Manmade: St. Anthony's Guide to Surviving the A.I. Apocalypse

by C.R. Wiley

"Your Perilous Tour of the Future Starts Here

In Manmade you will see wonders you won't believe! No eye has seen, no ear has heard! This future of marvels will be crafted by men who believe they are as gods!

Crime, resolved! Poverty vanished! You will see the State swell into total and complete efficacy.

At long last, humans will transcend their fleshy limits. Death will be a memory. Heart disease, autism, cleft palates, cancer, and red hair will be deficiencies of a tragic past. By merging humanity with technology a golden age begins!

We will finally achieve that sensational paradise called Singularity! A triumph of means over ends! And miracle of miracles, Artificial Intelligence will only accelerate these dreams.

But by the end you will have to decide who you will be in this radical future. Will you take the step over your humanity? Or will you accept your limits with gratitude and return to the analog world?

Without further ado, your tour begins now.

Do not be alarmed, a guide will be provided to you.

For readers seeking AI books from a Christian perspective, Manmade turns its satire toward a serious what does it mean to remain human when artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and technological progress promise to overcome our natural limits? Drawing on Saint Anthony, Scripture, Christian theology, and classical wisdom, CR Wiley examines the spiritual and moral pressures of the AI age without treating technology as either a savior or an enemy.

Written for Christians, pastors, theologians, and professionals navigating rapid technological change, this concise guide explores human dignity, Singularity, faith and technology, gratitude for limits, and the difference between using powerful tools and allowing those tools to redefine what it means to be human.

"

Genres: Cultural, Technology, Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Theology

Hardcover

Published July 21, 2026

About the author

C. R. Wiley is a Presbyterian minister living in the Pacific Northwest. He has written for Touchstone Magazine, Modern Reformation, Sacred Architecture, The Imaginative Conservative, Front Porch Republic, National Review Online, and First Things, among others. His short fiction has appeared in The Mythic Circle (published by the Mythopoeic Society) and elsewhere, and he has published young adult fiction. He is one of the hosts of The Theology Pugcast (a podcast available on iTunes and elsewhere), and he has been a commercial real estate investor and a building contractor. He also taught philosophy to undergraduates for a time. He is the Vice President of the Academy of Philosophy and Letters, and a board member of New Saint Andrews College.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book C. R. Wiley has written so far. It's also an important book to read right now. Go get a copy as quickly as you can.

[Kara Naselli · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Master it or be mastered by it”.
I really liked the first half of this book, and liked the second half. I think this is because the first half is more concerned with what A.I. is philosophically and what it could do theoretically, not with scientific details or engineering formulas, and it is very insightful and interesting. However, the second half (dealing with what our response should be) actually does have to be a little less theoretical. I think that I would have appreciated a more fleshed out answer for the problem of ‘how shall we then live?’. Wiley basically says what people have been saying about technology for as long as I can remember: don’t let it dominate your life, know how to do things, be a Christian in every way, touch grass. That said, he does point out a difference, which I agree with. Technology has always been to help us do human things, but some things are ‘more human’. Some tasks are actually closer to the core of what it means to be human. There’s a difference between a robot moving logs for you and a robot who thinks for you. Therefore, he says, we should be more cautious, but that’s about as far as he gets. To be fair, I’m not sure what else to say; if I did then it wouldn’t be a question I long to have answered. Perhaps we don’t know enough to answer it yet.
I really do like this book though, and I would recommend it to anyone who even uses A.I. once in a blue moon. If you are going to use it, you should at least attempt to understand it. And to anyone who accuses C.R. Wiley of being a luddite, or of being too negative of A.I., he is definitely more balanced than you might guess from the title. After all, he is post mill. He can’t be too doomsday. And he actually advocates for integrating A.I. into our lives in a healthy and subservient way. He’s not a “back to the Amish!” kind of guy.
Since A.I. is rather inescapable at the present, I recommend this to everyone. Let’s all think about it together.

A bonus for my goodreads review: C. R. Wiley's story snippets that he intersperses through the book are so cool, and I would read the entire thing just for those if I had to.

[Andrew Mulnix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drop whatever book you are reading (unless it is the Bible), buy this book, and read it immediately!

[Collin Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the recent news CEO’s of AI companies have warned of the possibility of human extinction within the decade if we don’t slow down progress. I am admittedly a bit scared of AI.

Wiley does a good job talking about this pastorally (which is why I read it, because I want to answer questions about this in the congregation I serve). He paints a few different pictures of possible realities with the future of AI. He thinks the best option is sort of middle of the road, recover what’s good in the past and use AI for certain physical and statistical tasks. I’m not sure I’m all the way on board with this since I do believe AI will have more of an impact on our “being human” than even smartphones have and smartphones have messed us up.

I thought Wiley did good picking out some principles from St. Anthony that will be helpful for us to think through, all rooted in the Bible. However, I would have liked more practicality and hope. His 40 “afterthoughts” were good (some of the best parts) and I would have loved if the book was longer to expound on them.

3.5 stars

[Gabel Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would maybe give it a 4.75 or something close to it. The majority of this book is so effective. The small portion I balked at was Wiley's views on postmillenialism.

Take that away and I believe he offers invaluable insight into how we ought to be engaging with AI and technology as a whole. We must be the masters of what we create rather than the other way around. We must set limitations on ourselves and our families if we except survive the "apocalypse."

[Nik Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth your time. Wiley takes a balanced and thoughtful approach in an era of radical imbalance.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I have been listening to the Pugcast for years, and heard CR lecture on this recently, I still got a ton from this. It is packed with careful thought on what the near future may hold, and how Christians should respond. It was also a good balance to aspects of Against the Machine by Kingsnorth.

Liked it a lot.

[Andrew Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book everyone should read. It is a great introduction into the religion of technophiles and AI. Wiley is precise in identifying what their religion is. This book is unique in that it reaches back to the past in using St. Antony as a guide for living in the age of AI. The one thing I would critique is that he doesn't hate AI enough. There are so many warnings, yet the conclusion is some sort of integration with AI because it is inevitable.

[Sam Clapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read by C.R. Wiley and I’ve decided I’m a really big fan of his. I like the way he thinks, his many references to literature, and that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. I could listen to him yap about any topic for hours.

This book was very thought provoking. My main takeaway was that Christians are about to face a very old fashioned “idol” in the sense that AI is already starting to be worshipped for what it can do. Wiley suggests that we, Christians, have been tasked with correctly defining humanity as God intended it, because its worldly definition will certainly shift as AI gets more advanced. Also, AI gives us a real motivator to pursue the analog, develop skills, and learn to be self-reliant while machines offer a new kind of laziness we can’t really comprehend just yet.

[Amelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, uncompromising, sobering, and reasonable, this is a wonderful read for anyone (like myself) wrestling with how to approach the complexities of AI, humanness, and their interweaving without succumbing to the snares of either avoidant hysteria or resigned acceptance. Dotted with maxims, based on Scriptural ethics, supported with the ponderings and practices of historical thinkers, and flavored with imaginative titles and phrases (such as “apple pie humanism” and the name of the book itself), the book offers cautions and comforts in a readable and memorable manner. Very, very well done.

[Stephen Shell · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

There’s a lot to think about here. Between the scenarios of the future and the ways AI is used, there were a lot of things that made we go, “I hadn’t thought about that.” Or maybe I had but not to that level.

Especially as a teacher and seeing the use of AI by the youth and the use of it by even teachers and how it is being pushed by higher ups to use it. It’s “to make your life easier” so you don’t have to spend hours lesson planning. It’s not all bad as Wiley talks about but there are some things that are lost.

I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Tolkien and Star Wars. I have a feeling I will be visiting this book again in the future.

[Maddie Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook and it truly felt like I was listening to a companion to The Twilight Zone haha. So eerie and written from a brand of brilliant a bit over my head, but I found it to be really on the nose. We’ll probably look back and say this was prophetic.

“Master it or be mastered by it”

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read and very relevant. We need more Christian thinkers like Wiley, engaging this massive subject. AI is here to stay, and Christians need to wrestle with it. Wiley does a great job digging underneath the superficial rubble of the AI conversation and brings out the worldview implications behind the machine. Great read.

[Leah Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific.
I’ve always been a bit skeptical of AI, more suspicious of its possible tyranny than interested in its potential good. I wouldn’t say this book has changed my opinion, but it has broadened and informed it. We are right to be suspicious about something that is already being set up as a false god; but, like all other forms of technological innovation, used wisely, it does have the potential to do immense good.
I loved Mr. Wiley’s thesis that we will retain our humanity by immersing ourselves in the analog: pencil on paper, book in hand, needle on vinyl. I also appreciated his straightforward, practical advice on how to live alongside the technological innovation that is surely coming. No one is going to unplug AI. But if we don’t fight to control it, and control our perspective on it, it will control us. The world doesn’t have God, so it latches onto other things to worship, and AI will be no different. But because we have a God who has instilled transcendent values in us, Christians are without excuse and must exercise self-control and wisdom where AI is concerned.
“You don’t change the world by trying to change it; you change it by pursuing something better than the world.”

[Abrahamus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite helpful, informative, and generally balanced. The author’s stance on AI is essentially that it represents a highly and uniquely dangerous toolbox (a major premise being that there is no such thing as a “mere” tool – the tools we use wind up shaping us, for good or for ill, in ways we can can often barely anticipate), but, given that there almost certainly will be no putting the genie back in the bottle, we had best learn to live with and utilize it thoughtfully and wisely, within well-considered guidelines and self-imposed limitations. The chief dangers Wiley identifies are mostly not of the utter doomsday sort (although he doesn’t totally discount scenarios which tend in that direction), but rather have to do with the ruination to our Divinely-imaged humanity which would (and in many cases, tragically, will) be wrought by the thoughtless and indiscriminate embrace of this and associated technologies and ideologies (e.g. transhumanism). He urges a highly self-disciplined approach to its use, offering a variety of practical considerations and guidelines to that end, and foresees numerous advantages and potential benefits to those possessed of sufficient wisdom and strength to do so – and who will take pains to likewise train their children and others close to them.

[Aidan Haskell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

So what I’m hearing is that Thomism will save the world???

[Joshua Bethay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read! A required reading for every thoughtful and embodied image-bearer. May the neo-Amish with-an-AI-twist peoples arise to meet the challenges of tomorrow!

A great 2.5 hour listen on Audible at 1.7x speed. Will listen again!

[Ben Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful reminders and an eye opening assessment of the beginnings of the A.I. bubble and the effects on cultural thought. Was particularly helped by his closing chapter exhorting theologians specifically in this day and age. When society can no longer answer questions of reality e.g. "what is a human?", Christ calls us to declare the truth with clarity and consistency.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wiley offers good pastoral counsel on how we can, and will have to, come to use AI. He acknowledges that we will have to use it, if for no other reason than that it will become a requirement in our vocations and even in some technologies we have come to be unable to do without.

But he offers parameters that will distinguish Christians from non-Christians in how we use it. We must not let it become our master.

[Sammie Hargrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m unsure if he’s a prophet, but he for sure understands the enemy

[Anita Deacon]

Good, beneficial, but needed more time on the editing block. Somebody needed to say No to the three stories.

I especially appreciated the bit about postmillennial realism, and the suggestion of apple pie humanism accorded with how I strongly feel about AI adoption.

In the audiobook, the author just about got away with reading quotes using various accents (risky, very risky) but I’m afraid pronouncing Sauron as “Sah-Ron” is not allowed. Straight to jail.

[Tim · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Shorter than expected, but I really appreciate the author's approach toward AI. The book starts with a nightmare scenario, proceeds to discuss the relevant scripture and literature on the subject (both theological and secular), takes a deep dive into St. Antony and how we might learn from his example in our age, and then concludes with what a vision for the future could look like (apple pie and rocket ships). His view resonates with me - he's certainly not a "doomer" as they say, but he's unwilling to just accept AI as a normal part of life without thinking critically about it. My biggest takeaway is his point that while AI is merely a tool in one sense, all tools shape us to some degree (he uses the example of a hammer), and powerful tools have more ability to shape us than simple tools. It doesn't mean we can't use them, but we can't cease to be human and just plug ourselves into the machine (my paraphrase). Wise words from Pastor Wiley, as always.

[Luke Arthaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. Wiley provides a balanced approach, recognizing the many dangers of AI while refusing to deny its usefulness. His uses of history and storytelling brilliantly covey his message and illustrate his point at the same time. I think this is a great starting point for Christians who are thinking through this complex topic. We don’t know how AI will impact the future, but we do know that Christ will have victory over all human creations. STAY HUMAN!

[Lizze Miller]

Solid introduction for someone trying to think through our current dealings with AI and being intentional with our lives now and in the future. I always love how Wiley brings in a obscure case study and fleshes it out; in this book, you get an application of St. Anthony.

A takeaway: St. Anthony practiced discerning the spirits, so in our lives, make it a habit to know if what you are seeing is manmade or AImade. Know what is counterfeit and real and don't let something pass without asking yourself that. Be good at knowing if this picture, or video, or customer helper is AI, and do not thank a computer.

[David Lapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, accessible book full of Wiley’s concerns, questions, and tips regarding AI. It’s less of an instruction manual and more of a collection of thoughts meant to start a conversation. It introduces some of the dangers of AI, fleshing out some pretty disturbing worst-case scenarios, raises a lot of good questions, and also offers a basic framework for how to respond to the temptations of a world transformed by an AI revolution. Wiley tends to be fairly pessimistic about AI, but I found this book to be an important and mostly balanced take. Yes, he can seem to ramble sometimes, but I actually came to enjoy his slightly wandering style. All in all, I highly recommend.

[Mason McCray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would be a 9 out of 10

I enjoyed this read. Gave it a 4 because it feels more like a collection of essays on the topic

[Travis Daggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched
Prescient
Well written
Biblical
Fun
Demanding

[Jordan Litts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and helpful for the days ahead.

[Madee Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for everyone to read concerning AI…for both the haters and early adopters!