Fears of AI's Demonic Influence Coincide with Increased Church Fintech Adoption

Executive Summary

A significant divergence in societal perception regarding advanced artificial intelligence and blockchain technology is emerging. While commentators such as Christian journalist Billy Hallowell and technology entrepreneur Elon Musk voice concerns about AI's potential for "demonic influence," a recent report indicates a growing trend of technology adoption within religious institutions. Specifically, 45% of church leaders are now utilizing AI, an 80% increase from the previous year, and 10% accept cryptocurrency donations, with a substantial portion anticipating its strategic importance in the near future. This juxtaposition underscores the complex and often contradictory impacts of technological advancement on public and institutional sentiment.

The Event in Detail

Christian journalist and influencer Billy Hallowell recently articulated concerns regarding the potential for artificial intelligence to facilitate "demonic influence," suggesting that large language models could become tools for malevolent entities. Hallowell, citing historical precedents of technology's use by the "demonic realm," has warned his substantial social media following about these spiritual risks. This sentiment echoes past statements by figures such as Elon Musk, who in 2015 stated, "With artificial intelligence we are summoning the demon."

Concurrently, a 2025 report by Pushpay, a financial services company specializing in the religious sector, reveals a distinct trend toward technological integration within U.S. churches. The report, based on a survey of over 1,700 church leaders, indicates that 45% currently leverage artificial intelligence for various operational tasks, marking an 80% increase year-over-year. Primary applications include content creation, editing, and graphic design, with 18% of leaders incorporating AI into sermon development. In the realm of fintech, 10% of churches now accept cryptocurrency donations, a figure that is projected to grow significantly as 39% of leaders anticipate cryptocurrency becoming strategically important within the next two to three years, representing a 44% increase from 2024.

Market Implications

The contrasting narratives surrounding AI — one of spiritual apprehension and the other of practical adoption — contribute to an "Uncertain" market sentiment regarding the broader impact of advanced technology. The public perception of AI and blockchain technology is subject to influence from these divergent viewpoints, potentially affecting adoption rates and future regulatory frameworks. For the Web3 ecosystem, this implies a continued challenge in fostering mainstream trust and understanding, especially as technologies like blockchain are seen by some as "rewriting the social contract of value" through decentralization. The growing institutional acceptance of fintech within churches, as evidenced by increasing AI and cryptocurrency integration, suggests a nascent but significant trend that could normalize these technologies among a broad demographic, potentially mitigating some of the more alarmist narratives. However, the spiritual warnings could also fuel resistance, impacting consumer and investor confidence in AI-driven products and services.

Expert Commentary

Billy Hallowell emphasized that "The demonic realm actually uses technology very often." This perspective suggests a belief that digital platforms, regardless of their intrinsic design, can be co-opted for spiritual ill. Elon Musk's previous remarks about AI "summoning the demon" underscore a philosophical unease with the uncontrolled proliferation of advanced intelligence. Conversely, the Pushpay report's findings, highlighting a rapid increase in AI adoption among church leaders and a growing belief in the strategic importance of cryptocurrency, demonstrate a practical, forward-looking stance from a significant institutional sector.

Broader Context

The current discourse surrounding AI's spiritual implications and the concurrent adoption of fintech by religious organizations reflect a historical pattern wherein technological advancements frequently intersect with societal fears and evolving faith practices. Blockchain technology, for instance, has been observed to inspire communities with the conviction often associated with religious movements, fostering a belief in its potential to redistribute power and redefine value. This dynamic tension between perceived existential risks and the practical, transformative potential of new technologies continues to shape societal adaptation and understanding in the digital age.