Straight White American Jesus Brad Unfiltered: The Gospel of Peter Thiel (Part I)
Oct 7, 2025
Dr. Brad Onishi dives deep into Peter Thiel's unique blend of technotheology and political theory. He explores Thiel's intriguing perspectives on Armageddon and the Antichrist, revealing how innovation is akin to divine miracles. The conversation touches on influential thinkers like Carl Schmitt and Leo Strauss, highlighting Thiel's fear of democracy's decline. Mimesis and scapegoating come into play, illustrating human behavior shaped by imitation and conflict. Finally, Thiel reinterprets Jesus as an innovator-king, with tech founders viewed as modern monarchs.
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Religious but Not Spiritual
- Thiel identifies as 'religious but not spiritual,' using Christianity doctrinally rather than mystically.
- He applies scripture and Christian motifs to validate a technocratic, founder-centered ethic.
Technology As Divine Creation
- Peter Thiel frames technological innovation as akin to divine creation and miracles.
- He treats breakthroughs as the way humans image God and transcend mere imitation.
The Straussian Moment As Decoder
- Thiel's 2004 essay 'The Straussian Moment' is a key decoder ring for his worldview.
- It responds to the post-9/11 question of how to avoid continual violence and disorder.
