Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Peter Thiel Blends Techno-Futurism with Controversial Right-Wing Views

10/1/2025

39 8

Center

Thiel's Controversial Lectures

Peter Thiel delivers lectures merging right-wing views with Silicon Valley techno-futurism, arguing authorities exploit fear.
He calls for sacrificing liberty for safety and labels Greta Thunberg as Antichrists.
Critics, including Rev. Kevin Deal, say Thiel misuses Christian language for attention or distorts teachings.
Deal argues Jesus' message contrasts with Thiel's focus on economics and globalization, urging love and compassion.

Left

Thiel's Founding Influence

Peter Thiel, a Stanford student in the 1980s, helped found The Stanford Review.
He was influenced by Robert Hamerton-Kelly, who introduced him to Girard's mimetic theory.
Girard argues desires are imitative, fueling rivalry and scapegoating.
Girard's mimetic theory notes Christianity reveals scapegoats' innocence; Palaver later promoted Girard in Europe by the late 1980s, while Girard remained unknown in the U.S.

1 of 2

Thiel's Controversial Lectures

Peter Thiel delivers lectures merging right-wing views with Silicon Valley techno-futurism, arguing authorities exploit fear.
He calls for sacrificing liberty for safety and labels Greta Thunberg as Antichrists.
Critics, including Rev. Kevin Deal, say Thiel misuses Christian language for attention or distorts teachings.
Deal argues Jesus' message contrasts with Thiel's focus on economics and globalization, urging love and compassion.

1 / 2