God, AI and the End of History: Understanding the Book of Revelation in an Age of Intelligent Machines

by John C. Lennox (Narrator)

Is the book of Revelation relevant for today? Does its symbolism contain meaning for our technological age? Might the world eventually be controlled by an Artificial Intelligence?

These are some of the difficult questions thoughtfully handled in this extensive volume by noted philosopher, Oxford mathematician, and author, John Lennox. In his insightful and provocative work, Lennox explores the biblical text in light of the rapidly exploding world of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), and warns modern believers of the implications of Jesus’ final earthly message to his followers, as well as a potential link to the end times leader that the Gospel writer John refers to as the Antichrist.

Not a typical book discussing the biblical understanding of the end times , Lennox explores a new perspective for Christians and others concerned about the future to consider in a quickly-changing, high-tech society.

Duration: 30 hrs. 16 min.

Genres: Artificial Intelligence, Faith, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian, Theology

916 pages, Audiobook

Published July 14, 2026

About the author

John Carson Lennox is Professor of Mathematics in the University of Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University and at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and is a Senior Fellow of the Trinity Forum. In addition, he teaches for the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the Executive Education Centre, Said Business School, Oxford University.

He studied at the Royal School Armagh, Northern Ireland and was Exhibitioner and Senior Scholar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from which he took his MA, MMath and PhD. He worked for many years in the Mathematics Institute at the University of Wales in Cardiff which awarded him a DSc for his research. He also holds an MA and DPhil from Oxford University and an MA in Bioethics from the University of Surrey. He was a Senior Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow at the Universities of Würzburg and Freiburg in Germany. He has lectured extensively in North America, Eastern and Western Europe and Australasia on mathematics, the philosophy of science and the intellectual defence of Christianity.

He has written a number of books on the interface between science, philosophy and theology. These include God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? (2009), God and Stephen Hawking, a response to The Grand Design (2011), Gunning for God, on the new atheism (2011), and Seven Days that Divide the World, on the early chapters of Genesis (2011). Furthermore, in addition to over seventy published mathematical papers, he is the co-author of two research level texts in algebra in the Oxford Mathematical Monographs series.

Reviews

[Gay Anne]

It is impressive how John Lennox presents his in-depth knowledge in an easy to understand book for readers. Recommended as a fascinating and informative read on the book of Revelation.

[Ruth]

I found this read long but interesting as a lengthy commentary on Revelation. Would recommend for those wanting depth on this biblical book, but its not for the faint of heart, due to its extensive length!

[Larry White]

(NOTE: this review is based on the hardcover edition, which is not shown on Goodreads)

Fine Commentary on Revelation, but Not Quite What the Title Indicates

I have the utmost respect for John Lennox and have read and would heartily recommend many of his books on apologetics, theology and Bible exposition. His recent book, “God, AI & the End of History”, in fact is a comprehensive (nearly 600 pages including two appendices and preface) and excellent commentary on Revelation, probably the most enigmatic and debated of the 66 books that comprise the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. However, its title promises a unique focus, one that considers the Revelation message mostly in light of unprecedentedly rapid changes in technology, i.e., artificial intelligence (AI). For sure, that perspective is present, but not in any way the focus as can be verified by the topical index of the book. Most of the relatively few references deal with the idea of transhumanism and, notably, one of its greatest proponents, Yuval Noah Harari (“Homo Deus”).

So, while “God, AI & the End of History” is a fine commentary on Revelation, it does not shed significant new light on our present technological circumstances. Perhaps that is somewhat appropriate given the Bible’s numerous admonitions about the folly of trying to foresee the specifics of the end times (e.g., Daniel 12:4, 8-9, Matthew 24:36, Acts 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 3:3 – among others). Lennox acknowledges throughout that we will recognize the signs of the end retrospectively rather than with predictive accuracy. Still, these are uniquely troubling times (perhaps every age has been so) and more might be said about how they might relate to the Day of the Lord. After all, the Bible urges us to be prepared, and preparation includes comparing and contrasting current circumstances with God’s Will and warnings. Otherwise, why would God have given us forewarning?

[Louis]

I really enjoyed reading "God, AI & The End of History." It provided insights into AI and scholarly quotes to help me make points I hadn't previously considered. Dr Lennox takes his time, elaborating on exegesis and how he has come to his ideas, and uses not only biblical sources but also historical references, including the Church Fathers. I think anyone of any faith tradition could read this book and come away enriched and better for the time spent on it, as well as with insights into possible dangers in society presently and to come.

[Ron Estrada]

Excellent take on Revelation

Lennox does a fantastic job of commenting on the book of Revelations without crossing into the pop-eschatology so prevalent in today’s Christian culture. The references to AI are few and just enough to explore the possibility of such influence. Any believer should add this to his or her bookshelf as a handy reference whenever the subject of the last days should arise.

[Maxim L Prevatt]

Explores and clarifies Revelation in an easy to understand way

Brings Scripture from all parts of the Bible to define and explain the book of Revelation..He considers ideas and readily admits limits to our understanding of certain parts. Easy to read, thoughtful and engaging,

[JournalsTLY]

This thought (and the quote) would itself be an important premise to explore and read about (making this book a worthwhile investment):

"…. computer technology, has now replaced religion in many minds as the provider of any credible hope of saving humanity in the future. But is it a hope or a threat? In a 2009 debate, the biologist E. O. Wilson said: "The real problem of humanity is the following: we have palaeolithic emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology. And it is terrifically dangerous".

The author - a math professor at Oxford- crossed back into the Old Testament, citing passages from the book of Daniel and builds up essays to answer the question about the 2nd coming of Jesus. The 4 views of interpreting Revelations are then explored :

Preterist (from Latin word for 'past')
Historicist
Futurist
Idealist


His point of view is that the correct approach is a blending of _____ and _____ since "...the beast is both Rome and the eschatological AntiChrist"

[Mark Edlund]

Non-Fiction - an incredibly well-researched review on the book of Revelation and its application to our current day. And I did not understand it at all. Very dense writing with way too many philosophical terms. His references to AI and its dangers are few and not that convincing (plagues of locusts are drones?) This book is not for the faint hearted.
No pharmacy references.
Canadian references - mention of two professors from the University of Toronto and University of Montreal discussing AI

[Connor Hansford]

Compelling, inspiring, and readable. It took me ages to read so I'm not convinced of its devotional potential; perhaps a smaller volume, encompassing select readings might suit the purpose better. There was rather too much C S Lewis for my liking and reading for hours on end the latter have made me, at times, overwhelmed and depressed, but that's not the book's fault. Good.

[I O]

Well-researched, referenced and explained. The historical contexts surrounding the scriptures are foregrounded, and the relevance of the scriptures to our current times delineated. It can be difficult to start, but once the reader gets into the momentum, there can be rich gleanings from the book. The writer is extremely knowledgeable.

[John Tsipouras]

Very helpful

Extremely well reasoned. I found it inspirational encouraging and challenging. Bringing together relevant scriptures from all the Bible. With excellent presences too. A great read

[L.L. Martin]

I am reading the print edition.