Can Catholics Talk to Chatbots? Marc Barnes & Matthew Sanders Debate

Can a Catholic AI trained on the Church’s documents help people encounter truth… or is conversation with a chatbot fundamentally disordered?In this episode of The Faith & AI Project Podcast, Edmund Mitchell hosts a spirited (and surprisingly charitable) debate between Matthew Sanders (founder & CEO of Longbeard, the team behind Magisterium AI) and Dr. Marc Barnes (editor of New Polity).The conversation started with a little bit of Catholic-internet drama: Marc published an essay titled “Delete Magisterium AI,” arguing that chatbot-style “conversation” is not a neutral interface—but a formative act that can subtly reshape how we relate to truth, authority, and even God. Matthew responded publicly with his own article, pushing back on the critique and defending Magisterium AI as a tool meant to point people back to sources, not replace teachers, pastors, or the Church’s living authority.Instead of letting the debate spiral into side-takes and subtweets, we invited both men onto the podcast to talk it out directly, thoughtfully, and in good faith.If you’ve been wondering whether Catholics should delete tools like this… or learn how to build them…this conversation is for you.This Episode is Sponsored by PushpayEvery person in your parish community is on a journey. As a parish leader, you’re called to know where people are on that journey, and help them take their next step. That’s why Pushpay is developing AI solutions that enable you to easily see who’s moving forward, know who might be stuck, and reach people before a moment for meaningful ministry is lost. Because when every soul comes into focus, ministry becomes more personal, and more impactful. Discover what Pushpay’s AI solutions can do for your parish today at pushpay.com/innovation.Learn more and access free resources at faithandaiproject.com.