In his thought-provoking new book, Tech Agnostic, Greg Epstein explores a bold and timely argument: that technology has become the new global religion. Epstein, the Humanist Chaplain at MIT, draws attention to the cultural, psychological, and communal parallels between organized religion and the technology that increasingly governs our lives. His central claim isn’t just that technology shapes how we live but that it provides many of the functions religion historically fulfilled—offering meaning, connection, and even rituals of engagement.
Epstein’s book is already sparking lively discussion, and I recently found myself putting his ideas to the test through my own experiments with ChatGPT. The results have only strengthened my belief that he is onto something important.
Tech and Religion: Two Surprising Case Studies
To test the boundaries of Epstein’s thesis, I asked ChatGPT to do two things: first, write about Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity using the language of Silicon Valley startups (as Epstein did in his book); second, reverse the metaphor by describing TikTok as a brand using the language of a church Alpha course.
The first response framed Constantine’s embrace of Christianity as a savvy “pivot,” where he aligned the Roman Empire with an “emerging powerhouse movement.” Christianity was rebranded as a scalable cultural platform that unified an empire. Constantine’s leadership was portrayed as a masterstroke in identifying an underserved demographic and turning it into the cornerstone of Roman identity.
The second response reversed the analogy, presenting TikTok as a global movement offering connection, purpose, and belonging in a fragmented world. Using the language of a church invitation, TikTok became not just an app but a “community,” a space for authenticity, and a shared journey of discovery. It positioned TikTok as a platform that fulfils deep human needs for identity, creativity, and relationship—all things that religion has traditionally provided.
What Do These Parallels Tell Us?
Both exercises illuminated a central insight of Tech Agnostic: that technology companies are not just selling products—they’re offering meaning, identity, and belonging. Tech giants’ marketing strategies, consciously or not, mimic the language and functions of religious institutions.
Consider Constantine’s “pivot” as described in Silicon Valley terms. What made his embrace of Christianity so transformative was its ability to unify, inspire, and direct human energy under a shared vision. It wasn’t just about adopting a faith; it was about reimagining an empire’s operating system. Similarly, TikTok isn’t merely a video-sharing app; it’s a cultural phenomenon that creates a sense of shared purpose and connection among its users.
In both cases, we see the ability of a system—be it religious or technological—to tap into humanity’s deepest psychological needs: the need to belong, to express, and to be part of something larger than ourselves.
Epstein’s Warning
What makes Epstein’s argument so urgent is that it isn’t purely celebratory. While he acknowledges the transformative power of technology, he raises important questions about what happens when tech becomes the dominant religion of our age.
- Who controls the values of this new religion? Religions often have centuries of philosophical and theological reflection behind them, guiding their moral frameworks. Can the same be said of tech companies?
- What are the risks of devotion to tech? Blind faith in technology could lead to exploitation, inequality, and the erosion of human agency. As users, are we worshipping at the altar of efficiency without questioning its impact on our well-being?
- What does it mean for traditional systems of meaning? If technology becomes our primary source of identity and purpose, what happens to the role of philosophy, spirituality, and community in shaping our lives?
Why This Matters
Epstein’s Tech Agnostic is a call to reflection, not rejection. It’s not about dismantling technology but about recognizing its power and holding it accountable. If technology is to serve humanity—and not the other way around—we must be intentional about shaping its role in our lives.
The parallels I explored in my two ChatGPT experiments (which can be viewed HERE) demonstrate the profound insight in Epstein’s work. They show that tech isn’t just a tool; it’s a cultural force with the power to unite, divide, and define the way we see ourselves and the world.
As someone who deeply values both science and spirituality, I see this as a moment to pause and ask: what kind of relationship do we want with this new “religion”? Epstein’s book gives us the tools to start answering that question.
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Have you read Greg Epstein’s Tech Agnostic? How do you see technology shaping the way we find meaning and connection? Let me know in the comments!
Terry Cooke-Davies
19th January 2025
Profound thanks to ChatGPT(4o) from OpenAI for assistance with this article.
