AI Emerges as Spiritual Authority for 1 in 3 U.S. Adults, Research Shows

Event summary

  • Gloo and Barna Group released research at the NRB convention showing 30% of U.S. adults find AI spiritual advice as trustworthy as pastoral guidance, rising to 40% among Gen Z and Millennials.
  • 40% of practicing Christians report AI aids prayer, Bible study, or spiritual growth, while only 12% of pastors feel comfortable teaching on AI.
  • 61% of U.S. adults engage with Christian media weekly, though 45% of heavy consumers view it as divisive.
  • Gloo will release monthly Faith & AI research updates through 2026 as part of its Diamond Sponsorship of NRB.

The big picture

Gloo's research highlights a strategic inflection point where AI is reshaping spiritual engagement, particularly among younger generations. This trend presents both an opportunity for faith-based organizations to innovate and a challenge to maintain traditional authority structures. The monthly data releases position Gloo as a thought leader in the intersection of technology and spirituality, potentially expanding its platform's relevance in the $1.2 trillion global religious market.

What we're watching

Trust Dynamics
How AI's growing role in spiritual guidance will affect traditional religious institutions' authority.
Pastoral Adaptation
Whether religious leaders can bridge the gap in AI literacy to maintain relevance with younger congregants.
Media Influence
The pace at which Christian media can address perceptions of divisiveness while maintaining trust.

Related topics

Technology