Are robots finding religion? That's how some are being programmed.

Indian robotics company Patil Automation recently designed a robotic arm that can perform a ritual in which candles are waved before a Hindu deity.

The robot is part of a growing trend of replacing humans in key roles at religion ceremonies. Pepper, a Japanese humanoid, is now programmed to perform at funerals. And Xian’er, a Charlie Brown-looking robot, is helping Buddhist monks spread religion at a temple outside Beijing.

Still, the question remains: Is this technology a good thing or is it another reason we should be worried about robots stealing our jobs?