Tennessee Pastor Urges Violence Against Elon Musk, Claims It’s “The Christian Thing to Do” – Musk Fires Back

Dr. Steve Caudle, a pastor at Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church, told his congregation that Christians have "no other choice but to get violent and fight" against Elon Musk and the staff of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Pastor Caudle appeared to frame those who are trying to save taxpayer funds and hold government fiscally accountable as an act of evil.

Following a brief discussion about the Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Caudle shifted his focus to his sermon titled “The Violent Kingdom.” Citing the Book of Matthew, he used the opportunity to criticize the Trump Administration and DOGE.

“I’ll say to you, beloved, no one likes violence, but sometimes violence is necessary,” Caudle said. “When Elon Musk forces his way into the United States Treasury and threatens to steal your personal information and your social security check, there is the possibility of violence.”

“Sometimes the Devil will act so ugly that you have NO CHOICE but to get violent and fight!” he added.

When given a chance to reconsider his words, the pastor not only stood by his statement but also attempted to justify it using Jesus Christ.

“Well, someone might say, ‘Reverend, you shouldn’t be talking about violence, this is the Christian thing to do,’” Caudle declared. “I say, well, why not talk this way? Because Jesus did.”

Elon Musk responded to the controversial remarks, stating, “This tells me that he is trying to hide MASSIVE fraud.”

There's no evidence at this time that pastor Caudle is receiving any federal subsidies or kickbacks from USAID. Pastor Caudle has a Master's of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Throughout his career, Dr. Caudle has been involved with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was a founding member of the Polk Ecumenical Action Council for Empowerment (PEACE), a congregation-based group focused on justice initiatives.

The verse Dr. Caudle is referencing is Matthew 11:12, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it."

This is a complex and profound passage that taken out of context can lead to all sorts of bad theology. To avoid making this a commentary rather than a news article, let's do this. Jesus scolded Peter for chopping off the ear of a man who was trying to arrest Jesus. Then Jesus healed the man. Jesus also told us to gouge out our eye if it causes us to sin. Was the Son of Man joking?

Rather than take the bait that this pastor is fishing with, consider this. The mission of DOGE is to audit the spending of the federal government so the American people can know how their hard-earned money is being spent. Fiscal responsibility is a Biblical principle. So, the premise of Dr. Caudle's argument is deeply flawed. And yet, this is a man who is politically active. He knows better.

And if that doesn't provide truthful context for his comments, I doubt if reading a commentary of Matthew 11:12 on what Jesus really meant by "violent people have been raiding it," will help.

But if you are interested, here's a bit from Charles Spurgeon to get you started.

In a sermon on Matthew 11:12, titled Holy Violence, Charles Spurgeon emphasizes the idea that entering the Kingdom of Heaven requires earnestness, persistence, and spiritual struggle. He interprets "violence" as a metaphor for intense determination in seeking God, rather than physical aggression. Spurgeon encourages believers to be bold, resolute, and unwavering in their pursuit of faith, warning against complacency. He highlights the necessity of prayer, self-discipline, and reliance on God's grace. Read the full sermon here: Blue Letter Bible.