The Automatic Confession Machine: A Catholic Turing Test (BONUS TRACK)

This installation kiosk is a computerized confessional designed and fabricated to resemble an automatic banking machine. As with an ATM, the human computer interface (HCI) employs a simple alpha-numeric keypad and low resolution display. Human factors and religious ergonomics dictate the addition of a kneeler. A sinner’s spiritual accounting requires selections from a menu of the seven deadly sins and the Ten Commandments. Forgiveness is computed and the user receives appropriate penance as confirmation of the transaction.