The Spark of Faith in Silicon Valley: Peter Thiel and the Birth of ACTS 17
In 2023, during a lavish 40th birthday celebration for Trae Stephens, a venture capital partner of Peter Thiel and co-founder of Anduril Industries, something unexpected happened. Thiel, the billionaire entrepreneur and influential figure in Silicon Valley, delivered a speech about God, miracles, and Jesus Christ. The event, themed around the Holy Ghost, was attended by over 220 guests from the tech and venture capital worlds. Thiel’s talk was not just a moment of personal reflection but a catalyst for something larger. His words resonated deeply, leaving many in the room surprised and intrigued—”I didn’t know Peter Thiel was a Christian,” some remarked. This reaction inspired Michelle Stephens, Trae’s wife, to launch ACTS 17 Collective, a nonprofit aimed at fostering conversations about Christian faith among Silicon Valley’s elite.
Michelle Stephens and the Vision of ACTS 17
Michelle Stephens, a devout Christian, recognized an opportunity to bridge the gap between faith and the tech world. She founded ACTS 17 Collective, an organization that hosts intimate, high-profile events where influential figures in tech and entertainment discuss their Christian beliefs. The name ACTS 17 is both an acronym—Acknowledging Christ in Technology and Society—and a reference to the biblical chapter where Paul the Apostle spreads the Gospel to the cultural and intellectual leaders of Athens and Thessaloniki. Stephens’ vision is to minister to the wealthy and powerful, challenging the traditional Christian emphasis on serving the marginalized. “The rich, the wealthy, the powerful need Jesus just as much,” she explains. By creating a platform for industry leaders to share their faith, ACTS 17 aims to redefine success and spirituality in a world dominated by tech and venture capital.
Silicon Valley’s Uneasy Relationship with Faith
Silicon Valley, a hub of innovation and progress, has historically been one of the least religious regions in America. The tech elite have often turned to practices like meditation, intermittent fasting, or ayahuasca for spiritual fulfillment, rather than traditional Christianity. This cultural shift is reflected in the Bay Area’s low church attendance and the perception that faith is outdated in a world focused on technological advancement. However, there are signs of a growing interest in religion, particularly Christianity, among some of the Valley’s most influential figures. Peter Thiel, for instance, has long been an outspoken Christian, integrating his faith into his worldview and politics. His heterodox approach to Christianity—blending biblical references with conservative political theory—has made him a unique figure in the Valley.
The Rise of Christianity in Tech: A New Trend?
The emergence of ACTS 17 coincides with a broader trend of tech leaders exploring or embracing Christianity. Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and even former Trump administration figures like JD Vance have spoken publicly about the importance of faith. Musk, for example, has expressed support for Christian principles, arguing that religion can fill the void left by atheism. This shift is not just personal; it reflects a growing recognition of the ethical and existential questions posed by technology. As Silicon Valley grapples with issues like artificial intelligence, biotech, and global governance, some leaders are turning to Christianity for answers. ACTS 17 events, with their mix of faith and networking, have become a platform for these conversations, offering attendees a chance to explore spirituality while connecting with industry titans.
The Stephens’ Faith Journey: From Token Christians to Missionaries
Michelle and Trae Stephens embody the paradox of being devout Christians in Silicon Valley. Both grew up in religious families—Michelle in a Roman Catholic household and Trae as the grandson of a Southern Baptist pastor. Their faith deepened when they met at Georgetown University, where they bonded over their shared beliefs. After college, Trae rose through the ranks of the tech world, working at Palantir and co-founding Anduril, while Michelle pursued a career in healthcare. Despite their success, they often felt like “token Christians” in the Bay Area’s secular social scene. This experience inspired Michelle to create ACTS 17, a way to share their faith with others in the tech community. The Stephens’ story is one of conviction and mission, as they seek to bring Christianity into a world often seen as hostile to it.
The Broader Implications: Faith, Power, and Culture
The rise of ACTS 17 raises questions about the intersection of faith, power, and culture in Silicon Valley. Critics argue that the organization’s focus on the wealthy and powerful may come at the expense of more traditional Christian values, such as serving the marginalized. Theologians like Anne Foerst have expressed skepticism, warning that some expressions of Christianity in the Valley may be more self-serving than sincere. Yet, others see value in the way ACTS 17 engages with ethical and existential questions. By framing faith as a source of purpose and guidance, the organization offers a counterpoint to the Valley’s relentless pursuit of innovation and profit. Whether this movement is a fleeting trend or a lasting shift remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Silicon Valley’s elite are increasingly looking to Christianity for answers in a rapidly changing world.
