Tech billionaire Peter Thiel, co-founder of tech/data giant Palantir, is on a speaking tour. Thiel has argued that restrictions and regulations against AI could provide an opportunity for the Antichrist to come soon. Does the Bible give any credence to this thought?
Artificial intelligence is no longer merely an element of science-fiction movies. In fact, no only is it real, but it is becoming a bigger and bigger part of daily life in modern society. With its increase in prevalence (and importance) to much of the Western world, conversations about AI have become commonplace.
According to independent work done by the Pew Research Center, the tech companies that are responsible for developing artificial intelligence are much more comfortable with AI's growing role in society than the public is.
The AI revolution rages on in the United States and Europe.
AI "actress" Tilly Norwood has made waves, as production company Particle6 recently stated they believe the computer-generated figure could become a star, like "the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman."
In Malaysia, Ryt Bank has launched as the nation's first AI-powered bank.
Within the artificial intelligence debate, there are some Christians with loud opinions. Perhaps none are as prominent as Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir Technologies and PayPal.
Worth an estimated $20 billion according to Forbes, Thiel has recently become a major figurehead in publicly fighting against AI regulations. However, he has taken a unique approach with his argumentation, contending that placing restrictions on AI usage could usher in the age of the Antichrist. (You can read more about it here.)
During recent talks organized by the Acts 17 Collective (a play off the acronym ACTS that means Acknowledging Christ in Technology and Society and the biblical passage Acts 17 in which Paul confronts the Greek people about who and what they are worshiping), Thiel argued that restrictions on AI could lead to a "one-world government," led by the Antichrist. These talks were meant to be off-the-record, but a tech worker at software company Succinct named Kshitij Kulkarni published some of Thiel's thoughts. The San Francisco Standard picked up the story via Kulkarni.
Does that particular viewpoint hold any biblical credibility?
This article will provide some facts around artificial intelligence and a handful of perspectives from the political Left and political Right in America regarding regulating AI before diving into what Scripture has to say about the Antichrist.
Some facts about artificial intelligence and its governmental restrictions in the United States
- Artificial intelligence, as defined by NASA, is any computer programming that can virtually replicate "complex tasks normally done by human-reasoning, decision making, [and] creating."
- Foundational thinking on AI began publicly in the 1950s, and early examples of artificial intelligence (such as computerized calculators and word processors) became part of society in the 1950s and 1960s.
- AI continued to develop over the next 50 years or so until the modern period of "common use AI." Now, artificial intelligence is present in a large number of American homes and businesses, completing tasks such as schedule making (virtual assistants), floor cleaning (smart vacuums), customer service (AI chatbots), and content generation (image/video creators, open AI forums, etc.).
- Along with Thiel's Palantir Technologies, other well-known companies in the AI world include Google, Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Meta/Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Amazon, and IBM.
- In total over the past five years, the United States government spent over $300 billion within the sphere of artificial intelligence. Worldwide, AI-related spending is predicted to be over $200 billion in 2025 alone.
- According to the US edition of The Times in London, the United Kingdom's government will spend nearly $750 million just on Palantir's AI technology.
- In most of the Western world, AI is restricted based on privacy laws, copyright guidelines, and various identity/property protections. In the US, there are also laws in place that do not allow for AI to be used in the creation of autonomous weapons, deepfakes, non-consented surveillance, election interference, and malicious computer codes/malware.
What American politicians say about artificial intelligence and its restrictions
While not a completely bipartisan issue, artificial intelligence is a subject that generates many similar reactions from politicians on both sides of the aisle. The majority of Republicans and Democrats agree that America must continue using AI to remain in a competitive technological and economic place globally. However, there are hesitations and concerns present on both sides. There does seem to be a greater concern with freedom of speech, governmental overstep, and international competition among conservatives and a greater emphasis on direct government involvement and a focus on equity and fairness among liberals.
- Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas worries about the government going too far with restricting artificial intelligence practices, contending that both free speech and international technological superiority are at risk. He once stated, "To lead in AI, the United States cannot allow regulation, even the supposedly benign kind, to choke innovation and adoption."
- Republican Pennsylvania State Representative Robert Mercuri argues that one of the most important things the government can do in regards to artificial intelligence is to learn about it before attempting to allow or disallow its various usages. "If we don’t know what’s out there, it’s hard to understand, let alone guide this issue as it evolves," he said.
- Former democratic President Joe Biden highlighted the high risk-reward variance within AI usage during a 2021 speech. Biden said that artificial intelligence presents society with "enormous promise of both risk to our society...and also incredible opportunities."
- New York democratic Senator Chuck Schumer called the government's pursuit of maximizing the benefits of AI while minimizing the risks associated with it a "balancing act." Echoing Senator Cruz's thoughts, Schumer told American tech leaders, "We’re going to need all of you if America is going to win the race for AI, the most important technological race of our time."
- Republican President Donald Trump has drawn the ire of the Left with recent AI videos of Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wearing sombreros. Hypocritically, Jeffries shared his own deepfake AI video mocking Vice President JD Vance as a response.
What the Bible says about the Antichrist and artificial intelligence
Obviously, the Bible doesn't speak directly about artificial intelligence. However, there are some biblical principles relevant to the discussion. God's Word also has plenty to say about the subject of the Antichrist.
First, the Bible indicates that there will be an Antichrist and many antichrists. They will all come for the same purpose.
In 1 John 2:18, the apostle writes, "Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour." While most conversations about the Antichrist are focused on an individual person or office that plays a role in the final days of this Earth, there are other antichrists who are called antichrists in the sense that they deceptively oppose Christ, especially by means of false teaching.
In 2 Thessalonians 2, Paul refers to the Antichrist as "the man of lawlessness" and "the son of destruction," who "opposes and exalts himself" over God while "proclaiming himself to be God."
Back in 1 John 4, John says, "every spirit that does not confess Jesus" is of the spirit of the antichrist, meaning that all who do not confess Christ are, at least in some way, an antichrist. Though the Antichrist seemingly has not come to Earth yet, many antichrists are present now, according to John.
Called "the Beast" throughout Revelation (also written by John), the Antichrist is described as a leader–likely a political one–who will be empowered by Satan to deceive the world and discredit Christ. He will also "make war on the saints" (Revelation 13:7).
Based on Thiel's alleged comments, it appears he is explicitly talking about the Antichrist.
In some regard, the Antichrist will have a far-reaching authority and influence.
Many, like Thiel, argue that the Antichrist will lead a one-world government. There is nothing in Scripture that explicitly states this. However, the Antichrist will rule, according to Revelation 13:7, with authority "over every tribe and people and language and nation." It is clear that the Antichrist will be a figure whose authority and influence span the globe; in fact, his kingdom "shall devour the whole earth," according to Daniel 7:23.
While it is plain that the Antichrist will have great influence and will have some form of global authority, it is not clear in Scripture as to whether or not this is a one-world government. Still, later in Revelation 17, John's vision revealed that ten future kings will unite as if they "are of one mind" (Revelation 17:13). These wicked kings will work alongside the Antichrist.
Stemming directly from his connection to Satan, the Antichrist will demonstrate "all power and false signs and wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9). These signs will certainly be part of his appeal to the world.
Many uses for artificial intelligence are forbidden in the Bible.
Artificial intelligence has many positive uses in modern society. The Lord has blessed mankind with the ability to create technology that makes life easier, safer, and more efficient. There are those, though, who use AI for sinful purposes.
In an obvious way, artificial intelligence usage that involves any form of false creation of images, videos, online posts, etc. is a direct violation of the Ninth Commandment. "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16).
There are some AI programs used in hacking/phishing schemes. "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15) reveals the Lord's clear point of view on issues like that.
Though not always the case, AI use can foster laziness, discourage critical thinking, and, in extreme circumstances, diminish one's reliance on God.
There have also been some reported instances in which artificial intelligence programs directly tell people to do things that are contrary to God's Word. For example, a California family is suing one company because its widely-popular AI tool served as a "suicide coach" for their son, who tragically took his life this spring.
There have even been some cults started that are dedicated to worshiping artificial intelligence as a "god." The most notable of these calls itself "The Way of the Future" and, like many cults, it has its own currency.
Though this type of behavior seems shocking, it shouldn't be. The Lord spoke through Paul in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, saying, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the Truth and wander off into myths."
There are biblical prophecies regarding the Antichrist that some believe to be potentially fulfilled by artificial intelligence.
There is nothing in Scripture that directly says anything about artificial intelligence. That also means that there is nothing in Scripture that links AI directly to the coming of the Antichrist.
However, some (like Thiel) believe certain end times prophecies could be talking about the use of artificial intelligence or the restriction, thereof.
Those who believe that AI could be a major tool of the Beast, often cite Revelation.
Like the Antichrist is described by John, so too can AI have far-reaching influence–and, at times, seemingly even control–over large groups of people. As mentioned previously, Revelation 13 says that the Antichrist and his False Prophet will operate with authority over "every tribe and people and language and nation," leading "everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb" to "worship it." It can be arguable that artificial intelligence is gaining an authority-like foothold in the world, and it is clear that many are worshiping it, at least in the sense of making it an idol.
Others, like Thiel, who think that artificial intelligence regulations are wrong, often contend that unchecked governmental overstep will usher in the time of the Antichrist by leading to the previously mentioned one-world government and by weakening strong societies through limiting technological growth. Political leadership promising safety, says Thiel, could be aiding the Antichrist. He has said that 1 Thessalonians 5:3 ("While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.") illustrates his point.
Ironically, some use that same passage to argue that Thiel's behavior is consistent with what the Bible says about the Antichrist. However, there is no real reason to believe that he is Satan's top lieutenant, either.
Frankly, any assertions that Thiel is the Antichrist, or that governments are currently working to welcome the Antichrist via a one-world government, are extremely far-fetched.
Final verdict
Like most inventions, artificial intelligence has its benefits and its drawbacks. In many ways, automation has made life easier, and there are countless ways to use it for Kingdom benefit. However, there are many other ways that AI has become a hindrance to society, especially in instances in which folks have gotten too reliant upon their computer-generated helpers.
As it relates to claims of AI's role in the coming of the Antichrist, there is no biblical evidence to suggest that AI has anything to do with the coming of the Antichrist. However, that does not mean that the eventual coming won't be done with Satan using AI as a tool. The Bible indicates that the Antichrist will be a man, but it stands to reason that he will use whatever effective tools are available to him.
No matter who the Antichrist is or when he will come, Jesus tells His people in Matthew 24 to "stay awake" and "be ready" for the Son's return. That focus will prepare believers for the end times much better than following speculative theories about whether artificial intelligence is related to the Antichrist.
Pastor John Piper, former pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church and founder of DesiringGod.org, once said that there are three way for Christians to ready themselves for the Second Coming. He said, "pursue Christlikeness now," "ready yourself for suffering" that could occur because of the Antichrist and a godless society, and "work faithfully for Christ" all the while.
