Half of Christian ChatGPT queries focus on understanding the Bible

The rise of religious AI queries

OpenAI, the organization that developed the ChatGPT chatbot, recently released figures regarding how people interact with the technology on spiritual matters. The data shows that the AI receives approximately 70 million inquiries regarding religion every single week. These queries represent a significant portion of the total traffic the platform handles.

The analysis of these interactions, which spanned from September 2025 to September 2026, highlights the dominant role of the world's largest faiths. Islam and Christianity receive the vast majority of the attention from users seeking religious information. This trend suggests that the most established global belief systems are the primary drivers of AI-assisted religious exploration.

The report also identified specific patterns in how these queries fluctuate over the calendar year. Religion-based requests tend to surge during major religious holidays for different groups. For example, Islam-related queries see an uptick during Ramadan and Eid, while Christian-related requests increase during the Easter season.

Breaking down the religious data

The data provides a clear hierarchy of the religions being searched by users. Islam accounts for 45 percent of all religion-related interactions, followed by Christianity at 34 percent. Other faiths represent a much smaller portion of the total volume, with Hinduism at four percent, Judaism at two percent, and Buddhism at one percent.

When looking specifically at the nature of these queries, the research shows a high level of interest in literacy. Just under a third of all religion-related requests, averaging 22 million a week, are focused on understanding religious texts. This indicates that many users are utilizing the chatbot as a sophisticated research tool to parse complex writings.

Other categories of interest are distributed relatively evenly across the platform. About 16 million queries a week focus on the meaning of religious practices and holidays. A similar number of people use the AI to ask questions about general beliefs, spiritual guidance, and the underlying meaning of their faith.

How Christians use the tool

The report offers a specific look at how the Christian community interacts with the chatbot. Around half of all Christian-related interactions are dedicated to asking about specific passages of scripture. This suggests that the Bible is the primary point of contact for many believers using the technology.

In contrast, a much smaller segment of the Christian user base uses the AI for other church-related activities. Only 13 percent of these interactions are focused on topics such as worship, sermons, or general church practices. This distinction shows that the AI is being used more for private study than for logistical or communal church planning.

The data suggests a preference for deep-diving into the text over seeking information on the mechanics of religious life. Users seem to be looking for clarity on what the scriptures actually say. This behavior reflects a move toward personalized, text-based learning facilitated by large language models.

AI as a tool for faith

OpenAI has provided context on the intent behind these queries, stating that people are using the technology to deepen their understanding of their faith. The company emphasizes that the goal is not to replace existing religious structures or human connections. Instead, the AI serves as a supportive tool for those who already have a foundation of belief.

The researchers noted that while believers use AI to support their religious lives, it should not become a substitute for genuine spiritual guidance. They argue that religious life is fundamentally rooted in shared traditions and personal convictions. These elements are best fostered through connections among people rather than through a digital interface.

The company's stance is that AI should help people pursue what matters to them while strengthening human institutions. They believe the technology can provide tools for practice and understanding. However, they maintain that the AI should not be seen as an arbiter of religious truth or a replacement for the roles held by religious leaders and congregations.

The future of spiritual study

As the volume of religious queries continues to grow, the role of AI in religious literacy will likely become more defined. The current data suggests that the primary use case is one of education and exploration. Users are treating the chatbot as a way to navigate the nuances of their own scriptures more efficiently.

This trend may change how religious organizations view the role of technology in education. If users are increasingly turning to AI to interpret their texts, it could change how religious schools and study groups approach traditional learning. The AI provides a way for individuals to engage with their faith on a constant, on-demand basis.

The ultimate goal for these users appears to be a deeper connection to their beliefs through better understanding of the source material. By providing a way to quickly summarize or explain complex passages, the AI acts as a bridge. It allows for a more personalized journey of faith that remains anchored in the community and tradition.