Unpacking ‘Good Quests,’ Christianity, and Caviar Bumps
The mission of Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurs has long been to change the world. But, how do you know whether a pursuit is good or bad? ACTS17 collective, a Christian faith-based group of tech entrepreneurs, says a strong relationship with God is the answer. Today on the show, we talk about the people promoting a faith-based approach to tech, we learn what a “good quest” is, and we ask what impact religion will have on the type of ventures the valley pursues in the future.
You can follow Michael Calore on Bluesky at @snackfight, Lauren Goode on Bluesky at @laurengoode, and Zoë Schiffer on Bluesky at @zoeschiffer. Write to us at uncannyvalley@wired.com.
How to Listen
You can always listen to this week’s podcast through the audio player on this page, but if you want to subscribe for free to get every episode, here’s how:
If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, open the app called Podcasts, or just tap this link. You can also download an app like Overcast or Pocket Casts and search for “uncanny valley.” We’re on Spotify too.
Transcript
Note: This is an automated transcript, which may contain errors.
Michael Calore: Question for the group. When was the last time you went to church?
Zoë Schiffer: That’s a big question. I’m Jewish, so I think we go to a temple, not church. And I went pretty recently, for the High Holidays. Lauren?
Michael Calore: Very nice.
Lauren Goode: Lovely. I think I went when I was on vacation. I like popping into churches when I’m traveling to different places.
Michael Calore: Nice. Light a little candle?
Lauren Goode: Yeah, just look at the architecture.
Zoë Schiffer: That’s cool. What about you, Mike?
Lauren Goode: Yeah. What about you?
Michael Calore: I swear I was listening to what you were both saying, but while you were talking, while also listening, I was also racking my brain to try and remember the last time that I was in a church, and I cannot remember the last time. I really just do not know.
Zoë Schiffer: That’s totally fair.
Michael Calore: Well, Silicon Valley has its own relationship with God, and that is what we’re going to be talking about this week. Is everybody ready?
Zoë Schiffer: I’m very ready.
Lauren Goode: I’m ready for confession time.
Michael Calore: This is WIRED’s Uncanny Valley, a show about the people power and influence of Silicon Valley. I’m Michael Calore, Director of Consumer Tech and Culture here at WIRED.
Lauren Goode: I’m Lauren Goode. I’m a senior writer at WIRED.
Zoë Schiffer: And I’m Zoe Schiffer WIRED’s, Director of Business and Industry.
Michael Calore: Power, money and Influence. This has long been part of the allure for many in the tech world, but for a growing group in the Valley, there’s a new path to success, God. Today, we’re talking about the Silicon Valley Christians who are promoting a faith-based approach to innovation. We’ll drop in on a San Francisco party where tech bigwigs and influential figures talk business and the Bible, we’ll learn about, quote, unquote, “Good quests,” and we’ll ask the big question, what impact will religion have on the type of ventures the Valley pursues in the future? So Lauren, tell us about this party you went to.
