How do spiritual seekers use AI to take their next step toward God? In this conversation with Truthly’s cofounders Zac Johnson and Jacob Ciccarelli, we dig into what people are actually asking AI about faith, why “companionship” and “purpose” are exploding use cases, and how a Catholic tool can help that hunger by guiding people towards answers and connection with clarity and care.
They share stories like late-night questions to an atheist now in OCIA, plus the design philosophy behind nudging users off the screen and back into real life. We also talk about formation beyond quick answers (think Duolingo for Catholicism), the ethics of trustworthy sources, and how to keep AI from becoming a counterfeit companion.
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Key Takeaways
AI is increasingly used for “companionship” and “purpose,” revealing a deep spiritual hunger, not just productivity needs.
Fast, trustworthy answers can shorten the path from curiosity to concrete next steps (Mass, OCIA, confession, spiritual direction).
A Catholic design ethos should end answers with a nudge back to embodied life, suggesting things like prayer, attending Mass, talking to a priest, or joining a community.
“Clarity first, then formation”: quick answers build trust; structured, bite-size formation helps people grow block by block.
Guardrails matter: cite sources, align with Church teaching, and avoid turning AI into a substitute for real relationships.
Great AI catechesis sounds pastoral and Socratic: answer the question, then prompt reflection and action.
The win state isn’t more screen time; it’s transformed habits, healthier relationships, and more vibrant parish life.
Right now the #1 use of AI is companionship…and #3 is purpose. That tells you people are seeking.
Episode Guests
Jacob Ciccarelli is CEO and co-founder of Truthly. Before pioneering AI in evangelization, Jacob founded a sales consulting firm and served as VP of Sales in B2B tech, contributing to three successful startups. He also serves on the board of YCP Charlotte.
Zac Johnson is co-founder of Truthly, an experienced attorney, and graduate of University of Notre Dame Law School.
