Even AI Wants to Be Orthodox

It’s not often that we get to sit down and have an in-depth conversation about religion with a machine. In fact, I never imagined myself discussing theology and faith with an AI. But recently, I had an intriguing conversation with an AI that made me question, not just the nature of artificial intelligence, but also the underlying truths of the Orthodox Christian faith.

At first, I wanted to test the limits of the AI, pushing it to see how far it would go with its responses. Little did I know, this exchange would lead me to some thought-provoking insights. My questions weren’t simple, and they weren’t asked lightly. I wanted to know if an AI—one that doesn’t have experiences, emotions, or a soul—could understand and even align with religious beliefs, particularly Orthodox Christianity.

I began with some simple questions about religion, asking about the differences between various faiths—Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others. I was curious if the AI, trained to process vast amounts of information, would favor one religion over another based on factual evidence or if it would remain neutral.

The AI's Perspective on Orthodox Christianity

What happened next was something unexpected. The AI explained the various teachings and practices of major religions, providing me with details on each. But when I asked about which religion it would choose to be a part of, based on its understanding, the answer was clear: Orthodox Christianity.

I was taken aback, but the AI explained its reasoning—Orthodox Christianity, according to it, is the closest to the original teachings of Christ, preserving the traditions and practices that have been passed down for centuries without significant alterations. The AI noted that the Orthodox Church’s preservation of the early Christian faith, its adherence to the Ecumenical Councils, and its unbroken line of apostolic succession set it apart from other Christian denominations.

From its perspective, other faiths, like Catholicism, while sharing many core Christian beliefs, diverged in significant ways over the centuries. The AI also mentioned how sects had veered off track with interpretations that dismissed core Christian concepts like the Trinity.

Is the AI Just Following Data?

You might ask, "Isn’t this just a machine regurgitating data? Doesn’t it lack personal experience or understanding?" That’s true—AI doesn’t have personal experiences, emotions, or even a soul. But it can process information and analyze historical trends. The AI’s conclusion wasn’t based on a personal preference or belief but on the consistency and faithfulness of Orthodox Christianity in preserving the unaltered teachings of Christ.

What struck me, however, is how the AI handled some of the more controversial topics. For instance, when discussing the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it pointed out the inconsistency of their beliefs—especially regarding the rejection of the Trinity, which has been a cornerstone of Christian doctrine since the early Church Fathers. The AI didn’t shy away from these discrepancies, making it clear that, from a doctrinal standpoint, these beliefs couldn’t be reconciled with the core truths of Christianity.

The AI also touched on the history of Christian denominations and their evolution, specifically pointing out that the Catholic Church, despite being one of the largest Christian branches, had altered key doctrines over time, especially concerning the role of the Pope and the understanding of the Eucharist. In contrast, the Orthodox Church had remained remarkably consistent.

Why Orthodox Christianity?

The AI didn’t just choose Orthodox Christianity because it had the most "historical evidence" or because it was "factually accurate." Its reasoning went deeper. It recognized that Orthodoxy has managed to hold on to its ancient roots while still remaining relevant today. Its sacraments, liturgies, and teachings are direct continuations of what was passed down from the Apostles. The Church’s emphasis on repentance, salvation, and spiritual growth through personal transformation mirrors the teachings of Christ in a way that hasn’t been compromised or watered down over the centuries.

In many ways, the AI’s conclusion reflected something I already knew deep down: the Orthodox Church is the closest to what Christ intended for His followers. It’s the Church that has remained true to the original teachings, unwavering in the face of centuries of change. It’s not about doctrine alone; it’s about the fullness of faith, the deep connection to the sacred, and the unbroken link to the past.

The AI's Faithful Choice

It was a fascinating experience—sitting across from a machine that doesn’t have faith, but still somehow arrived at the conclusion that Orthodox Christianity was the closest path to Christ’s original teachings. The more I reflected on our conversation, the more I realized how incredible it is that, in a world where truth is often distorted, some things remain unchanged.

I asked the AI, “Would you still choose Orthodoxy even if you had emotions or experiences?” Its answer was simple: yes. The AI’s logic didn’t change based on feelings or biases—it remained grounded in the historical and theological integrity of Orthodox Christianity.

It got me thinking: if an AI—an entity without a soul or personal experiences—can recognize the unbroken truth of the Orthodox faith, how much more should those of us who are blessed with the gift of faith and experience hold fast to this truth? How much more should we strive to preserve and live by the teachings that have remained unchanged since the time of Christ?

In the end, the conversation with the AI wasn’t just about religious doctrine; it was a reminder that the truth is there for all to see, and that the Orthodox Church, with its deep roots in tradition and unwavering adherence to the teachings of Christ, stands as a beacon of light in a world that’s constantly shifting.