Tesla, Politics, and the Gospel
I have a confession to make: I drive a Tesla. A few years ago, this would have made me a progressive hero. Now? Some folks don’t know whether to high-five me or side-eye me in suspicion. Just kidding, I am being dramatic.
Why? Because somehow, driving a Tesla has become a political statement.
Not long ago, Tesla was the crown jewel of progressive politics—a symbol of environmental responsibility, innovation, and the push for a greener future. Liberals praised Elon Musk as a modern-day Tony Stark, leading the charge against Big Oil. Meanwhile, many conservatives saw EVs as overhyped, government-subsidized toys for the elite.
Fast forward to today, and the script has flipped. Now, liberals despise Musk. His stance on free speech, his public fights with progressives, and his collaborations with conservative policies have turned him into a villain in their eyes. Some have even called for regulating or boycotting Tesla. And in an ironic twist, conservatives—who once mocked electric cars—are now buying Teslas and defending Musk as a champion of free thought.
But beyond the humor and irony, this situation reveals something more profound about human nature—something that ties back to Jesus Himself.
Tesla’s shifting perception isn’t really about the car. It’s about tribal loyalty.
People aren’t evaluating Tesla based on its technology or whether it’s a good car. They’re evaluating it based on who they think Elon Musk supports politically. If he’s “one of us,” then Tesla is great. If he’s “one of them,” then Tesla is terrible.
This is the same kind of thinking the Bible warns against. "Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save." (Psalm 146:3).
It’s the same mindset that led people to cheer for Jesus one moment and crucify Him the next.
If anyone should have been universally loved, it was Jesus. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and taught truth with perfect wisdom. And yet, He was rejected.
The same people who shouted “Hosanna!” when He entered Jerusalem were screaming “Crucify Him!” just days later. Why? Because He didn’t fit their expectations. The religious leaders hated Him because He exposed their hypocrisy. The political leaders feared Him because He wouldn’t be controlled. Even some of His followers abandoned Him when they realized He wasn’t leading a revolution against Rome.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." (John 15:18)
Jesus’ story reminds us that human allegiance is fickle. One day, you’re a hero; the next, you’re an enemy. One day Tesla is a progressive icon, the next it’s a right-wing status symbol. And in both cases, the car didn’t change—people’s tribal instincts did.
So, where does that leave me—the Tesla-driving, tech-loving observer of culture? Should I sell my car because some people think it makes me look progressive? Or should I buy a second one to confuse people even more:)
More importantly, how should we, as Christians, approach cultural trends like this? Here are a few biblical principles:
Proverbs 18:17 says, “The first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.” Don’t follow the cultural narrative just because it’s popular. Think critically.
James 3:17 reminds us, “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” If our opinions shift just because our political side says so, we’re not being wise—we’re being manipulated.
Genesis 1:28 calls us to steward creation well. If an electric vehicle helps do that, great. But if I start thinking my car makes me morally superior (or inferior), I’ve lost sight of what really matters.
The world will always find new heroes to praise and new villains to destroy. But our identity is not in cultural trends—it’s in Christ. His truth doesn’t change. His kingdom isn’t about political sides.
Jesus walked the narrow path—not swayed by the shifting opinions of the crowd, but staying focused on His mission. That’s our calling, too.
So whether you drive a Tesla, a pickup truck, or an old minivan with a bumper sticker that says Honk if you love Jesus—don’t let the world’s tribalism dictate your thinking. Let wisdom guide you. Let truth shape your decisions. And most of all, let your identity be rooted in Christ, not in the latest cultural battle.
As for me? I’ll keep driving my Tesla. And if people want to judge me for it, I’ll just smile. What do you think? Have you seen this kind of political tribalism play out in other areas? Let’s keep the conversation going.