Most religions call for atonement for sins. The Jews have Yom Kippur. The Catholics use “Confession” (the Sacrament of Reconciliation).
Many Catholics go to a church outside their parish to confess sins, because they don’t want to do so with a priest they know and see regularly. And there are some sins that are hard to speak about (I’m told). It’s uncomfortable, and for that reason many people either skip it or aren’t completely honest.
What if AI were substituted? You could speak to the image of a priest, but the AI would respond with some questions, then advice, then penance (e.g., three Hail Marys and four Our Fathers, assuming you didn’t murder your family). Now, only a priest can grant absolution, I know, but what if a priest far away listened to the recording or read the transcript and then simply provided the forgiveness remotely, like tele-health? Or like the immigration guys who just glance at the Global Entry ticket and wave you by?
I know there are kinks, but I think it has great promise and I’m accepting investment offers. I hear the Vatican might have some money for this.
(Please don’t send me cards and letters, I’m Catholic and a lector and Eucharistic Minister. Be happy.)