Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter was widely applauded this week by Christian and social conservative communities, with many expressing hope that the acquisition will lead to a more free and open exchange of certain ideas that – in the past – have led some individuals to be banned.
Musk purchased the social media site for $44 billion.
In recent months, Twitter has placed severe restrictions on what can be said about biological sex and transgenderism, essentially prohibiting users from stating what Scripture teaches.
Concerned Women for America celebrated the news, noting that its CEO, Penny Nance, had her Twitter account locked for calling Penn swimmer Lia Thomas a "man." Thomas is a biological male who identifies as a transgender woman.
"A great day for #FreeSpeech!" CWFA wrote in a tweet after Musk's purchase was announced.
A great day for #FreeSpeech!
— Concerned Women for America LAC (@CWforA) April 25, 2022
Now if @PYNance could get her account back...https://t.co/jlvpb7DINX
"@elonmusk It's time to clean house!" CWFA wrote in another tweet.
.@elonmusk it's time to clean house! @PYNance should not be in twitter jail for calling a biological man, a man. https://t.co/6xCCsQD1Cw
— Concerned Women for America LAC (@CWforA) April 25, 2022
Musk, in a statement, said "free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy" and that he wants Twitter to be the "digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated."
The editors of National Review, a publication that promotes social conservative positions, wished Musk success. The editors expressed hope that Twitter – under Musk – would be fair to both sides and could see improvement.
"Twitter's format destroys nuance, encourages hyperbole, and all but begs its users to form mobs. That it has become as popular as it has among the opinion-making class cannot be a good thing in the long run," National Review's editors wrote. "But it is here now, and the important question is whether it can be made better than it currently is. Elon Musk clearly believes that it can and says that he looks 'forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock' its potential. Godspeed."
Grant R. Castleberry, senior pastor of Capital Community Church in Raleigh, N.C., said he believes Musk's purchase will be positive for Christians.
"Elon Musk buying Twitter will ensure that Christians have access to a medium to share the gospel uninhibited for many years to come," Castleberry tweeted. "Like the Roman Roads of 2,000 years ago, this is something to praise God for."
Elon Musk buying Twitter will ensure that Christians have access to a medium to share the gospel uninhibited for many years to come.
— Grant R. Castleberry (@grcastleberry) April 25, 2022
Like the Roman Roads of 2,000 years ago, this is something to praise God for. #ElonMuskTwitter
Some, though, urged caution.
"I hope you are right," tweeted Griffin Gulledge, pastor of Madison (Ga.) Baptist Church in response to Castleberry. "I remember a day when Zuckerberg was talking about open societies and free speech as well… I'm gonna wait and see."
Elon Musk buying Twitter will ensure that Christians have access to a medium to share the gospel uninhibited for many years to come.
— Grant R. Castleberry (@grcastleberry) April 25, 2022
Like the Roman Roads of 2,000 years ago, this is something to praise God for. #ElonMuskTwitter
Related:
Elon Musk Purchases Stock in Twitter, Becomes Largest Share Holder
Elon Musk Will Not Join Twitter's Board of Directors, CEO Says
Elon Musk Submits Offer to Purchase Twitter
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Pool/Pool
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
