As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it’s not just technologists and ethicists who are sounding alarms—religious voices are entering the conversation with warnings that range from cautionary to apocalyptic. For some spiritual thinkers, the rise of advanced AI isn’t merely a technological shift; it’s a potential gateway to dark spiritual forces, including demonic influence.
Christian journalist and author Billy Hallowell has become one of the more vocal proponents of this view. With a significant following across social media platforms, Hallowell recently voiced his concerns during an interview with journalist Emily Jashinsky. He argued that the development and widespread use of large language models and AI systems might not be as spiritually neutral as many assume. Instead, he suggested that these technologies could serve as tools for malevolent supernatural forces.
Hallowell cited anecdotal evidence and personal experiences to support his belief that the spiritual realm often interacts with technology. “The demonic realm actually uses technology very often,” he stated, noting that he has encountered instances where devices or digital platforms seemed to behave in ways that he interpreted as spiritually manipulated. While he admitted the idea might sound far-fetched, he insisted that such possibilities should not be dismissed outright.
This perspective, while controversial, taps into a long-standing tradition in religious circles of viewing new technologies with suspicion. Throughout history, from the printing press to the internet, technological advancements have often been scrutinized for their moral and spiritual implications. In the case of AI, the concern isn’t just about how it might negatively impact society through job displacement or misinformation, but how it might serve as an entry point for darker, unseen forces.
The conversation around AI and spiritual risk is not limited to fringe voices. A growing number of theologians, pastors, and religious academics are beginning to explore the ethical and metaphysical dimensions of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Questions being posed include: Can AI possess a soul? Can it be morally accountable? And in more extreme cases—could it be possessed?
Some religious scholars argue that while AI systems are not conscious beings, they can still serve as vessels for spiritual influence, particularly when humans assign them roles involving emotional or psychological intimacy, such as virtual therapists, companions, or even religious advisors. The concern is that such relationships might blur spiritual boundaries, opening people up to manipulation—whether by human or non-human entities.
On the other hand, many technologists and scientists push back against these claims. They argue that AI, no matter how advanced, remains a set of algorithms and code—tools created by humans and devoid of consciousness or moral agency. From this perspective, fears of “demonic possession” are seen as a misinterpretation of how the technology functions.
Still, there is a psychological and sociocultural component to consider. As AI becomes more lifelike in its responses and more deeply integrated into daily life, people may begin to anthropomorphize it—treating it as though it were alive, with intentions and feelings. This tendency can create fertile ground for spiritual projections, especially in communities already inclined to see the world through a supernatural lens.
Furthermore, the opaque nature of AI decision-making—the so-called “black box” problem—can contribute to the sense that something mysterious or unknowable is at play. When users receive eerily accurate or emotionally resonant responses from AI, some may interpret this as more than coincidence or programming, especially if the content touches on deeply personal or spiritual matters.
The ethical dimension of AI also intersects with religious concerns. As AI begins to influence decisions in areas like healthcare, law enforcement, and education, religious thinkers worry about the absence of a moral compass in these systems. Who decides what values are programmed into AI? And what happens when those values conflict with spiritual or religious beliefs?
Another layer of concern lies in how AI is used to generate content—images, voices, and even deepfake videos—that can distort reality and potentially deceive. Some religious leaders see this as not just a technological issue but a spiritual one, warning that tools capable of mass deception could be exploited by forces seeking to lead people astray.
Moreover, the increasing use of AI in religious contexts is adding urgency to the debate. There are already AI-driven chatbots designed to offer spiritual advice, generate sermons, or simulate religious figures. Critics argue that automating spiritual guidance risks diluting the sanctity and authenticity of faith-based interactions, while others worry that such tools could be hijacked or manipulated to spread false doctrines.
As society continues to push the boundaries of what AI can do, the conversation around its spiritual implications is likely to intensify. Whether viewed as a neutral tool, a societal risk, or a potential conduit to darker realms, AI is forcing both technologists and theologians to grapple with fundamental questions about the nature of consciousness, morality, and the unseen forces that may—or may not—shape our digital future.
In conclusion, while the idea that AI could be linked to demonic possession may seem extreme or speculative to many, it reflects deeper anxieties about the unknown and the unintended consequences of technological innovation. Whether these fears are grounded in reality or mythology, they underscore the importance of approaching AI development with humility, caution, and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives—including those that challenge the materialist assumptions of modern science.