The latest thing to come out of the world of artificial intelligence (AI) shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did. A company in Texas has created an app that allows people to text with “Jesus.”

I’d like to be able to say that this is, obviously, not the REAL Jesus, but I’m not sure that this is, in fact, obvious. For instance, we have “reality” TV that pretends it shows what is going on in the lives of real people but is actually manipulated and scripted to deliver controversy and drama in pursuit of ratings. We have “news” programs that can’t seem to deliver unbiased, factual information that will enable us to think and decide for ourselves what we believe. We have political leaders who tell so many conflicting stories that we can no longer tell what is false and what is true, and some people have just given up trying.

And now comes this new app. The article I read states that users can chat with an “impersonated Jesus” created using AI and that the responses of the impersonator are taken from a blend of scripture and tradition. Plus, “Jesus” isn’t the only Biblical character with whom users can communicate—for only a few dollars, they can chat with the likes of Peter, Jonah, Mary Magdalene, and a host of others, too!

I’d like to believe that no one is foolish enough to think they could really text Jesus, but sadly, I’m not sure that is the case. Far too many people believe anything they see on the internet—and where else is the information used to impersonate Jesus coming from? The creators of the app say that they have run it by a number of religious professionals, but who are they? How can the app’s users know whether to trust what is being said? And by putting the information in the mouth/thumbs of “Jesus,” the app lends an air of authenticity to whatever it says, giving users confidence in it that is at best misplaced and at worst dangerous.

How about this for a better alternative? Try looking up what Jesus has to say in the Bible yourself. Better yet, do that, and if you still have questions, talk to a pastor, priest, or minister about them. Ask for their credentials: Where did they study? Do they have knowledge and experience in the ancient languages of Hebrew and Greek to back up their opinions? How do they look at the Bible and what it teaches about Jesus, his life, death, and resurrection? Are they willing to explore your questions with you? Any of the pastors who write for this column would be happy to do that.

Best of all, reach out for the real deal, the living Christ. He’s also available 24/7 but doesn’t cost a thing. You can find him in prayer, in scripture, and in the church of your choice. You might even find him in the faces and hearts of the people you meet there.