Americans Explored Religion Through Artificial Intelligence

A 2026 poll found that some U.S. adults are turning to AI technology for spiritual guidance and prayer.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Religion — General

Bold vector editorial illustration of a luminous, geometric lattice structure shaped like an open book, representing digital-based religious exploration. — A 2026 NPR/Ipsos poll shows a growing number of Americans are utilizing artificial intelligence tools to study religious history and seek spiritual counsel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you trust an artificial intelligence tool to provide you with spiritual or personal guidance?

An NPR/Ipsos poll conducted between August 7 and August 9, 2026, revealed that Americans are increasingly using artificial intelligence for religious purposes. While most users remain skeptical, a minority are leveraging the technology for scripture study, prayer, and spiritual counsel.

Why it matters

Users are turning to these digital tools when they find traditional religious leadership unresponsive to their inquiries. Many view AI as a convenient, neutral way to synthesize diverse interpretations and religious history.

Of the 1,011 U.S. adults polled, 61% report having used an AI tool. Among these users, 15% have used the technology to study scripture, 13% for prayer generation, and 11% for spiritual guidance.

The players

Ipsos

Ipsos is a global market research and consulting firm that frequently conducts public opinion polling on social and political issues.

NPR

NPR is an independent, non-profit media organization that serves as a public information resource for millions of Americans.

The details

Individuals are utilizing AI models to interpret complex passages and research religious history for personal study or presentations. This trend highlights a shift where users seek immediate, customized information to supplement or replace conventional religious guidance.

Ipsos conducted the poll of 1,011 U.S. adults from August 7 to August 9, 2026.
The findings regarding AI and religion were published on September 28, 2026.

Culture Shift

The adoption of AI for spiritual needs follows a pattern of declining reliance on traditional religious institutions as documented by academic research. This shift suggests a societal move toward personalized, on-demand spiritual information that bypasses conventional hierarchies.

Readers may notice local religious study groups or individuals incorporating digital AI tools into their traditional devotional routines. This change requires users to evaluate the accuracy of AI-generated religious content against their personal theological frameworks.

The takeaway

While AI provides a novel way to access vast amounts of religious text, users should remain critical of the information generated by algorithms. Integrating technology into spiritual practice requires a discerning approach to ensure the output aligns with one's personal faith.