Thiel's Published Theology Casts AI Safety Researchers as Apocalyptic Foot Soldiers

Executive Briefing

• Publishes second First Things essay arguing the Antichrist manifests as a technocratic, safety-focused global regulator
• Draws on 19th-century philosopher Solovyov to cast climate activists and AI safety researchers as unwitting apocalyptic infantry
• Extends the argument to Pope Leo XIV, framing his openness to AI regulation as potentially serving the Antichrist's agenda
• Critics note Thiel's theological framework precisely mirrors his longstanding political opposition to regulations affecting his own portfolio
• Escalating campaign moves from private San Francisco lectures to formal published theology, broadening its ideological reach