Artificial Intelligence
Altman rejects religious language for AI models
OpenAI chief Sam Altman said comparisons that give AI models religious force were a safety concern, after reports on Anthropic and remarks from Pope Leo XIV prompted renewed discussion.
- Sam Altman said he felt very uncomfortable when people gave AI models religious force or treated them as replacing human judgement.
- He called that framing a real safety issue.
- His comments followed a New York Times report on Anthropic’s contact with religious leaders and a statement by Pope Leo XIV.
- Altman had said in 2023 and 2024 that OpenAI’s aim was to build "magic intelligence in the sky".
- He also said in 2024 that he hoped to be on God’s side and felt on the side of the angels while working on AI.
Sam Altman said he objected to language that treated AI models as having religious force or as something to which people should surrender their judgement. He said that this was a safety issue.
His comments came after a New York Times report said Anthropic had been speaking with religious leaders. They also followed a statement from Pope Leo XIV, who said algorithms lacked the spark of humanity.
The article noted that Altman had used different language in 2023 and 2024, saying OpenAI wanted to build "magic intelligence in the sky". It also said he had spoken in 2024 about wanting to be on God’s side and feeling on the side of the angels while working on AI.
The piece said OpenAI had also spoken with religious leaders. It added that Altman had repeatedly described his goal as AI on the level of the film "Her", which it contrasted with giving models consciousness or religious meaning.
Named in this story
People
- Sam Altman
- said religious language around AI models made him uncomfortable
- Pope Leo XIV
- said algorithms lacked the spark of humanity
Companies
- OpenAI
- was the company Altman described
- Anthropic
- was said to have reached out to religious leaders
Organisations
- The New York Times
- reported on Anthropic’s outreach to religious leaders
How the source tells it
The piece was mostly straightforward reporting, but it used a lightly sceptical, slightly mocking register in the headline and closing aside.
- sceptical irony an ironic headline qualifier and a closing aside that cast doubt on the spiritual framing