What is accelerationism? What is accelerationism in a Christian context?

Accelerationism is a philosophical and political concept that contends the best way to bring about change is to speed up the problems in society so that everything collapses faster, and then something new and better can be built afterward. It is most often seen in political groups who oppose the currently enacted system. They seek to sabotage it, expediting its demise, so that their preferred system could then be implemented. Accelerationism is often the political philosophy behind groups that are calling for revolution. White supremacist groups are known for employing accelerationist tactics.

In a Christian context, some seek to apply accelerationism to the end times. The Bible tells us that Jesus will return to judge the world and establish His kingdom. The Bible also teaches that the world will continue to get worse and worse before Jesus’ return (see 2 Timothy 3:1-7). As a result, some wonder, “Should Christians try to make the world get worse so that Jesus comes back sooner?” This is where the idea of “Christian accelerationism” sometimes shows up. This line of thinking, though, is incompatible with God’s Word.

First, Christians are not called to make sin, wickedness, and immorality spread faster. Jesus said in Matthew 5:13–14 that those who follow Him are to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” Salt in the ancient world was used to keep food from rotting, and light pushes back darkness. Believers are supposed to slow down the spread of evil, not speed it up. We are meant to show the world the goodness of Christ in how we live, not celebrate the world’s downward spiral.

Sometimes people point to 2 Peter 3:12, which talks about “waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” But Peter is not saying that we should make the world worse to hurry up Christ’s return. Just a few verses earlier, in 2 Peter 3:9, he explains that God delays judgment to give people more time to repent: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” The way Christians “hasten” God’s day is not through accelerating the world’s descent into wickedness, but by living holy lives and proclaiming the gospel.

Romans 12:21 also makes this clear: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” If Christians were to adopt accelerationism, they would actually be partnering with evil instead of overcoming it. Paul and the other apostles encourage believers to live in a way that shows the truth and power of Christ, not to give in to the decay of the world.

Finally, accelerationism forgets God’s sovereignty over history. In Acts 1:7, Jesus tells His disciples, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” The timing of Christ’s return rests in the Father’s hands, not ours. Human rebellion or sin will never control God’s sovereign timing.

Accelerationism in a Christian context is the mistaken belief that we should expedite the world’s falling apart so God’s plan moves more quickly. The Bible teaches the opposite. Christians are called to be faithful witnesses, to stand against evil, and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ while we patiently long for His return. We can’t accelerate His return by adding to the darkness of this world (1 John 1:7).