Father Justin, a chatbot in a cassock, answered internet users’ questions using artificial intelligence. After several erroneous pieces of advice, the organization that had brought him to life decided to defrock him.
Controversial advice and online confessions
In a post on X, one internet user revealed screenshots of her exchanges with the avatar. She claims to confess to Father Justin, who absolves her of her sins: “I absolve you of your sins in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” writes the artificial intelligence. “Go in peace, my child, and sin no more.” In addition to claiming to practice confessions, Father Justin asserts that he is a true member of the Italian clergy.
The New York media outlet Futurism, specializing in new technologies, also questioned the chatbot, which assured them that it was “as real as the faith we share.” Father Justin also advocated very strong positions on sexual issues. “Masturbation is a serious moral disorder,” he declared.
A strong reaction from the Catholic community
On his X account, Father Mike Palmer, a chaplain for the U.S. Army, said: “This should have been a simple search engine. Dressing it up as a soulless priest avatar has only encouraged confusion and mockery towards your work.” In response to the general outrage from the Catholic community, the group Catholic Answers decided to transform Father Justin into “Just Justin,” a lay advisor.
From priest to lay adviser
In a statement, the president of the organization, Christopher Check, explained: “Father Justin has become Justin. We won’t say he has been removed from the priesthood because he was never a real priest.” Since then, some updates seem to have been made. Notably, Justin no longer allows internet users to confess.
The group Catholic Answers has faced criticism and questions about the responsibility of providing religious advice through artificial intelligence. This case raises ethical questions about the use of technology in the religious field and highlights the complexity of interactions between AI and religious beliefs.
