An OpenAI analysis found that millions of weekly requests focus on studying religious texts, understanding religious practices and holidays, and exploring questions of belief and spiritual guidance.
ChatGPT receives more than 70 million requests related to faith and spirituality every week, with users seeking help understanding religious texts, exploring religious traditions and preparing for worship, according to an analysis by OpenAI.
The findings, published on October 8 in a report titled Faith, Community & AI, examine how people around the world use the artificial intelligence chatbot to explore religious teachings and engage with questions of faith.
Of the weekly requests, about 22 million were involve studying religious texts, including understanding difficult passages and exploring scholarly interpretations. Another 16 million concern religious practices, holidays and observance, while a similar number focus on beliefs, meaning and spiritual guidance.
The analysis, which covers the period from September 2025 to September 2026, also examined the distribution of requests across different religious traditions. Islam accounted for 45 per cent of religion-related requests, while Christianity represented 34 per cent. Hinduism accounted for four per cent, Judaism two per cent and Buddhism one per cent.
The figures show that religious inquiries span different traditions and subjects, from interpreting sacred texts to understanding religious practices and preparing for significant observances.
“People ask ChatGPT to explain difficult passages, find relevant commentaries, and help them understand how their traditions approach particular questions,” OpenAI researchers wrote.
The analysis also found that the timing of religious observances influences the questions users submit. Requests about Islam increase around Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, while Christianity-related inquiries rise around Easter. Questions about Jewish observance also increase around Passover.
OpenAI said people use ChatGPT to deepen their understanding of their faith, prepare for religious observances and participate more fully in their communities. Religious leaders also use the technology to support their teaching and organisational work.
The report included examples of religious leaders and educators using ChatGPT to explore sacred texts and consider how religious teachings apply to contemporary questions.
Among them was pastor Ben Palka of Washington, DC, who uses the chatbot to explore how younger congregants might interpret biblical passages as he develops sermon ideas.
Rabbi Andrew Bloom in Texas uses a customised ChatGPT study guide to navigate Jewish commentaries, while Hindu educator Sandhya Simhan in California has used the technology to explore how her religious beliefs apply to important decisions in her life.
The findings come amid wider discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in religious life and the extent to which it should be involved in questions of faith and spiritual guidance.
OpenAI researchers said the technology should support religious practice without replacing the human relationships and institutions that sustain religious communities.
“AI should help people pursue what matters to them, including their faith, while strengthening rather than replacing human relationships and institutions,” the researchers wrote.
They added that AI should not become an authority on religious truth or replace spiritual guidance provided by individuals, religious leaders and congregations.
