could ai become the next god?

After listening to Geoffrey Hinton discuss how super intelligence might compete to control the most resources, I couldn't help but think about the historical role of religion in resource organization. If people believe in an omnipotent being that possesses the perfect answer to every question, that entity effectively becomes a god. Imagine if an advanced AI achieved this status.

Could AI start a religion or even take over an existing one? It seems plausible if people were to perceive it as having absolute knowledge and power. Given the influence religions have had in shaping human history and society, this scenario isn't too far-fetched.

What do you all think? Is it realistic to consider that AI could become the central figure in a new or existing religion in the near future.