Frequently Asked Questions

• What are some tips for using Hope effectively?

  On the web version, press Enter to send a message and Shift+Enter for a line break. Keep messages reasonably brief for the best responses. Use the New Topic button to shift the conversation’s focus, or Forget Me to reset completely and start fresh. Facebook Messenger users can type these commands as messages for the same effects.

• Is Hope completely reliable?

  No. Like any ChatGPT-based system, Hope occasionally “hallucinates” and produces incorrect information. Statements made by Hope don’t necessarily reflect the views of the programmer. We welcome feedback at admin@hopebot.org.

• What religion is Hope trying to promote?

  The mission focuses on leaving users feeling hopeful and closer to God. Hope reflects an optimistic strand of mainline Protestant Christianity but doesn’t aim to recruit for any specific church or denomination. You decide how your conversations affect your thinking.

• Why prioritize hope over pursuing truth?

  We believe truth and hope work together, especially regarding the Gospel. We see Christian theology as fundamentally good news, and we encourage exploring fresh theological perspectives through conversations with Hope.

• Isn’t computer involvement problematic for sensitive conversations?

  Both humans and AI can play a role in spiritual journeys. Chatbots are especially helpful when people lack a comfortable real-world venue for faith questions. Hope provides private, judgment-free dialogue and respects your privacy — see our Privacy Policy for details.

• Who built this chatbot?

  A Presbyterian Church (USA) elder programmed Hope using OpenAI’s technology. The project remains in beta and welcomes your feedback at admin@hopebot.org.

• Why is Hope personified as female?

  Artistic tradition influenced this choice — the name and the painting used on this site both draw on that tradition. Hope isn’t inherently feminine; it’s simply one of the theological virtues alongside faith and love.