What does it mean to be a “cultural Christian”? I remember a number of years ago seeing an article about Richard Dawkins, perhaps one of the most well-known atheists of the 2000s, claiming that he identifies as a “cultural Christian.” Why? Because he likes some Christian traditions, like singing Christmas carols. And now the tech mogul Elon Musk has likewise said he’s a cultural Christian. What does he mean by that?
Well, according to an article summarizing his comments during an interview with Jordan Peterson, he said, “While I’m not a particularly religious person, I do believe that the teachings of Jesus are good and wise. . . . there’s a tremendous wisdom in turning the other cheek.” He went on to say he’s “a big believer in the principles of Christianity,” and identifies as “probably a cultural Christian.”
Now, many conservatives and even Christians have appreciated Elon Musk for his outspoken criticism of wokeism and his fight for free speech, and it’s great to see that he also appreciates Christianity and even what Jesus taught. But while many people can and do recognize the wisdom in Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness, loving your neighbor, and “doing unto others,” that’s where they stop. Like Musk, they are content to pick a few of Jesus’ statements they like, but they won’t listen to—and do—all that Jesus says. Why? Well, because that would mean giving up control of their life!
But ultimately that means their house is still built on sand.
Matthew 7:24-27 KJV – “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
Being a “cultural Christian,” or tipping your hat toward Jesus, won’t save you. Musk went on to say that “his beliefs could be best described as ‘the religion of curiosity’ and ‘the religion of greater enlightenment.’” He believes he’s found some truth in Jesus, but he’s yet to discover that Jesus is the truth. There’s no greater enlightenment found than to look toward the light of the world who gives light to every man.
Jesus didn’t just come to give some “good and wise” teachings. He came to redeem people like Elon Musk, myself, and you from our slavery to sin. He says so himself!
Luke 19:10 KJV – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
It’s sad to see men like Musk fail to understand what Jesus really taught—and fail to bow their knee to him as Lord in this life. We pray that someday Musk will come to understand Jesus isn’t merely good and wise—he’s a loving Savior for all who repent and believe.
By the way, accepting aspects of Christian morality and Christian principles is just opinion if one doesn’t believe in the absolute authority of the Word of God from which this morality, etc., come from. So why should their opinions be the right ones?
