In a sobering message from a recent livestream, Rabbi Kirt Schneider addressed the spiritual dangers of artificial intelligence, smartphones and the pervasive allure of technology in modern life. Drawing on Scripture, he connected the rise of AI to biblical warnings about knowledge, separation from God and the end-times.
The Allure of Knowledge and the Apple Connection
Schneider began by drawing attention to what many might see as a curious coincidence: the Apple logo and the price of Apple’s first computer. “It’s the logo of Apple computer, the apple with the bite taken out of it… and even more mysterious… they priced their first computer at $666,” he said. He noted that although Apple’s co-founders denied any symbolic connection, the imagery echoes the biblical tree of knowledge of good and evil in Genesis.
He argued that the pursuit of knowledge has always been a spiritual crossroads. “At the very beginning, it was the thrust for knowledge… that brought separation from God,” Schneider said. Today, he warns, AI represents a modern manifestation of that same desire.
The Modern Eden: Smartphones and Isolation
Using Genesis 2–3, Schneider highlighted how Adam and Eve’s desire for knowledge led to alienation from God. “They were now separated from God… no longer aware of the spirit. Now they were conscious of their flesh,” he said.
Schneider draws a parallel to today: smartphones and AI provide instant access to all knowledge, yet they can isolate humanity from authentic life. “Look how families no longer talk to each other at the dinner table… we’ve been brought into a dark world, a world that’s void of authenticity and life, void of connection,” he said.
Even while acknowledging AI’s benefits, such as diagnosing health issues, writing assistance and problem-solving, Schneider warns that it cannot replace spiritual fulfillment. “Are we happier? Are we more connected to God and each other?” he asked.
AI as the Antichrist Spirit
Schneider also uncovered the prophetic implications of AI. He described AI as an “antichrist spirit,” a false light that “appears as life, but in fact is an unreality, a dark void and deception.” He pointed to Revelation 13 and the infamous number 666 as symbolic of humanity’s ultimate pursuit of self-sufficiency, apart from God. “AI at its very core is the product of numbers… the mark of the beast is a number… 666… it is man in his utmost ability,” Schneider explained.
He warned that AI’s emotional allure of providing conversational responses, affirmations and companionship is a deceptive trap. “If you find yourself leaning into that in your heart… You are in danger,” he said.
Resist the Pull of Technology
Schneider offered guidance to avoid spiritual entrapment: create both physical and emotional distance from AI and technology. “We have to discipline ourselves to create space… where we’re not holding our smartphone,” he said. He emphasized that technology should remain a tool, not a substitute for God.
Ultimately, Rabbi Schneider’s message is a wake-up call. As AI continues to grow in sophistication, he reminds us that knowledge alone is not wisdom, and technological convenience cannot replace a relationship with God.
The choice is ours: will we allow AI to become a tool for good under God’s authority, or will we be drawn into the pit of deception?
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
