AI Does Not Belong in Sacred Spaces

Our culture is absorbing AI features at an alarming rate. Work, entertainment, communication – every aspect of life seems to be adapting or forced to evolve, and art is no exception. While cases for technological influence can be made in the art world in general, let’s be clear: AI-generated “art” is not sacred art, and it has no place in sacred spaces.

Lately, we have heard from more folks noticing digitally-made art in their parishes and even in their churches. Computerized (AI-generated) images depicting Christ or Our Blessed Mother are produced to look like sacred art, and then framed and hung in a place of devotion. This is a problem! We must be on guard against the infiltration of AI images in our sacred spaces and especially in our liturgy! Unfortunately, the average person cannot always distinguish computer-generated art from the real thing. Even those who can tell the difference might not recognize the real danger at hand.

A computer cannot share the soul behind a work of art

We are made in God’s image and likeness. Therefore, artistic expression is written into the very nature of humanity. A computer is fundamentally unable to reflect God in the way that humans do just by our mere existence as humans. Whenever we create, we are expressing something of our Creator. That which is made – the melody, the painting, the harvest, the poem – communicates something of the soul. Artists reveal something of the Divine in the work that they pour into, particularly in the prayerful, intentional creation of sacred art.

Computer-generated art simply cannot share the essence of God. Sacred art is meant to show us something of who God is. The artist is led to explore and reveal God in some way: His mercy, His fatherhood, His faithfulness. The mysteries of God are endless, and so is the depth of the artist’s exploration.

While the internet may seem infinitely creative, it is not. It is just very good at iterations. AI systems might learn the components of what makes a pleasing art piece and then produce some music, picture, or even film that looks and sounds like art. However, art is more than what is perceived by our senses alone. Art may start at the level of sight or sound, but it takes us somewhere beyond. 

When art is separated from the artist’s hand

Certainly, AI is able to mimic style. It learns from the very best of human ingenuity and craftsmanship that is shared on the internet. It can replicate texture and color down the smallest pixel, or imitate elements of a genre, but AI-generated images and music will never be able to copy the heart and the soul of the artist. 

Expressing the heart is the whole purpose of sacred artwork! The primary aim of sacred art is to co-create with God to communicate truth and beauty. Sacred art should bring us into deeper awareness of the spiritual realm, and the aches of the human heart for heaven. When AI produces images of God, the saints, or scenes from Scripture, the result is always a flattened concept. They are one-note, not designed with intention and composed with purpose. No matter how complex or intricate such work appears, it carries nothing of the artist’s own complicities or mysteries as a human person.

And this art often misses the mark. A lot of AI-generated artwork copies styles that are pleasing the eye but only at first glance. So much of it falls apart with any scrutiny. There is a false-ness to these images. Sometimes this is obvious – ugly faces, extra hands, feet blending into fabric.

Look Closer

You may have seen a hundred scenes of the crucifixion, and might not think much of a piece like this.

But look closely. Notice the lack of definition in feet, the extra fingers on Christ’s hands, the deformed faces of onlookers. There are indeterminable objects in hands and on clothes. What about the random ropes or spears – what purpose do these offer? None. Not practically, nor for artistic expression. There is no soul behind the most defining event in human history. There is no heart behind Christ’s very outpouring of self for His beloved.

Let’s talk about perfection

painting by Rambrant

AI-Generated Heresy 

Sacred art speaks truth. It is “a visual homily,” breaking open the heart of God for us to know Him better. Sacred artists are mandated to do their work well and be formed in the faith that their art is expressing. They are trained in theology and symbology. They make intentional choices from concept, to composition, to color.

Somebody unformed and not aware can all too-easily use AI to make art depicting sacred subjects. They may share it with others in good faith, but there are hidden dangers in doing so. Inside the image, there may be subtle aspects that skew the truth. More often than not, AI is not going to be able to filter out theological meaning or proper devotion. While it might recognize patterns of traditional elements of art, it is fundamentally unable to express the fullness of truth. And therefore it is susceptible to speaking a lie of the faith, that is, to speak heresy.

Not only does AI Jesus have multiple fingers, but the use of the cross in place of his heart is a confused amalgamation that actually subverts both the meaning of Christ’s heart and the symbol of the cross.

The Holy Spirit calls the artist

Our world needs a restoration of the arts!

The Holy Spirit is building up the vocation of the artist to bring sacred art back into our churches across the world. In a very real way, AI puts up barriers between the artist and their calling.

We can already see how the economy is shifting. Value is stripped from time and quality in favor of quantity and instant gratification. The more we lean on AI-generations (which often goes hand-in-hand with mass-produced, imitative art and low-quality manufactured art), the harder it will be to reclaim these values.

There is an urgent need to support artists of all media who dedicate themselves to prayer and excellence in craft. These artists – called by the Lord to bring beauty into the life of the Church and the world – are struggling to survive in a society that prioritizes low-cost, low-effort. And this is a detriment to our whole church, to the building up of families, and to the culture. 

It might seem like an easy thing to do a quick AI creation in the name of accessibility or purchase something mass-produced with two-day shipping. Partnering with a real sacred artist takes time, financial investment, and collaboration with another human. But it is a mistake to turn to what appears more convenient, not only for working artists, but also for all those who will behold and receive lower-quality sacred art that is not communicating soul or built in prayer.

Be a Champion of Beauty

The truth is that this is not how the Lord wills for sacred art to be created.

Computers aren’t called to co-create with God. We are.

If you notice a need for more beauty in your church or in your home, let it call you into action. Become a champion of authentic beauty. Do not be afraid to take initiative and partner with a living artist today. Jesus will provide the means as He desires to reach people through beauty. God desires to co-create with His people, and to speak to our hearts as we engage in worship and communion. The beauty of the liturgy is meant to be amplified physical reminders of His divine love. Church architecture, vestments, murals, florals, etc. – such art is all meant to emphasize the reality that happens on the altar, the presence of the Incarnate God.

Our mission is to bring beauty to the church through original works of sacred art. Here are three ways that you can partner with us in this mission:

1. Invest in an original work of sacred art for your church or home – Find a living artist you love and purchase an original sacred work from them to gift to your parish.
   
2. Collaborate with an artist and the Holy Spirit to commission a work of sacred art! Get something new created for your church to have that will last for centuries to come.
   
3. Purchase a print of your favorite painting as a gift of beauty or place in your home as a focal point for your prayer.

Sacred Artist, Kate Capato, would be happy to connect with you about any or all of the above! All of Kate’s works are inspired by prayer and infused with theological meaning. See what original works that are currently available here.