Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World's Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation

by Greg Epstein

An urgently needed exploration of global technology worship, and a measured case for skepticism and agnosticism as a way of life, from the New York Times–bestselling author of Good without God.

Today’s technology has overtaken religion as the chief influence on twenty-first century life and community. In Tech Agnostic, Harvard and MIT’s influential humanist chaplain Greg Epstein explores what it means to be a critical thinker with respect to this new faith. Encouraging readers to reassert their common humanity beyond the seductive sheen of “tech,” this book argues for tech agnosticism—not worship—as a way of life. Without suggesting we return to a mythical pre-tech past, Epstein shows why we must maintain a freethinking critical perspective toward innovation until it proves itself worthy of our faith or not.

Epstein asks probing questions that center humanity at the heart of engineering: Who profits from an uncritical faith in technology? How can we remedy technology’s problems while retaining its benefits? Showing how unbelief has always served humanity, Epstein revisits the historical apostates, skeptics, mystics, Cassandras, heretics, and whistleblowers who embody the tech reformation we desperately need. He argues that we must learn how to collectively demand that technology serve our pursuit of human lives that are deeply worth living.

In our tumultuous era of religious extremism and rampant capitalism, Tech Agnostic offers a new path forward, where we maintain enough critical distance to remember that all that glitters is not gold—nor is it God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology, Philosophy, Science, Religion, Society, Audiobook

368 pages, Hardcover

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man who went to Harvard (as he constantly reminded us) dislikes Silicon Valley tech culture and the capitalistic ways it affects those with less power. I agree with that sentiment but the leap to ‘religion’ is still not it. Plus, this book felt a bit too long and repetitive.

[Duncan McLaren · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting suggestion: understand the tech industry (IT, AI etc) as a new religion, with rituals, prophets, theology etc. Lots of stimulating ideas, evidence of how the tech sector functions like an organised religion, or even a cult, prioritising the interests and wellbeing of the elite. Little in the way of prescription, and an annoying style of lengthy appeal to authority, with unnecessarily drawn out descriptions of the credentials of those whose ideas are cited.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost didn’t finish this at multiple points. Besides finding the author’s style of writing very self-congratulatory, I think like many white male authors he lacks the proper lenses to make sweeping global generalizations about tech, justice and humanity. Which is not to say he doesn’t have any lenses—I can see and respect his efforts to find and speak to people who are not white in tech. BUT …

Come on, Greg. How do you write about tech and justice in 2024 and not talk about the role of tech in warfare and surveillance and rising fascism? Not a single mention of Congo, where the minerals that fuel tech are harvested? Nothing about Gaza?

When the author introduced his thesis as “tech is a religion” at the beginning of the book, I responded with “so what?” and expected that the following pages would convince me. Instead, I finished this supposed manifesto thinking “so what?”

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Tillich famously wrote that faith is "the state of being ultimately concerned" with whatever we may be concerned with, and in this sense, faith is not only a religious matter. For Tillich, what does distinguish religious faith from other forms of ultimate concern (ultimate concern for an ethical code, for one's family, for money, for one's favorite sports team, etc.) is that it's the state of being ultimately concerned *with the ultimate.* According to this definition, of course, what we know as organized religion has neither a monopoly over, nor an intrinsic alignment with, "religious faith" -- ultimate concern for what is ultimate.

Epstein's magisterial and important work traces the beliefs and practices -- among Silicon Valley elites and in our own often unreflective interactions with technology -- that reveal our everyday "faith" in tech, the way it shapes and harnesses our ultimate concern(s). The astuteness of Epstein's narrative is already impressive. Even more impressive -- and scarier -- are the moments when he reveals the scale of certain tech leaders' grandiosity: their sense that technology mediates an ultimate concern *with the ultimate.* Whether he is reporting on longtermist thinking about interstellar colonization (a tech Heaven) or ways that non-aligned AGI could spell our doom (a tech Hell), Epstein convincingly illustrates physicist Max Tegmark's point that we're about to create SOME sort of God in our own image... whatever that God ends up doing with us. Indeed, tech aspires to this kind of ultimacy.

In the final section of his book, Epstein recommends the spirit of agnosticism and religious reform as invitations to humility and perhaps even salvation. Indeed, by the end of his book, I readily agreed with him that it is existentially necessary to dial tech's aspirations and machinations down several notches. Throughout, though, I was also especially moved by his insights into the void of meaning that underlies our tech messiahs' complexes in the first place. In such passages, Epstein speaks as the professional chaplain he is, assessing our soul-wounds and our natural tendency to substitute accomplishments and external validation for innate self-worth. These passages demonstrate the human heart pulsing at the center of this intellectually sophisticated and visionary work.

(Disclaimer: Greg Epstein is a colleague of mine, but I mean every word of this review!)

[Hen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is clearly well-researched and earnest and bears an intriguing premise that intuitively speaks to those who recognize the helpless devotion we and others around us to our phones, laptops, social media, etc. Unfortunately, the central premise ends up being a lot less interesting than I expected as a reader who went into this book deeply sympathetic to its subject matter. There is interesting criticism of the tech industry, but, in the end, I am left wondering if the author felt the need to inject the religious comparison as a result of his background in chaplaincy when he really just wanted to write about Silicon Valley. Sure, there are some interesting parallels between these two components of human culture, but nothing ever emerges over and above these parallels to suggest there’s a deeper connection other than…yep, humans do human stuff.

One thing that really irked me is that the author mentions how many folks with whom he discussed the “tech as religion” concept responded with the idea that maybe it’s just a smaller part of “capitalism as religion.” Despite insisting he would address this response, it’s never really done.

[Nick Plante · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an important book for anyone interested in changing the way we live in relation to technology. It spoke to me on many levels, as a Catholic-schooler who thought he was going to be a Religious Studies major thru his freshman year at Penn, as a researcher and writer on digital habits, and, apparently, as a fellow Tech Agnostic. Greg Epstein has a unique ability to offer incisive criticism without being needlessly divisive, which I first saw when he spoke at an All Tech Is Human event, and which comes through even more in his prose. He is also a great synthesizer; the way he's weaved all these narratives together is significant -- it is perhaps the best lay of the land to date, a far-ranging survey of the people shaping our mission for a healthier device-filled world. And above all, I do walk away from this book with even more hope.

One concern is that this book might be preaching to the choir, if you will -- I'll be curious to see how it affects people less skeptical than me and readers with less of a traditional religious background. Epstein is at his best when dealing with headier material, theological metaphor etc., which often veers into abstract territory. It's a tradeoff he's aware of, but this seemed at times to take away from concrete roadmaps to change, from the tangible work that people are doing and that we can join in on *right now*.

So while I think Tech Agnostic could have been even more pointed of a rallying cry, it is still full of valuable information and perspective, which I am grateful for.

[N Rizkalla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book offers an interesting thesis that the modern technology-business machine, “tech”, specifically the AI aspect, is meeting the conditions (dogma, hierarchy, eschatology…etc) to be considered as a modern religion. A religion to which the author is considering himself an agnostic- and yes, he speaks repetitively about himself.

However, the book is overburdened by a clutter of woke serf thinking and vacuous “humanistic” hype (in addition of absolutely useless illustrations including screenshots of tweets already detailed in the text!).

I consider the book useful in explaining some of the underlying thinking advocating this “tech” religion and its possible peril. Meanwhile, I absolutely not in agreement with his 7-points conclusion which he, in a manner typical of woke hypocrisy, considers as “self-evident “ truths! I was in particularly amused by his ludicrous conclusion that “tech humanists” like himself are capable of countering the hazards of AI technology reckless advance.

[Erhardt Graeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I knew of the author Greg Epstein primarily by his work as a humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT during times I was affiliated with those institutions. I was unaware of his work as a tech journalist. This book smashes together those two facets of the author in the hope of offering a profound contribution to the "techlash" literature. I think it succeeds at offering a novel way to interpret the ways Big Tech culture has infiltrated all culture and warped the beliefs and values of several recent generations. For those like me, who have been consistently and critically following technology, internet culture, and its tendrils into philosophy, policy, etc., the book is mostly a rehashing of many things you already knew and already felt ambivalent about, except now its being analyzed like a religion.

I did enjoy the lessons on what religion is, how you might spot one and compare it to others you already know, and the key differences and advantages of agnosticism versus atheism. If this gets a bunch of technology navel-gazers to think deeply about the history of religion and why aspects of religion and faith are important to study even if you aren't religious, then that will be a win. I agree with Epstein about the need for this.

A religious lens turns out to be a useful tool for analyzing the rhetoric around tech. Talking about technology as sociotechnical systems or culture, as many social science and humanities scholars—like me—do, still often misses the importance of belief and faith. When folks have irrational desires or views of the world, its not just that they are being deceived by hucksters. There are complex values systems that live and evolve beyond their progenitors or any isolated trend.

I was also convinced by Epstein's argument in the conclusion for reclaiming "agnostic" as a noble posture. In the company of fellow readers, I would identify as a tech agnostic. The ambivalence of my feelings about tech is definitely a choice rather than a cop out. It is hard earned by riding the roller coasters of optimism and pessimism across several waves of tech.

I think the book’s main argument—tech (the whole social, political, economic project, not just the creation of widgets or apps) is a religion, we should be skeptical of its claims, and approach it like a religious scholar would—could have landed in an essay rather than a book. But I'll admit it was fun to hear Epstein's and his interviewees' version of events from the past couple decades in tech. I was close to some of the examples and friends with specific interviewees, which added to the value for me. I just didn't learn anything new about tech's ethical pitfalls by the end.

If you are already studying technology as culture or just curious, add Tech Agnostic and religious analysis to your quiver.

[Maruta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book argues that society treats technology like a religion, with tech leaders acting like gods and their products sold as magical fixes. But these promises of a perfect future—especially with AI—often hide unfair systems that trap people in addiction and widen the inequality gaps between the rich/elites and the rest.

Most people spend hours daily glued to their phones, starting and ending their days with screens. Those who are behind technology now focus more on profiting and controlling people than helping them.

Regulatory bodies must prioritise evidence that technological advancements genuinely serve humanity’s interests, rather than solely enriching corporate entities and serving the needs of elites in shaping the society (e.g. morally, politically). This requires a critical reevaluation of innovation’s ethical implications, moving beyond the assumption that uncritical adoption of technology is the only viable path forward.

[Miguel Panão · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gostei da leitura humanista, ainda que a visão da religião seja essencialmente de carácter americano, que não faz muito sentido a um Europeu. O agnosticismo tecnológico parece-me ser uma versão equilibrada ao luditismo e saudável a todo o crente. Por vezes, não é a existência de Deus que merece ser colocada em questão, mas o modo como a experimentamos que exige uma postura de curiosidade e abertura interior.

A religião tecnológica com a IA ou o magnata como deus é uma realidade e atrevo-me a dizer para os próprios crentes. Basta pensar no telemóvel a tocar durante a missa e a pessoa atende a dizer-«Agora não posso atender. Estou na missa!»— Pois…

Fiquei com uma ideia mais clara daquilo que pode ser humanismo ateu. A parte final sobre o agnosticismo fez-me pensar se todo crente é não crente deveria ter sempre um pouco dentro de si. Seria com a saúde mental da pergunta que nos leva a procura e a aceitar quando não conseguimos mesmo saber.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author's previous book Good Without God, so thought I would like this one. This is a very different book. Thought provoking read. You may or may not agree with the author's argument that Tech has become a religion. As someone who has a master's degree in religious studies, I found it fascinating, but am fully aware that there are potential flaws with the analogy. Others might ignore the religion argument and find this still an articulate expose of what's wrong with Tech today.

There were some typos in the second half (added words, not capitalizing the beginning of sentences, etc.) that might irk some readers. There are no easy answers provided in the end -- though the Tech Agnostic Manifesto in the Conclusion is worth rereading to let it sink in. We need to be aware, and work in community to change things. Hopefully this book will move us toward that.

[Alec · Rating 2 out of 5]

tldr: Read this book if you are wondering what 2014 hipsters would think of the current state of affairs.

DNF. I wanted to like this book, but it has some problems. The author constantly needs to remind us that he went to Harvard, and his prose is reminiscent of a long Twitter thread. Some interesting correlations are drawn between "Tech" and Christian "doctrine", but the differences in the forms of "Tech" that are discussed make drawing conclusions difficult. A serious misunderstanding of cryptocurrency hurt the authors ethos that he spent so long building by namedropping Harvard (18 references to it in the back of the book), and he seems to group crypto-trading fanatics with AI existentialists which I do not believe is strong and is not elaborated on. 1/6th of the girth of this book is references to tweets that no one will read.

[Dan Dropps · Rating 3 out of 5]

"[L]ove makes human life worthwhile, no matter what. I am saying: we make technology so that the people who are alive now, and the generations to come, can experience love, which requires justice, because there is no meaningful or sustainable love without a commitment to justice."

"[A]ll the 'new shit' that suffuses and symolizes our time does not necessarily add up to progress in the sense of our lives getting better or more meaningful and satisfying."

"And thus I feared I'd seen prophecy at its worst: our tendency to worship people who make grand pronouncements about a future they can't actually see, when the ones who usually profit most from such preditions are the ones making them."

[Evan Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content Breakdown of Tech Agnostic in my view:

1% Actual ideas for tech reform

9% Interesting religious metaphors found in tech culture

20% Desperately convincing us his sources are qualified (recounting their entire career)

25% Quoting others, sometimes related to the topic, sometimes completely disagreeing with the central metaphor

45% Self congratulatory virtue signaling, bragging, and narcissistic anecdotes from the Author. (Do you think he may have gone to Harvard? He only mentioned it 3000 times)

My opinion? Read the last couple pages in the library or bookstore and walk away. You'll get the point and avoid the repetitive, useless droning.

[Virginia MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling, but sobering MUST read.

The timing of this book could not better as we face daily hype about how AI will change our world. Epstein makes a powerful argument that technology has become the secular religion of our time. He also explains why this is both important and dangerous.

He also offers valuable insights into why many of today’s tech billionaires would rather devote incredible resources into an imaginary future than work to solve the very real problems facing humanity now.

[Ellen Throneberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are feeling rightfully unsure of tech-ification of society as we know it right now, you need to read this book. This book is enlightening and groundbreaking without being arrogant or narcissistic/unquestioning of self. Puts into words what I think a lot of us are feeling. Confirms some of our deepest fears and is unafraid of saying these things out loud. If you have taken a deep dive into the emergence and rise of the alt right and tech's role in this rise, this book is even more compelling.

[Ricardo F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some books stand on their own as profound works of scholarship, others better serve as starting points for further research. This book is definitely in the latter category. I was more interested in the author's secular humanist perspective than his thesis about tech as a religion. I might try his other book, Good Without God. While Epstein raises some alarming trends in tech, the mountain of anecdotes and interviews in this book do little to move the ball towards making a point.

[Amy]

Technically a DNF about halfway through (it was due back to the library). I may sign it out again and skim the end. Lengthy and frankly too wordy, not nearly as readable/accessible as I had hoped it would be. I would like to revisit the last bit of the book and see if/how he suggests we move forward given his concerns.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This analysis of tech culture through a cult lens brought some really important similarities to light. I struggled with some of Epstein's conclusions (disagreeing, not misunderstanding) but learned a lot about the frightening influence these god-creators have across sectors. They are something to keep an eye on.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epstein, a humanist rabbi at Harvard writes about the development of big tech as a religion. He worries that faith in tech is a dangerous approach to life. Tech is too large to not be questioned and regulated more strongly.

[Rod Van Meter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful look at where we are now. You might think calling Tech a religion is hyperbole, but Epstein makes a solid case. One of the last chapters does seem to wander off into more stumping for humanism as a religion, but overall this holds together well. Highly recommended.

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

unreadable pulp. reads like a hit job dripping with the snide self-congratulation of the author's atheism.

between lines reminding you of his irreligion and blaming the ills of society on religious conviction he sometimes mentions technology and it's impact on culture. But he often does not.

[Dylan Rk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish the book. At first, I found it very engaging, but it became somewhat repetitive. From my perspective, Epstein clearly shows how the IT religion works and provides solid references for exploring other books on the subject.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Epstein is back with another brilliant read. He helps us understand how technology is not necessarily a good thing as we should take a skeptics mind towards it. An insightful book!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

That's on me not the author, but way too much talk about religion/spiritual things

[Shana Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Shi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of the book, but some of the writing was a little stilted and hard to read. Interesting ideas, could be better executed

[Scott Seymour · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of linking to a religion still feels like an enormous stretch, and despite repeated justification, just doesn't land for me.

[Will Sewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. The best parts of the book were where Epstein was making his own arguments, rather than endlessly quoting people who just weren’t very insightful on this topic.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come...