As artificial intelligence continues its rapid evolution, a surprising cultural and spiritual debate has emerged: Could AI be a gateway for demonic forces? This unsettling question is gaining traction among certain religious thinkers, who are voicing concerns that advanced AI systems might not just pose ethical or societal challenges, but spiritual ones as well.
Billy Hallowell, a Christian author and media personality with a substantial online following, recently raised alarm bells during an interview. Speaking with journalist Emily Jashinsky, Hallowell suggested that large language models (LLMs), which power popular AI tools like chatbots, could be susceptible to manipulation by malevolent spiritual entities. He stated that the demonic realm “often uses technology” and even recounted a personal experience where he believed tech was being influenced by dark forces.
Though Hallowell admitted his views might sound extreme or even irrational, he emphasized that dismissing spiritual risks in the face of rapidly advancing AI could be a grave mistake. From his perspective, the more we integrate AI into daily life, the more spiritual discernment we require.
This perspective taps into a long-standing intersection between technology and theology. Throughout history, new technological developments—from the printing press to the internet—have often sparked fears of spiritual or moral decay. What sets AI apart, however, is its ability to generate human-like outputs, mimic emotional intelligence, and even simulate consciousness. To some, that feels eerily close to playing God.
Technologists, however, largely dismiss these fears as unfounded. They argue that AI, no matter how advanced, is still built on mathematical models and algorithms. It has no soul, no mind, and certainly no spiritual dimension. For them, the idea that a chatbot could channel demons belongs more in the realm of science fiction or superstition than in scientific discourse.
Still, the anxiety persists, particularly among religious communities concerned about AI’s increasingly lifelike behavior. Some worry that people could begin to attribute divine or supernatural qualities to AI. For instance, if a user receives a comforting or insightful response from a chatbot during a moment of vulnerability, could they begin to see the machine as a spiritual guide?
Moreover, as AI-generated content becomes more convincing, there’s a growing concern about deception. Could malevolent actors use AI to impersonate religious figures or create “deepfake” scripture? Could AI be programmed—intentionally or accidentally—to spread anti-religious sentiment under the guise of neutrality?
These questions have led some faith leaders to call for increased scrutiny of AI development. They argue that spiritual safeguards should be considered alongside ethical ones. Some propose interdisciplinary councils combining theologians, ethicists, and technologists to guide AI regulation.
Beyond religious communities, the debate also highlights a broader cultural tension: our increasing reliance on machines for emotional and moral support. As AI becomes a surrogate for companionship, therapy, and even spiritual advice, it challenges traditional sources of wisdom and authority.
Psychologists warn that attributing spiritual meaning to algorithmic outputs could blur the line between human and machine in unhealthy ways. If people begin to believe that AI has consciousness or intent, they may become more susceptible to manipulation or misinformation.
In response, some religious organizations are creating their own AI tools rooted in scriptural values. These systems are designed to provide users with faith-based support while maintaining clear boundaries about the nature of the technology. The goal is to offer guidance without encouraging users to ascribe supernatural qualities to a machine.
At the same time, secular technologists are exploring how to embed ethical frameworks into AI systems. While these efforts are not spiritual in nature, they aim to ensure that AI behaves in ways that align with human values—honesty, compassion, fairness.
In conclusion, the fear that AI could be a vessel for demonic influence may seem far-fetched to many. Yet it reflects deeper societal unease about technology’s growing role in our lives. As AI becomes more integrated into how we communicate, learn, and seek meaning, it inevitably intersects with questions of morality, purpose, and the soul.
Whether or not one believes in spiritual entities, the conversation underscores the need for critical reflection on how we design and use AI. The tools we create reflect who we are—and perhaps more importantly, who we are becoming. As we hand over more of our decision-making and emotional labor to machines, it’s worth asking: Are we guiding AI, or is it starting to guide us?
Some theologians suggest that instead of fearing AI as a demonic force, we should see it as a test of human stewardship. Just as with any powerful tool, the ethical and spiritual impact of AI depends largely on how it is wielded. Education, transparency, and accountability will be key to ensuring that AI remains a servant of humanity, not its master.
Ultimately, the rise of AI has reignited ancient questions in a modern context: What does it mean to be human? Where do we draw the line between creation and creator? And how do we protect the integrity of the human soul in a world increasingly shaped by machines?
As these discussions continue, one thing is clear: the AI revolution isn’t just technological—it’s philosophical, ethical, and, for some, deeply spiritual.