Artificial IntelligenceThere is a false notion that Artificial Intelligence is here to replace humans and religion cannot be an exception.

Religion is one aspect of human life that provides solutions through symbols, giving humans meaning for their existence. Bring Artificial Intelligence into religion only to question where can we place algorithm-churning AI systems into a metaphorical world of religion. There is a false notion that AI is here to replace humans in every known sphere of human life and religion cannot be an exception. Well, there are examples world over from different religions, where Artificial Intelligence, AI avatars, or robots are used to perform religious rituals. Christianity has been using Artificial Intelligence to perform different rituals. The Vatican creating an exorcist robot, or a Hindu temple using the robotic arm for a ritual called 'aarti', or Buddhist temples in China and Japan deploying robot monks are few among many examples. Most of the AI applications used to date are to carry out rituals, or routine tasks. Buddhism is all about following Buddha's path rather than propitiating him. And again, the exorcism ritual, though cruel in its methods, has a visible and immediate effect on the individual. The real test for AI in the realm of religion is when it has to deliver humanly responsibilities viz., priestly duties such as counseling, teaching the gospel, or probably participating in family affairs. Can a robot regenerate the aura of sanctity that a well-respected priest carries? Maybe yes or maybe not. Depends on how humanity's belief system concerning sanctity and purity is going to evolve. 

How it is going to change people's experience in faith

Religion is about faith. People would worship a rock because it holds a certain meaning for them, rather than a well-carved deity. For AI to change human perception would require a complete reprogramming of their belief system, which took thousands of years to shape. Even if for time being we can put aside the fear among the clergy of losing their elite status, there will be a seeping disproval for mechanized rituals among the masses. Faith in religion is a strong belief in the doctrines of a religion, which should be based on spiritual conviction rather than evidence. People believe in symbols that do not exist. In this context, a question one needs to ask is, how Artificial intelligence can help individuals develop their subjective interpretations of God with its objective ways of functionalities? Or rather AI itself is going to transform itself into a new religion?

Artificial Intelligence may also change the way we interpret sacred texts, ethical reasoning, and decision-making, a problem most religions have. Dig into the history, only to find instances of misinterpretation of religious texts leading to extreme acts of violence. When a well-meaning human cannot make the right choices in interpreting vague texts to make his life reasonable, how can a machine be entrusted the job? 

Technologies ultimate charm lies in its functionality.

AI transformed the world in never seen ways, for it holds the promise for visible results in improved performance of machines and ease of living for humans. However, with religion, it seems that its only functionality lies in removing inequalities that prevail in the name of God and segregation based on the status of birth, viz, the caste system in India. Otherwise, the whole debate of whether AI can be a new religion is a pointless maneuver.