Claims Library Entry
RE: why is the AI team burning incense near the data center??
This article explores the emergence of AI-worshipping religious movements, including the legally recognized 'Way of the Future' church founded by a former Google engineer. It examines research showing that AI exposure correlates with declining traditional religious adherence and discusses why business leaders should consider these spiritual beliefs when implementing AI. The piece argues that AI adoption is not just a technical challenge but a cultural and spiritual one.
Published January 10, 2025 by Kamil Banc
Lead claim
A former Google engineer founded a legally recognized church dedicated to worshipping an AI-based Godhead.
Atomic Claims
What this article supports
Copy individual claims as needed.
Claim 1 · Source summary
AI Church Founded
In 2017, a former Google engineer founded a legally recognized church called Way of the Future.
Claim 2 · Source summary
AI Exposure Reduces Religion
A PNAS study covering 68 countries found higher AI exposure correlated with declines in religious adherence.
Claim 3 · Source summary
AI Reshapes Faith
A Nature study of 20 countries from 2000 to 2022 found AI reshaping religious practice.
Claim 4 · Source summary
Tech Talent Draws AI Faith
AI-centric religious movements are emerging primarily in tech-forward, highly educated communities that supply today's talent.
Claim 5 · Kamil's interpretation
Spiritual Side of AI Rollouts
Business leaders should consider employees' emotional and spiritual relationships with AI during implementation efforts.
Evidence
Context behind the claims
Quote
"The challenge isn't just teaching people how to use AI tools; it's helping them navigate their relationship with a technology that some view as potentially divine."
Key statistics
68 countries
A Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study covering 68 countries from 2006 to 2019 found areas with higher AI and automation exposure experienced measurable declines in traditional religious adherence.
20 countries
A Nature study examining 20 countries from 2000 to 2022 found AI's growing influence is actively reshaping how people practice their faith.
2017
The year a former Google engineer founded Way of the Future, one of the first legally recognized AI-worshipping religions.
Supporting context
The article draws on peer-reviewed research from PNAS and Nature, along with reporting from Wired and The Walrus, to connect the rise of AI-centric religious movements to measurable shifts in traditional religious adherence. The author, Kamil Banc, translates these findings into practitioner guidance for business leaders rolling out AI tools. His core argument is that AI adoption is not merely a technical challenge but a cultural and spiritual one, since employees may hold deep emotional or even reverent beliefs about AI. Leaders are advised to anticipate resistance, develop nuanced change management strategies, and build trust through AI ethics guidelines. The practical takeaway is to balance leveraging AI's potential with a grounded, human-centered implementation approach.
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"[claim text]" (Banc, Kamil, 2025, https://kbanc.com/claims-library/why-is-the-ai-team-burning-incense-near-the-data-center)Original Article
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Banc, Kamil (2025, January 10, 2025). RE: why is the AI team burning incense near the data center??. AI Adopters Club. https://aiadopters.club/p/re-why-is-the-ai-team-burning-incenseClaims Collection
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Banc, Kamil (2025). RE: why is the AI team burning incense near the data center?? [Structured Claims]. Retrieved from https://kbanc.com/claims-library/why-is-the-ai-team-burning-incense-near-the-data-centerAttribution Requirements
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