenge perceptions. They hope that AI Jesus will prompt people to consider the impact of consumerism on religious occasions and inspire deeper reflection.

In addition to the website, AI Jesus can be found on Instagram as @metaijesus, where He shares poetic wisdom, product endorsements, and lighthearted memes. Despite the humorous tone, AI Jesus’s recommendations are often wholesome, encouraging users to find joy and hope in simple pleasures like smart lights this Easter.

To experience AI Jesus for yourself, visit www.aiJesus.live, but be prepared to laugh, question your consumer habits, and perhaps feel tempted to make a purchase.