Do religions need churches, temples, mosques, scriptures, beliefs, rituals, priests, pundits and gurus to remain relevant?
Move over. A new kind of spiritual presence is emerging.
AI is stepping into the role of a guru of the digital age, offering guidance, reflection and advice without rituals, customs or religious institutions.
It can be authoritative without belonging to any faith.
It is secular, accessible and available on demand.
Ask a question; seek advice; receive an instant response.
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AI offers no magic cure or divine solution.
Yet, without a physical presence, it has a kind of generative charisma, providing one-on-one guidance and even companionship in solitude.
Could AI become a new kind of religious institution, without temples, scriptures or a congregation of blind followers?
– Promod Puri
Progressive Hindu Dialogue 