In a candid interview on ‘X with Jordan Peterson’, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed his perspective on religion and its impact on society, identifying himself as a “cultural Christian”.
Acknowledging that he is not a religious adherent, Musk expressed admiration for the teachings of Jesus, characterizing them as “good and wise”. He elaborated, “I would say I’m probably a cultural Christian. There’s tremendous wisdom in turning the other cheek.”
Musk went on to endorse Christian principles, asserting that they contribute significantly to human happiness and the future well-being of humanity. He cautioned against the declining influence of religion, attributing it to lower birth rates and potentially dire consequences for civilization. He criticized Paul Ehrlich, author of ‘The Population Bomb’, labeling him a “genocidal maniac” for advocating against childbearing, emphasizing, “Having a child is a vote for the future.”
While discussing the symbolic importance of religious iconography, Jordan Peterson highlighted the cultural significance of Christ as a sacred male figure and the Virgin Mary with infant Jesus as a sacred female archetype. Musk argued that the loss of these traditional symbols could signify a broader detachment from cultural roots.
Although Musk did not delve into his personal belief in God, he disclosed that he was baptized Anglican but underwent a crisis of meaning in adolescence. He explored various religious and philosophical texts before finding resonance in the idea that questioning is more valuable than definitive answers, inspired by ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’.
Reflecting on his beliefs, Musk mused that if his perspective were a religion, it would focus on curiosity and expanding consciousness, aligning with his ventures in artificial intelligence.
Elon Musk’s identification as a “cultural Christian” places him among a growing number of public figures who embrace Christianity’s cultural values without strict religious adherence. The interview also touched on similar positions taken by other prominent figures like Richard Dawkins, signaling a broader societal dialogue on the role of religion in contemporary life.