Viral AI Video Shows Jesus And Bible Figures As Influencers, Creative Or Harassed?

The TikTok account @theabibleofficial has garnered more than 26.7 million likes thanks to the Bible AI video (photo: screenshot)

Jakarta A new trend on social media is reaping broad attention. Combining artificial intelligence (AI) technology with Bible stories, a number of content creators present figures such as Jesus, Daud, Samson, to Adam and Eve as digital-era influencers. Through short video style vlog, they bring the story of a holy book with a touch of contemporary language in the style of Gen Z complete in slang, Snapchat caption, to an entertaining TikTok style.

One of the viral videos shows the figure of Jesus smiling on the cross while saying, "Yo fam, they don't know if the G-O-D will be BRB." While in another video, Daud's character appears to lift a rock and says, "Your boy David here. Want to sing this rock to Macedonia, we'll see how it goes." Videos like this have attracted the attention of millions of social media users. A TikTok account called @theabibleofficial has even collected more than 26.7 million likes thanks to such uploads.

Not a few consider this approach fresh and educational. Many netizens stated that they actually became more understanding of Bible stories thanks to a mild and relevant delivery style to today's times. One of the comments on TikTok said, "If this secretive religious lesson used to be, I would definitely be more focused." Another comment added, "Surprisingly, this video makes me understand more about the Bible."

However, not all of them welcomed the trend positively. On platform X (formerly Twitter), a number of users criticized the videos as a form of harassment against religious symbols. Some called them an "insult to the prophet and a holy figure," some even called the video the work of the devil. Video creators such as PJ Ace admitted to receiving threatening messages and hate speech since this trend exploded. One of the messages he received directly even sounded rude and full of anger.

Although controversial, the technical quality of these videos is quite impressive. A number of viewers admitted that this is AI because of its very realistic facial, voice, and voice movements. The use of language that is light and familiar with today's internet culture has made these content viral in a short time.

This trend raises deep questions about the boundaries between digital creativity and respect for spiritual values. On the one hand, this approach is considered successful in introducing religious stories to the younger generation in a relevant way. On the other hand, there are concerns that the use of sacred figures in this kind of entertainment format can obscure sacred values of religious teachings.

Until now, debates in the digital space are still ongoing. One thing is for sure: technological advances such as AI have opened new ways of conveying old messages and stories, including those from holy texts. The question now is is all the ways worth pursuing to reach a new generation, or is there a limit that must still be respected?