S2E5: Techno-Fascism, Christian Nationalism, and Religious Trauma

Summary

In this episode of Contemplating Resonance, Matt Stine sits down with John Sundman—novelist, former high-tech professional, and self-described working-class hero—to explore the intersections of technology, power, and religious ideology. John shares insights from his career in Silicon Valley, his experiences with Catholicism, and how those influences shaped his writing. Together, they discuss how the structures of high-control religious groups mirror the authoritarian tendencies found in the tech world.

The conversation takes a deep dive into John’s essay, I Created Peter Thiel, which examines the fusion of Silicon Valley’s techno-libertarianism with the rise of Christian nationalism.

I created Peter Thiel, who gave us JD Vance. Sorry about that.

John draws parallels between the utopian visions of tech elites—who seek immortality through transhumanism and genetic manipulation—and the eschatological promises of religious dogma. Matt and John explore how figures like Peter Thiel and J.D. Vance bridge the gap between these two ideologies, forming a modern movement that wields enormous political and economic power.

Listeners will come away with a nuanced perspective on how technology, faith, and authoritarian control are converging in today’s world. John’s novels, infused with Christian mythology and cyberpunk themes, serve as both a critique and a reflection of these cultural forces. This episode challenges the listener to question who holds the power to shape belief systems—whether through religion or technology—and what that means for the future of personal and collective agency.

Takeaways

• High-control religious structures and authoritarian tech ideologies share striking similarities in how they consolidate power and influence belief systems.

• Silicon Valley’s transhumanist movement mirrors religious eschatology, promising immortality and human perfection through technology.

• Peter Thiel and other tech elites leverage Christian nationalism to expand their political and economic influence.

• The fusion of libertarian tech culture and religious fundamentalism creates a potent force shaping modern politics and governance.

• Questioning who controls narratives—whether through religion, technology, or media—is crucial to maintaining personal and collective autonomy.

Quoteables

• Silicon Valley’s tech elites and religious fundamentalists both sell the same dream—transcendence, immortality, and a world remade in their image. – John Sundman

• The question isn’t whether technology is shaping our beliefs—it’s who’s controlling the narrative behind it. – Matt Stine

• Peter Thiel isn’t just funding tech startups; he’s funding a future where power is concentrated in the hands of a chosen few. – John Sundman

• Religious fundamentalism and techno-libertarianism might seem like opposites, but they both thrive on the idea that a select group should rule over everyone else. – John Sundman

• If we don’t critically examine who’s designing our future, we might wake up in a world we never consented to. – Matt Stine

Notes

• John Sundman’s Substack: Sundman figures it out!

• John Sundman’s Website

• John’s Essay: “I created Peter Thiel, who gave us JD Vance. Sorry about that.”

• Books by John Sundman

  • Acts of the Apostles – A cyberpunk thriller with deep theological and technological themes.

  • Cheap Complex Devices – A metafictional novel exploring AI, storytelling, and human consciousness.

  • Biodigital – A rewritten, streamlined version of Acts of the Apostles with more thriller elements.

  • The Pains – A novella exploring religious stigmata, suffering, and belief.

  • Mountain of Devils (Upcoming) – A psychological thriller set in the 1970s.

• The “Q source” for the synoptic gospels

• Human Sexual Response - the band

• Book: Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction

Matt introduces John Sundman, discussing his career in tech, writing, and the intersections of power, religion, and technology.

• 09:10 - From Silicon Valley to Martha’s Vineyard

John reflects on his journey from the high-pressure world of tech to a more grounded life as a writer and laborer.

• 21:34 - “I Created Peter Thiel” and the Rise of Techno-Fascism

A deep dive into John’s essay on how Silicon Valley’s elite, particularly Thiel, blend libertarianism with Christian nationalism.

• 26:04 - Transhumanism, Immortality, and the Religious Mindset

Exploring the striking similarities between tech utopianism and religious eschatology.

• 40:31 - Faith, Power, and the Persistence of Medieval Thinking

John discusses how modern society clings to outdated religious and philosophical frameworks.

• 55:34 - Storytelling, AI, and Christian Mythology in Fiction

How John weaves theological themes into his novels, reflecting on the role of narrative in shaping belief systems.

• 1:12:33 - Java One, Crypto, and the Decline of Tech Culture

A candid discussion about the shifting landscape of the tech industry, from early optimism to the current state of disillusionment.

• 1:14:33 - Closing Thoughts

Matt and John wrap up the conversation, reflecting on the themes of power, belief, and the future of technology.