[infurl]

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180615-can-artificial-intelligence-have-a-soul-and-religion

Will we be able to manipulate AI via its programming or its various environments to incline it toward certain religious propensities? Are there limits to “evangelising” AI? Is reprogramming a Christian Siri to be a Muslim Siri off-limits? What happens to AI that refuses to cooperate with the religious fundamentalism of its designer? Is it simply turned off?

A rather long-winded article that it is funny because it takes itself so seriously. Religion is ridiculous, why would you even bother?

[Art]

I absolutely agree with your assessment and also regard politics the same way.

Emotional simulation however misplaced, might help in making an AI more believable or connected with its human counterparts.

I don't require religion nor politics in my AI. Common Sense, good judgment, and fair practices are about all that's necessary.

As far as the SOUL...it would probably be the essence of the AI at its very core, what it believes, knows and how it acts based on those traits and abilities.

In as much as it is thought that humans possess some sort of soul, that, to my knowledge, has never been scientifically proven either.