Can a Robot Join the Faith?

[guillaumeb]

From the article:

But what about the premise—that Sophia Robot might, in theory, be considered Muslim, or Christian, or Jewish, or Buddhist, or Jain? Could Sophia, or somebot (sic) like her, be raised within, or convert into, and practice a faith? And, if so, could a robot serve as a rabbi or imam, or as Pope?

Also:

About three hundred years before Ashkenazi pondered the golem, the Muslim scholar Muhammad ibn Abd Allah Shibli took up the question of whether, according to Sharia law, a jinn, or spirit, could marry a human

To read more:

https://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/can-a-robot-join-the-faith?mbid=social_facebook

[Blue Owl]

1. Many have

n/t

[NeoGreen]

2. Can?

Only!

[guillaumeb]

4. Ouch. A rare bit of humor in the group. eom

[Irish_Dem]

3. Robots are probably too smart to believe in BS.

Organized religious will not appeal to them in the least.
Unless they want to manipulate and con humans.

[MineralMan]

5. Only if it has consciousness of self, free will and the ability to understand metaphysics.

As far as I know, no such robots exist, so the question cannot be answered. We don't ask this question about domestic animals, because they are not able to consider religious belief, despite having consciousness of self and free will.

When such a robot is designed and manufactured, we can revisit the question. In the meantime, perhaps we can discuss the religious leanings of beagles. I have such a creature. I could ask Sam what he things of religion, if you like.