WSJ: Elon Musk’s Walk With Jesus

Wall Street Journal, Elon Musk’s Walk With Jesus:

Elon Musk is publicly offering his own interpretation of Jesus’ teachings with an Old Testament twist.

“Christianity has become toothless,” the billionaire posted recently on his X social-media platform. “Unless there is more bravery to stand up for what is fair and right, Christianity will perish.”

As Musk tweeted about Christianity, a friend of his, Jason Calacanis, replied jokingly: “If you’re going into your born again era we’re so here for it.”

Responded Musk: “I believe in the principles of Christianity like love thy neighbor as thyself (have empathy for all) and turn the other cheek (end the cycle of retribution).”

 For all of his pursuits, Musk isn’t generally thought of as theologian. 

With the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive’s recent political transformation, however, we are increasingly seeing Musk invoke religion as he discusses his worldviews on topics ranging from parenthood to freedom of speech.

He has talked about his core beliefs several times this summer, including this past week when describing how he defines empathy and its place in governing. ...

Last month, author Jordan Peterson got the chance to ask Musk directly about religion during an interview streamed on X. 

“While I’m not a particularly religious person,” Musk said, “I do believe that the teachings of Jesus are good and wise.” 

In particular, Musk again pointed to the New Testament teachings of forgiveness, but with a caveat from a man who has described being bullied as a kid that strength is sometimes needed in a way that sounded very much like the Old Testament’s eye-for-an-eye. 

“With respect to bullies at school, I think you shouldn’t turn the other cheek—punch them in the nose,” Musk said. “They need to stop bullying you and a punch in the nose will stop that. And then thereafter, you know, make peace.”

Describing himself as “cultural Christian,” Musk indicated his guiding belief goes back to that of seeking greater understanding. “That is my religion, for the lack of a better way to describe it, it’s really a religion of curiosity,” he said. “The religion of greater enlightenment. ...

The topic of faith came up again this past week when Musk on X interviewed Donald Trump, whom he endorsed last month for a second term in the White House shortly after a would-be assassin opened fire on the former president at one his rallies.

During their livestreaming event together, the two men discussed how Trump narrowly averted death by turning his head just at the right moment to look at a chart related to immigration. “For those people who don’t believe in God, I think we got to all start thinking about that,” Trump said. “I’m a believer, now I’m more of a believer.”

Musk, who shares concerns about illegal immigration, replied: “Maybe it’s a sign.”

They both laughed. 

As they talked more, Musk returned to his ideal of empathy, suggesting liberals have misplaced feelings when it comes to dealing firmly with criminals—what he called “shallow empathy.” 

“There’s a lack of empathy for the victims of the criminals and too much empathy for the criminals,” Musk said. “That’s why you want to have deep empathy for society as a whole, not shallow empathy for criminals.” 

The Musk Theology: An eye for an eye, then peace.

• Catholic Exchange, The Transformative Power of Grace: A Response to Elon Musk’s “Cultural Christianity”
• Church Leaders, Greg Laurie to Elon Musk, Richard Dawkins, and Other ‘Cultural Christians’: Take the Next Step
• The Conversation, Elon Musk Says He’s a ‘Cultural Christian’ – Why Some Leading Thinkers Are Embracing Christianity
• PC Tablet, Elon Musk’s Walk With Jesus: A Spiritual Exploration

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