In a recent series of religious lectures in San Francisco, prominent tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel delved into apocalyptic predictions, asserting that an Antichrist figure may emerge through stringent government regulations on science, technology, and artificial intelligence. Thiel, known for his substantial investments in technology as the cofounder of Palantir, underscored the urgency of these topics during his four-part series.
Thiel, 57, has developed a keen interest in eschatology, the study of the end of the world, and has employed unique interpretations of biblical and philosophical texts. Last December, he participated in a two-part podcast discussing themes of apocalypse and ancient prophecies with Peter Robinson from the Hoover Institution, where he articulated his “speculative thesis.” Thiel suggested that advancements in technology, particularly in scientific research and AI, pose a significant risk of global destruction. He described the Antichrist as a potential manifestation of a one-world government, which would seek to control these advancements under the pretense of ensuring peace and safety.
“This is sort of where my speculative thesis is,” Thiel explained. “If the Antichrist were to come to power, it would be by talking about Armageddon all the time.” He referenced 1 Thessalonians 5:3, noting that while there is nothing inherently wrong with the concepts of peace and safety, their resonance changes dramatically in a context where extreme stakes like Armageddon loom large.
In a broader context, Thiel posited that the United States’ dominance in economic and military realms positions it as a potential Antichrist. He remarked, “If things go wrong in the US, it would be the fulfillment of [Franklin D. Roosevelt’s] vision of the New Dealers running the world.” His critique included a dual perspective on globalization, identifying the U.S. as both a catalyst for globalization and a bastion against its negative aspects. With his political backing of figures like former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Thiel emphasized the significant role of presidential elections in this discourse.
The latest lectures, organized by the Acts 17 Collective, have built upon Thiel’s initial ideas and ventured deep into the implications of his propositions. According to a summary by The Wall Street Journal, his discussions have drawn connections between existential risks—such as nuclear warfare, environmental catastrophes, and autonomous weapons—and the emergence of a totalitarian regime that promises safety but might actually embody the Antichrist as depicted in Christian teachings.
Thiel theorizes that this Antichrist could be a highly charismatic entity or individual who, by frequently invoking apocalyptic themes, could gain societal support to exert control over existential threats linked to technological progression. His recent lectures have also included an eclectic mix of references—from Renaissance art to Japanese manga—while consistently reinforcing his warning that fear or regulation of technologies like AI may accelerate the approach of this figure.
Acts 17 is a nonprofit organization that seeks to engage tech entrepreneurs and creatives who feel spiritually unmoored, aiming to reconnect them with Christianity in the face of modern anxieties.
