Know What You Believe with Michael Horton Is Christianity Anti-Calvinist? Theologian Responds to Peter Thiel and Ross Douthat
Oct 14, 2025
In this thought-provoking dialogue, technology entrepreneur Peter Thiel dives into his fascination with Calvinism, transhumanism, and dispensational eschatology. He contrasts his techno-utopian ambitions with the Christian hope of bodily resurrection. Michael Horton critiques the tech narrative that separates humanity from nature while exploring how fear of an Antichrist narrative can influence modern politics. The discussion challenges perceptions of divine providence and human freedom, making for a captivating exploration of faith and futuristic ideologies.
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Embodied Transformation Not Transcendence
- Peter Thiel contrasts transhumanism's aim to transcend the body with Orthodox Christianity's claim that the same body will be transformed and raised.
- Michael Horton highlights this as a rejection of Gnostic denial of embodied human nature.
Tech Utopianism Echoes Gnostic Roots
- Peter Thiel and Michael Horton identify a tech utopian worldview that pits humanity against nature and seeks to become like creators.
- Horton warns this echoes ancient Gnosticism and misunderstands creaturely vocation as stewardship.
Existential Risk Framed As Eschatological Choice
- Thiel frames responses to existential risks as a political choice between one-world governance or none and links this to Antichrist vs. Armageddon imagery.
- Horton connects that eschatological framing to popular dispensational scenarios like a UN-led one-world state.
