# OpenAI CEO says religious analogies to AI are a safety concern

> Sam Altman told reporters on Oct. 3, 2026 that comparing AI models to divine forces makes him uncomfortable and could pose real safety risks.

Oossa · 2026-10-03 · https://oossa.com/en/openai-ceo-says-religious-analogies-to-ai-are-a-safety-concern

Event date: 2026-10-03

OpenAI chief Sam Altman said the company is moving away from language that treats AI like a spiritual or magical force. He said the practice of ascribing religious power to AI models makes him "very uncomfortable" and is a "real safety issue." His remarks come after a New York Times story about Anthropic meeting religious leaders and a papal comment that algorithms lack a human spark.

## The facts

- Altman’s comments were made on Oct 3, 2026.
- He referenced earlier statements from 2023‑2024 about "magic intelligence in the sky" and AI like the movie "Her."

## Why it matters

For developers and policymakers, Altman’s warning signals that OpenAI may tighten how it frames AI, affecting public communication and safety guidelines.

## Sources & references

1. [Apparently, OpenAI isn't trying to build "magic intelligence in the sky" anymore](https://the-decoder.com/apparently-openai-isnt-trying-to-build-magic-intelligence-in-the-sky-anymore/) – The Decoder, 2026-10-03

Last updated: 2026-10-03