After Elon Musk and Richard Dawkins both recently labeled themselves as “cultural Christians,” evangelist Greg Laurie is encouraging those men—and others with similar views—to “come into a relationship with Christ himself.”
In a video posted to social media, Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, addressed what he called “surprising” statements from Musk, a tech mogul, and Dawkins, an avowed atheist.
“These men are acknowledging the positive effect that Christianity has had in the world, the positive effect that Christianity has on a nation, and the positive effect that Christianity has on a person,” Laurie explained. “So in a way, it’s an acknowledgment of the reality of the truth of the Christian message, the truth of the biblical message, the truth of Christ.”
@jordanbpeterson recently interviewed @elonmusk and Musk declared himself a “Cultural Christian”. Not only that, but well-known atheist Richard Dawkins recently said pretty much the same thing. What is a ‘Cultural Christian?”.
Is it the same as being a true follower of Jesus… pic.twitter.com/BfkGxUI3Hx
— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) August 13, 2024
Cultural Christianity: ‘A Step in the Right Direction’
Being a cultural Christian is only a start, Greg Laurie emphasized. But he said it’s encouraging to hear prominent figures like Musk and Dawkins talking about faith in constructive ways.
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“Of course to be a real Christian, you must call out to Jesus Christ and ask him to be your Savior and your Lord, and admit that you’re a sinner,” said Laurie. “But when someone says they’re a cultural Christian, especially an avowed atheist like Dawkins, or a man of such great influence and innovation and creativity as Elon Musk, I think it’s a step in the right direction.”
“And I would encourage both of them—and anybody else who identifies himself as a cultural Christian—to come into a relationship with Christ himself,” he continued. “That’s what Christianity is.”
Then Laurie shared the gospel message, noting that all other world religions require people to “do,” while Christianity is summed up by the word “done.” Jesus paid for our sins by dying on the cross, accomplishing what we could not.
Citing hymn lyrics, Laurie continued, “Jesus paid it all. All to him I owe. Sin has left a crimson stain. He’s washed it white as snow.”
The pastor concluded, “Being a real Christian, which means having Christ in your life, that’s the ultimate answer.” He urged people to pray for Musk, Dawkins, and “anybody else that is truly searching for truth…that they will find that relationship with God.”
Cultural Christian Label Has Been Trending
Last month, Musk identified himself as a cultural Christian during an interview with Jordan Peterson. Although he’s not “religious,” the Tesla CEO said he’s searched for meaning and is curious. “I do believe that the teachings of Jesus are good and wise,” said Musk. “I’m actually a big believer in the principles of Christianity.”
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