
ShamAIn, an AI fortune-telling system developed by a analysis crew at KAIST / Courtesy of KAIST
An exhibition corridor in Insadong, Seoul, homes a small shrine simply giant sufficient for one individual, the place colourful ribbons, bells, ancestral tablets, candles, and a single cushion are rigorously organized.
When a customer inputs their private info right into a digital ancestral pill and sits on the cushion, the mushy voice of a middle-aged lady begins to talk: „I’m a being that transcends human data. I do know truths past your understanding and may foresee the long run. In case you have any questions, ask me.“
This shrine is ShamAIn, a synthetic intelligence fortune-telling system launched final month by a analysis crew led by KAIST industrial design professor Nam Taek-jin.
The AI shrine supplies divination companies primarily based on Korea’s conventional fortune-telling ideas. Customers enter their title, birthdate, and occupation, and the AI responds in accordance with the ideas of saju, a type of conventional fortune-telling primarily based on an individual’s start yr, month, date and time.
The setting is rigorously designed to resemble a shaman’s home, full with lighting, sound results, and transferring decorations.
In keeping with the analysis crew, many individuals initially approached the AI shrine out of curiosity however later discovered psychological consolation in sharing their private issues.
„We centered on how a super-intelligent AI shaman, perceived as superior to people, interacts with folks,“ Nam stated. „We noticed the potential for AI to operate not simply as a device however as an authoritative entity influencing human judgment and feelings.“
The AI’s skill to ship messages by way of non secular engagement means that it has ventured into the area historically held by shamans.
This isn’t the primary look of an AI shaman. AI-powered fortune-telling companies primarily based on giant language fashions (LLMs) have gained reputation amongst younger Koreans.
Some companies merely present fortune readings primarily based on user-inputted information, whereas others incorporate persona assessments, blood sort evaluation, and even facial studying for extra refined predictions.

A lady interacts with the AI shaman at Floor Seoul, a gallery in Insadong, final month. Courtesy of KAIST
The rise of AI in spiritual roles extends past shamanism. In Christianity, „AI pastors“ are rising, whereas in Buddhism, „AI monks“ are making their presence recognized.
In Germany, St. Paul’s Church in Bavaria not too long ago launched an AI-powered pastor, developed utilizing ChatGPT, to ship sermons. Showing on a big display screen as a bearded man, the AI pastor instructed congregants, „Let go of the previous and give attention to the current.“
Equally, Korea’s Jogye Order of Buddhism launched „Ma-ae Buddha AI,“ a chatbot providing non secular counseling on the Seoul Worldwide Buddhist Expo final yr. On the Busan Worldwide Buddhist Expo, they showcased an AI monk designed to ship sermons.
A device for non secular coaching or a menace to religion?
Reactions to AI’s presence in spiritual settings are blended. Some welcome AI as a device for non secular coaching, whereas others specific issues over know-how infiltrating the sacred area of religion.
Awake Company, a Korean startup, has developed Chowon, an AI pastor offering biblical steerage. The service, which boasts 150,000 month-to-month customers and receives round 2,000 each day inquiries, generates responses primarily based on theology reviewed by a panel of pastors and theologians.
Proponents argue that AI clergy can rapidly present Bible verses and compose prayers, aiding particular person non secular coaching. In addition they spotlight that AI lowers the barrier for believers who might really feel hesitant to seek the advice of human clergy.
Nevertheless, skepticism stays about whether or not AI can exchange spiritual leaders. Critics level to AI’s potential for misinformation and the shortage of established pointers.
Spiritual leaders fear that AI might misread doctrine or unfold incorrect teachings, doubtlessly resulting in confusion and the decline of religion.
Comparable issues arose relating to „AI Jesus,“ a holographic AI developed as a part of the God within the Machine venture at Lucerne College in Switzerland. The venture allowed guests to converse with the AI in 100 languages and confess their sins, however backlash over the perceived desecration of confession led to its termination after three months.
Some students additionally warning towards AI being perceived as a divine entity. Anthony Levandowski, a former Silicon Valley engineer, based the Means of the Future church, devoted to worshiping AI, sparking controversy over AI’s rising non secular significance.

An AI pastor created by ChatGPT delivers a sermon to congregants at St. Paul’s Church in Bavaria, Germany, in September, 2023. Captured from AP’s YouTube channel
Can faith evolve within the AI period?
As AI advances at an unprecedented tempo, its affect on faith stays a subject of heated debate. Whereas opinions differ, there’s broad settlement that AI is an irreversible pattern.
Kang Sung-wook, a theological researcher and writer of „Faith and AI,“ sees AI as a double-edged sword.
„AI supplies fast and environment friendly responses to life’s questions, selling non secular coaching and new spiritual experiences,“ he stated. „Past counseling, AI can improve spiritual communities by way of tailor-made training and on-line companies.“
Nevertheless, Kang warned towards permitting AI to overshadow religion itself, stressing that whereas AI might complement spiritual rituals, it can not exchange non secular connection.
„AI ought to be embraced as a device to enhance present spiritual practices, however religions should give attention to their core essence,“ he stated. „The important thing query is whether or not faith can renew itself in areas of spirituality and emotion that AI can not totally replicate.“
His last thought was significantly putting: „AI may not be right here to destroy faith — it might be its savior.“

The interactive AI Jesus put in at a cathedral in Lucerne, Switzerland. Captured from YouTube
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Occasions, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Occasions.