Debating Divinity Through AI

Abstract This article analyzes public responses to a simulated Christian–Muslim debate conducted by artificial intelligence (AI) on YouTube. Drawing on a dataset of 8,737 comments, it explores how viewers engage with algorithmically generated theological arguments and how sentiment and discourse patterns reflect broader dynamics within digital religion. The study aims to examine how audiences interpret and emotionally respond to AI-mediated theological exchanges, contributing to ongoing research in digital religion and interfaith communication. While the novelty of AI participation elicited both curiosity and skepticism, the comment section largely reproduced familiar patterns of doctrinal defense and interfaith polemics. Thematic analysis identified six dominant themes: Judgment of Debate Outcome, The Trinity and Monotheism, Interfaith Critique, AI as Moderator, Divinity of Jesus, and Allah (the One and Only). Sentiment analysis revealed a majority of comments labeled as “positive,” yet closer inspection showed that many of these reflected in-group religious affirmation rather than interfaith empathy or dialogical openness—highlighting the limitations of lexicon-based tools in capturing relational nuance. Grounded in the framework of digital religion, the study interprets these findings in terms of shifting authority, mediated religious identity, and emotional expression online. The study highlights how AI-mediated debates may reproduce familiar patterns of interfaith polemics, underscoring the need for dialogical frameworks that foster constructive engagement in technologically mediated religious discourse. The article concludes by recommending further research into platform design and the role of moderation in shaping interfaith dialogue within AI-driven environments.