Will Christianity Perish ‘Unless There is More Bravery to Stand Up’ as Elon Musk States?
By Alex Murashko
Elon Musk used his platform on Saturday afternoon to give a warning in regard to these turbulent times we live in: “Unless there is more bravery to stand up for what is fair and right, Christianity will perish,” he posted on X.
By evening, his post had nearly 47 million views and was reposted 71 thousand times on the popular social media site which Musk purchased from Twitter in 2022.
Unless there is more bravery to stand up for what is fair and right, Christianity will perish
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 27, 2024
Musk’s posts are often Right-leading and although he replied to a “born-again” comment on X by stating, “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),” his understanding of a faith in Jesus Christ can be viewed as unclear.
Christian leaders have been responding to his warning by clarifying true Christianity.
“Elon Musk is partially right, because without bravery, Christianity would have been snuffed out in the first century. However, true Christianity will never perish because Christ cannot perish,” said Ocean City, New Jersey pastor Matthew Maher, who is the founder of the Truth Over Trend ministry. “What we are watching are the cultural pressures of our day that reveal the eternal difference between nominal Christianity and biblical Christianity.”
“And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26)
“By God’s grace alone, Musk is partially right. Bravery is in short supply, but the gates of Hades will not prevail against the true Church,” Maher told Think Eternity via message.
Leadership author and speaker Jon Gordon had this response on X to Musk’s proclamation: “Elon, Christianity will never perish because the Holy Spirit cannot be killed. It is eternal. The more persecuted Christians are, the more the hunger for God grows. We were created for connection and in union with our creator the Holy Spirit gives us the power and courage to take on the evil that tries to divide us. With that said I do agree that we need to take a stand for God and be bold for what is fair and right. Just know, the only way we know what is fair and right is because God is a Just God who put a code or morality inside our spirit and soul. Evil is proof there’s a God that’s good.”
Elon, Christianity will never perish because the Holy Spirit cannot be killed. It is eternal. The more persecuted Christians are the more the hunger for God grows. We were created for connection and in union with our creator the Holy Spirit gives us the power and courage to take… https://t.co/c5wWG6GGgA
— Jon Gordon (@JonGordon11) July 28, 2024
Lee University professor Jason Robinson also believes that Christianity can’t be short-changed when it comes to “survival” of the Church as the Body of Christ.
“To say that Christianity will perish without the courage to stand up for what is just and right misunderstands both the character of Christianity and the promises provided to us in Scripture,” Robinson stated to Think Eternity. “Christianity’s survival depends not just on human courage, but on God's omnipotent plan and infinite power. Jesus assured His disciples that the Church would endure: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (Matthew 16:18, NIV)
He said the promise God made indicates that the Church will continue to survive in spite of misunderstandings or opposition.
“Christians are called to stand up for truth and righteousness,” Robinson stated. “Ephesians 6:13-14 encourages believers to ‘put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.’"
He adds, “Because Christianity is upheld by God's unchanging power and promise, it will always endure. It is our job to hold on to our faith, defend the truthfulness of God's Word, and have faith in His final victory.”
Writer and communications pastor Aaron Hall is also firm on a reliance in an unfailing God.
“The truth is, Christianity won’t perish due to man's failure to stand for truth. The cross of Christ stands firm on its own, for nothing can thwart the Lord's will. Even when human courage falters, the power and sovereignty of God remain unshaken, ensuring that His divine purpose prevails.”
Whether it be in response to a foggy sentiment about Christ followers or the Church, or whether it be in opposition to what is clearly evil, a call for Christians to be more vocal and public in their faith has been made.
“We are in a time of history where the attacks on the people of God and people made in the image of God have intensified so much. The devil is not hiding his plans or his motives,” Think Eternity founder Matt Brown stated. “There is a satanic and sexually perverted agenda being pushed by world leaders on the left.
“While I wholeheartedly agree that nothing can stop God’s plan, gospel or His Church, I also agree that we need to stand up and be counted and take a stand against the evil agendas of our day. Part of God’s plan to push back darkness is through us speaking truth, doing what’s right no matter the consequences.”
Author and pastor Chuck E. Tate agrees with the call on leadership in the Church.
“We must forever preach Christ and Christ crucified,” Tate stated. “As Christian pastors and leaders, let us stand firm in our faith, unashamedly and courageously proclaiming the Gospel with love and conviction. Let it be like fire in our bones. By doing so, we ensure that the light of Christ shines brightly in a world desperately in need of hope and truth.”
Note: The sources used for most of the quotes used for the article above come from members of the Thinke Writing Team for Think Eternity News.
Alex Murashko is a journalist and writing team leader for Think Eternity, a site for powerful faith content to help you live the fulfilled life in Jesus. Murashko is also founder of Media on Mission.
Connect on X (formerly Twitter): @AlexMurashko.