Was Steve Jobs a Christian and Where is He Today?
There is no doubt in the minds of many that Steve Jobs was a brilliant and intuitive visionary that made technology accessible and fun. Never had phones, listening devices and computers been so hip till the introduction of the iPhone, iPod and iMac. However, Jobs is dead and many are left wondering, where is Steve Jobs now?
There has been much speculation about the beliefs of Jobs. Some have asked, “was Steve Jobs was an atheist?” Others followed up with asking “was Steve Jobs a Christian?” Steve Jobs was neither a Christian nor an atheist; Jobs was a Buddhist.
In the early 1970’s Jobs went to liberal arts Reed College, he soon left for India in 1973 in search of enlightenment. In 1974 Jobs returned to California with a shaved head, traditional Indian clothing and a fully fledged Buddhist (source).
While I am sad that such an innovative man is no longer with us, I am sadder that I don’t know if anyone talked to Steve Jobs about Christ. I am left with the question; did anyone try to introduce Steve Jobs to Christ? Did anyone say to him, your innovations are breathtaking, but let me introduce you to the creator of innovation.
I can’t answer that question, but I can tell you that it has reminded me that I need to tell my friends about Christ. Consider what Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. If I wait till they die, I will have waited to long. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring,” Proverbs 27:1. What friends do you have that need to know Christ? No one knows what tomorrow will bring, so tell them today before it becomes a day to late.
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From the author: I wrote this comment below:
I understand not everyone is going to agree with me here and I’m fine with that. How can I expect everyone to agree with me when so many people reject Christ while he was here on earth? I am making a judgement on spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:15), but I am not judging Steve Jobs to hell (1 Cor. 5:13). Rather, I am asking Christians to make the effort to talk to those around them about Christ’s love. The truth is, despite what Mark wrote, Jesus did much and he was very real.
Jesus is very real and through his word he tells us we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God and this sin separates us from His love. However, God loved the world so much that he gave us his one and only unique son, Jesus, to die on the cross and be raised from the grave 3 days later. And, who ever believes in him and confess with their mouth, will not die and go to hell, rather they will have ever lasting life with God in heaven.
It is up to each man to either reject or accept this. Regardless, God loves you and wants a restored relationship with you.
Discuss - 63 Comments
I don’t know, maybe because christ would be a PC guy?
Thankfully Jobs did not waste his life following some old fairytale he actually did something!
I think this article is insulting to his faith. Worry about yourself. He seemed to be quite happy with his faith. He also didn’t need your god to guide him. He was successful on his own.
I am sad about the passing of Steve Jobs, and even a little more sad with the comments above.
I understand not everyone is going to agree with me here and I’m fine with that. How can I expect everyone to agree with me when so many people reject Christ while he was here on earth? I am making a judgement on spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:15), but I am not judging Steve Jobs to hell (1 Cor. 5:13). Rather, I am asking Christians to make the effort to talk to those around them about Christ’s love. The truth is, despite what Mark wrote, Jesus did much and he was very real.
Jesus is very real and through his word he tells us we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God and this sin separates us from His love. However, God loved the world so much that he gave us his one and only unique son, Jesus, to die on the cross and be raised from the grave 3 days later. And, who ever believes in him and confess with their mouth, will not die and go to hell, rather they will have ever lasting life with God in heaven.
It is up to each man to either reject or accept this. Regardless, God loves you and wants a restored relationship with you.
Hey good job at preaching the word of Jesus man. In fact tonight I was weeping the passing of Steve. All the ideas and amazing thoughts that came from steve are really from god. I don’t know where Steve went after his death but he has left a huge mark on this earth. I will forever miss Steve, and I will always be reminded of him with all his products. In the bible Ecclesiastes 3:4 says there is a time to mourn. All of us are in the mourning period for Steve. Lets take this time and remember Steve. Steve said in one of his speeches is that death will happen for all of us we need to accept it. But, more than that the question is will you go to heaven when you die. The truth is that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We are all seperated from God by sin. The good news is God sent his son to die for us he made a way for us into heaven. Don’t miss the opportunity people to accept Jesus Christ into your life. Don’t risk your whole eterniy on your opinions. If you want to ask him into your life call on Jesus he will save you. I know you will not be disapointed.
Wow, you guys are deluded. Look to Steve to see how much you can accomplish in your time alive and make the most in this life which is, as far as can possibly be determined, all we have. That is much healthier than imagining him in a place of eternal torment. BTW if you accept the idea of hell your morality is totally compromised.
It is amazing how stupid and blind these theist are, they always make stupid comments but yet they like to benefit from every atheist and other culture inventions….
I guess we have to wait and see. Even though there are people (Christians) that would assume that he is atheist. I have never heard anything to substantiate it one way or another
I have been doing alot of thinking about Steve Jobs. My son David loved this guy, in fact we all loved him and all his cool apple products. In fact my son had actually ordered a new I phone earlier that day. We spent the rest of the evening watching the news coverage of his life and death. It was just so compelling and hard to pull away from. The thought that kept coming to my mind was now that he is gone, where is this guy gonna spend eternity? He did so much good and awesome stuff during his 56 short years on this earth. His accomplishments were mind blowing. He was a “once in a lifetime” creative-genius type of guy. I mean the guy had everything you could ask for, not to mention that his company had more net worth than the U.S. government!! It reminds me of the verse that says, “what does it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul?” He was a Buddhist, and he missed his opportunity to trust Jesus with his soul. That makes me so sad, because I would have loved to see this guy in Heaven some day. A good lesson to all of us, what the world has to give, even the good stuff like cool technology and wealth, won’t do the trick in the final analysis. Only Jesus saves, and only Jesus satisfies. Eternally. Period.
Who cares what superstitions he followed or didn’t follow? Your god is not important enough to warrant a momernt’s thought. I really think it is time you grew up and took some moral responsibility for yourself instead of repeating bronze age fairy tales of Jeewish zombies.
The spiritual immaturity and emotional insecurity it takes to blog about someone going to hell the day after they die is pretty amazing. Guess what, if there is truth in God being in control, then it’s wise that His followers don’t act like condemnation-opportunists. Too bad the same gusto given this hell-bent blog post wasn’t given to buying airfare up to Silicon Valley and preaching Christ to Steve while he was still with us. Funny how brave bloggers can be.
As far as the hateful anti-Christian comments… I almost think that was the real purpose of this blog post all along.
It’s between God and him where he is now. Only He knows the hearts of men, don’t think we need to speculate.
Don’t forget the false prophets too…those who try to do God’s job. He is the only source, supple and judge of who is to be shown His grace. There’s not a human on this earth who can pick or choose because with God all things are possible. He is the ultimate decider and not a paster, priest or rabbi can do that for Him. Judge and you’ll be likewise judged, pseudo-Christian and other wolves in sheeps’ clothing. {The wolf gets it in the end.}
It isn’t my job to judge or speculate, but I think what Paul is getting at (and the question I need to ask myself) is whether or not I care enough about the people I love to introduce them to Christ. The Bible is clear, “I am the Way the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through Me (Jesus),” Jesus was God – “I and the Father are one.”
The real question is where will you spend eternity. Heavan or Hell. It’s your choice where you want to go. The truth is Jesus is the only way to heaven. And he will save you from your sins of you ask him into your life.
Regardless of whether or not Jobs was a child of the most high God is strictly between him and the Father and as Jesus said: “Let the dead bury the dead.” Let us be concerned with the living and sow the seed of salvation. We have far too many ‘christians’ who believe they are children of the most high God and are not. This is where our energy should be spent. I know of several pseudo-christians on this site that need help; as I said let’s sow the seed of salvation.
Really the point is well made in the article. My grandparents on my mother’s side were both Buddhist (Japanese). When they died, they both had the Buddhist rites, were cremated, and are kept at the temple. I grew up as an Episcopalian. Truth be told, I was never taught the Great Commission. I was a dutiful Episcopalian kid, serving as acolyte, head acolyte, choir member, and usher, joining youth group, going on a mission to Mexico… But I didn’t know until later how much more there was to being a Christian. And that eventually shook my faith. Why? Because I was afraid. Everything seemed to huge and me so small. What was worse, my grandparents by then were dead, and there was nothing I could do about it.
We are ALL called to be responsible Christian leaders, not just the pastors and missionaries. And really, in the end, what would be the point if we were not called to duty? What would be the point of faith? What would be the point of hope? We shouldn’t simply believe but live the belief. We shouldn’t simply love but show our love in action. We shouldn’t “simply” be Christians.
It is not that simple.
I don’t know anything about Jobs’ religious beliefs. So far as I’m concerned, that’s a matter between him and God. But what absolutely floors me is the extravagant outpouring of accolades and mourning for a guy who was basically an entrepreneur in the business of making money. The same day he died, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, one of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, also passed on with barely a mention in the media. Something’s wrong here. I wonder what’s going on? Is it that we feel more connected to our computer toys than the struggle for human rights? Are we such a cybered culture that our entire field of vision has shifted?
Jobs isn’t anywhere. He’s dead. He’s wormfood, which is the ultimate – and only – destination for all of us.
Wanted “DEAD OR ALIVE” every human being God breathed life into. GOD breathed life into. When apple is a dinosaur and the technology hopelessly out of date then what? Another “enlightened soul”? Everything Steve Jobs did in his life is completely insignificant in comparison to the answers to the questions: where did I come from, what am I doing here and where am I going?
Like so many other”geniuses” they simply made time on earth a little more interesting than perhaps it would have been had he not fulfilled his role in life. The legacy is a snapshot in history of technological interest and focus. In any event the idea is to respect his life as with all other lives which are also significant whether recognized by society or not.
I know its seems like a fairytale, but do you have the courage to test your beliefs by hearing one mans experience. If you have the courage click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv8pLUMDVRc If not you can continue in your ignorant cowardice.
I think there is too much glorification of Steve Jobs in the USA he is not worth of. He started the trend but there are far more who led innovation and smart marketing in Apple, especially fantastic product placement. There are great number of other products with the same features as Apple but less expensive and more reliable, to name a few is Samsung, LG or Sony. So why Apple is more expensive than other brands while delivering the same product value? Steve Jobs and his company governed by greed only period.
This article is definitely an insult to his faith. Least he did a lot with his intelligence and can think for himself. Trust in yourself, and not in fairy tale dogma.
When I see comments like the comments above from Christians, I understand why they were thrown to the lions. Arrogance. I’m sorry but God is much bigger than stupid man-made interpretations. Perhaps if Christians lived like Jesus, this would be a better world. Start with yourself. Don’t worry about others.
IF you understand why “they” were thrown to the lions-specifically because -just so your head doesn’t swell up and explode with arrogance- Daniel having correctly interpreted the kings dreams (not of himself and at the Persian King’s request -documented by archeology)) and being made provincial manager in the persian empire- a cause of it-was framed by jealous wannabe’s who “snitched” him out having passed “a new law” for this purpose – which could NOT be rescinded.Just to shrink your head some more did you bother to read what happened to Daniel versus the “snitchers”,he lay down with the Lions and lived and took his punishment and as soon as he was let out the Persian King threw his OWN men in the pit and they died. So tell me how did Jesus live what would you do? Did it ever cross your mind that perfection in holiness is the exclusive domain of the trinity . The way you are going you wont have to worry because you cant even see the need to accept that you are a sinner let alone need to try to do something about it. Go stand on your soap box in the corner and preach your false gospel in the mirror. Being a Christian today is” thornier than you suppose” and basically becoming a Criminal act by nature of man’s laws which are are just as illegal and “framed” as the one’s in Daniel’s days. Still the same result will suffice for me. One FIre for the thorns and another guarding the gateway to the new Jerusalem. Did every firemen put out every fire or every policeman do the right thing did the right side win the battle in every case did the innocents ALL survive. Wake up and smell the coffee Christians who are awake recognize that they are hypocrites and totally fulfill what the Bible(you know that wishy washy weakling book!) says “that ALL have fallen short of the glory of God. Now why not try looking at the sunshine and stop listening to your friends and the TV. Why not question yourself on what it is you are doing to objectively assess what you are doing here. If you are just a blob of flesh and bones and mineral matter then why do you exist at all -you perform no function other than to use up resources which is what a cat or dog or bird or lizard does. If you have the answers then lets hear them! You need to get your heads out of your screens and into the fresh air and realize that if you weren’t supposed to be here you wouldn’t be! Christians don’t need to apologize for their imperfections unless they think they are supposed to be perfect,which is nothing to do with the gospel of Christ.
Paul….. very thought provoking….” No one knows what tomorrow will bring, so tell them today before it becomes a day to late.”…. U hit the nail on its head !!!! I totally agree !!!!
Thank you Paul. Offensive claptrap like this is very useful for getting more people to adopt the atheist position.
Buddhism is much better than what jesus taught.Yoy can check what the buddha said and it is all factus,Unliker you christ.
facts umlike your christ not a good typest
You have to wonder who wrote the gospels.Since the disciples were ignorant fishermen and could neither read or write.On top of that there is no proof of a god!!!
We will all be judged by the light we had. Something tells me that the beautiful smile and amazing brain of Mr. Jobs figured that out long ago and I am pretty sure he now knows Jesus very well. The God of all mercy and kindness clearly allowed Steve to reach out to Him at the last moment,if necessary, and it is time to celebrate, indeed. Good thing our finite brains can’t figure it all out. Way to go, Stevie, good and faithful servant. Now pray for the rest of us!!
Barbara,
If you look at the many studies between religiosity and IQ you’ll see there’s a correlation between a lower IQ and believing in a God. Since we know that Jobs was a smart guy then if you MUST feel the need to second-guess someone then at least look at the statistics.
Steve Jobs was a great man that was created by God. I believe Paul is just wanting us to be aware that we do not know what tomorrow holds and it is up to us believers in Christ to spread his word so all can have everlasting life. Thank you Paul
Good message, Paul. It’s too bad that so many missunderstand the positive love message of your words and the desire, as Christ, that none should perish.
The Bible is very clear as to why Jesus taught in parables. You cannot teach a blind man how to see or a deaf man how to speak. You can however speak the truth in love and obedience and the spirit of the holy of one of Israel will be present and administer justice on behalf of the lamb of God. Ours is not to wonder why but to complete this earthly assignment in whatever capacity Christ has bestowed his mercy upon us. Many will condemn you and you will be persecuted but this is just flesh and bones and to eat of the flesh of the word and to drink of the blood of lamb is know and be part of the body of Christ for all eternity. Only then will we experience the love that surpasses all understanding in complete and holy perfection. Until then we remain sinning idolatrous hypocritical believers in the everlasting promise. A rock tied to an elastic band will always hit you in the face, but let it loose and it will impact beyond your wildest imagination. The rock was released when Jesus arose from the dead and its impact is still rippling through the oceans of humanity until it reaches the ends of the earth.
Why is this a discussion on LinkedIn? This isn’t facebook or Twitter. Just sayin’….
This discussion is perfect for LinkedIn and for people involved in business. That is the mission field for most Christians. It is a place where many lives intersect and give followers of Christ an opportunity to be His witness.
Right on, Paul.
Everyone really wish that he is a Christian, so also with Buddhists.
Fact of the matter is let leave this sensitive topic to God. He is the ultimate Judge.
All of us will stand before Him on our own appointed time to give accounts for everything, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12.
I belies this will settle a lot, don’t you.
God is no fairytale to one of the comments above. You think that and you will see one day when you bow to him everyone will. He is so real go i dare you to try to search for God because he will find you the instant you go looking and change your life forever once you feel the spirit you will believe.
I applaud you for writing this. I believe the Bible one hundred percent and pray for Steve’s family and hope maybe someone shared the gospel with him. Time is short on this earth and nothing on this earth ( even an iphone or ipad ) is worth spending eternity in hell. What we gain here on earth does not go with us, life is but a vapor. We should be ready for the Lords return and in the process share Christ’s love for all people and hope they accept his eternal gift. I know there are people out there who are blinded by truth, but when it’s your time and the days are ending you will think about where you will go and the things of this earth will no longer matter. Please accept the Lord into your heart today! John 3:16 The devil is deceitful and wants people to go to Hell, just ask Jesus to come into your heart and know for sure where you will go when you die before it’s too late!
Jobs was an amazing person, with an amazing mind and amazing leadership skills. We may never know what his spiritual belief system was at the end of life, but the question remains – not for Jobs, but for us – did any Christian have the courage of their convictions to share their faith with him?
The trend of some contributors to this blog indicates that many people religion or faith is an “as you like it” proposition. Whatever you believe or disblieve is OK. It will get you where you want or need to go – in life and after life.
The reality is that Steve Jobs created technology that worked because it followed the laws of physics. Ignoring those laws would have created products that looked great, but never worked. Every “religion” considers itself “mutually exclusive”. That means that each considers itself the best or only way to get to the next level.
While many have made Christianity into their religion, the heart of it is radically different than any other. The heart of Christianity is that mankind seeks its way over God’s way, but God through Jesus provided a way for mankind to come back into a vital and lasting relationship with Him. Everyone, whether a Steve Jobs or a “John Doe” can become spiritually reborn as a child of God.
Christianity provides “laws” of spiritual physics that – like physical ones used in Jobs’ inventions – span nationality, geography, dimensionality and time.
A quote: “Different religions are different doors to the same house. Sometimes I think the house exists, and sometimes I don’t.” ~Steve Jobs
Wow. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the light”…. Unless Steve Jobs accepted the fact that he was a sinner and needed a Savior, you know where he is….We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
2 Cor 5:8 (NKJV) #the “We” means believers of Jesus Christ
Yeah I agree i mean everyone makes mistakes everyday and sins and a lot of times its the same sins before you got saved and that is mankind biggest short coming is sin. But God everyday picks me up i know and gives me a fresh start and shows me how to escape sin through him and he will take it away. I love that I love that I serve a God that does not expect me to work to get to heaven. He expects me to try and believe and love him. Its awesome knowing I am protected and loved by Jesus. Steve was yes an amazing man that God made. But if he did not know Jesus and was saved everything he did and amounted to is completely worthless. To me it seemed his God became technology and how he could invent the next new thing. I catch myself a lot putting friends and others and things before God all the time. But i repent and I try to do better the realization of your shortcomings are key, and the relationship to God. I dont see why anyone would not believe. Why would you not want God on your side, why would you reject peace, blessings, comfort, and endless joy and eternal life. Its sad for the people who dont believe because it breaks my heart. I want every human to feel the joy and peace God brings and how it makes life so so wonderful. I pray every day that for one moment that every one in the world could just stop and listen to Jesus and feel his spirit what an awesome awakening that would be. God bless you all
Its interesting that those who mock theism and Christ, dont give evidence for their claims. The preponderance of evidence points towards a creator who made everything, every effect has a cause-and who has revealed himself in Christ. Christ claimed to be the Son of God, not just a good teacher, and backed up his claim through his: sinless life, miraculous deeds and most importantly, his resurrection from the dead. The N.T documents which accurately record what happened bear this out. Either Jesus was Lord, a Liar or a lunitic. He was not a legend! You must choose.
An atheist is saying there is no credible evidence for believing in a God. It is the theist who is making the claim and therefore the burden of proof is on them. It staggers me how many theists think they’re the first to say; “Prove God doesn’t exist”. That’s not how life works. For everything we believe we look at the available evidence and make a decision.
In answer to; Lord, Liar or Lunatic. I would say he was a lunatic – or to put it more kindly since we no longer use the term ‘lunatic’ (well, not in the civilised world) i’d say he was mentally unstable.
Their is more available that God does exist its obvious. I can not see why you would not believe. Who do you think created you, who was the first human, who made the universe. No your wrong someone who believes in God knows he exists by his presence, through creation, and through the blessings,. How can you know that God is not real until you try it. Ask God to save you and see how your life changes, if you really mean it and confess your sins you will feel the spirit like you have never experienced. If nothing changes then you can say i am wrong and God does not exist. But you should atleast try.
I tried all that when I was young. Guess what? Nothing happened.
Want to take a guess at why? You’ve got it. There is no God.
Don’t let your ignorance of science be filled by irrational beliefs. The cosmological argument is boring. Try again.
You did not try it i bet it was with your parents in a traditional church that was more interested in dressing up and hanging out than praising God. I see it all the time people go to church as a tradition or just to say i go to church. I have been there and done that until i actually realized knowing God is a relationship, you cant even prove God does not exist when their are so many accounts he does but HAHA my lack of science i am a major of it. I know it , but hey if you want to think we came from well evolution, bacteria(mitochondria theory), or just appeared here go ahead. What a waste humanity would be if we came from that and how pointless living life for no reason. But hey let the devil shut your eyes tod God you will realize it one day if you want to or not. Its real God bless you have a wonderful day i will be praying for you.