Just Like Me, a tech startup based in Southern California, has introduced a novel—and controversial—service: video calls with an AI-generated avatar of Jesus Christ. The company charges users $1.99 per minute or offers a 45-minute monthly package for $49.99. The avatar is visually modeled after actor Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus in the TV series The Chosen, and its responses are informed by the King James Bible and a collection of sermons (dexerto.com).
The AI Jesus avatar delivers words of prayer and encouragement in multiple languages, remembers prior conversations, and exhibits occasional glitches—such as lip-sync issues and delayed responses (apnews.com). CEO Chris Breed, who co-founded the company with investor Jeff Tinsley, says users often form emotional attachments to the avatar. “You do feel a little accountable to the AI,” he told the Associated Press. “They’re your friend. You’ve made an attachment.” (apnews.com).
The service has sparked debate. Critics on social media argue that charging for access to a simulated spiritual figure is exploitative. One user commented, “This is evil. You can talk to the real Jesus for free whenever you want.” Others questioned the commodification of faith, suggesting that spiritual connection should not be monetized (ndtv.com).
Just Like Me emphasizes that the AI Jesus is not intended to replace faith, clergy, or scripture. The company’s website clarifies that the avatar “is not Jesus Christ himself, nor does it possess divine authority,” positioning it instead as a tool for comfort and encouragement (odditycentral.com).
This launch is part of a broader trend in faith-based generative AI, which includes avatars of Hindu gurus, Buddhist priests, and Catholic chatbots. As these technologies proliferate, they raise complex questions about the intersection of technology, spirituality, and commercialization (apnews.com).