I was rattled today at the news that Charlie Kirk had been martyred while speaking at one of his signature outdoor rallies at the Utah Valley University campus. At 31, the political conservative activist leaves behind a wife and two young children, as well as the nationwide organization Turning Point USA that he founded. I would like to share some brief thoughts on this news, and how my opinion of Charlie has evolved over the years.
Few people (even conservatives like myself) could say they agreed with Charlie Kirk on everything. In the earlier days of his rise to political commentary, I did not care for his approach and tactics. While I agreed with him on several key issues, such as pro-life, small government, border security, capitalism, the nuclear family, and gender identity, it was his approach that always put me off toward him. He was often inflammatory, confrontational, hurtful, and divisive when there was no need to be. It gave me the impression that he was more interested in the shock-jock tactics of previous political pundits like Rush Limbaugh, more so than actually persuading people to his views. And as he was an outspoken professing Christian, I found these tactics very un-Christlike.
But my opinion of him softened over the past few years as I continued listening to him. It helps to realize that he was in his mid-20s as he was finding his voice and doing many of the things I found distasteful, even while agreeing with many of his underlying principles. He grew to absorb personal attacks with grace. He sought to give those who disagreed with him a chance to “prove him wrong” or at least enter into civil debates. He respected opponents who behaved respectfully. He fearlessly engaged the next generation, and appealed to literal millions below the age of 25. He openly shared the Gospel, and encouraged everyone to consider Christ for themselves.
I watched him graciously deal with people who disagreed with him, show a spine when people did not want to have civil discourse, and, through it all, maintain a deep love for our country and what it could be if we upheld certain values. I still found his choice of wording and views unsavory at times. I don’t like calling people “illegals” even if they are within our country “illegally”. I know from experience that people’s immigration status is often far more nuanced than this, and calling them such is placing labels that do not actually solve the immigration problem or “love the foreigners” within our nation. He never liked Juneteenth for some reason, even though in all respects, it should be a Republican holiday; which I find is a powerful part of our nation’s story, and a healthy reminder of what problems and evils we can still overcome. These were things I felt would have added more value to Charlie’s efforts. And while I assert that our nation was founded upon Christian values, we are not a “Christian nation.” Jesus died for a Kingdom that is not of this world. And of His rule and government there will be no end (Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus). And let’s not even get into our differences on Donald Trump…
Despite some of these earlier dislikes toward him, I found myself liking and agreeing with him more and more as he matured over the years. Remember, he died today at only 31. I know I don’t want everything I said in my 20s held against me forever! I’d like to think I’ve grown more tactful and persuasive over time, also. What no one can deny is that he was a force of nature. His ability to connect, mobilize, and empower the next generation of adults is something never seen outside of maybe Taylor Swift. He was a strong defender of the Constitution, namely the 1st Amendment. Most importantly, Charlie was a follower of Christ. And even his opponents knew the foundation of his life was Jesus. He was by no means perfect, but I feel a deep sense of grief and loss over him today. As my brother in Christ, it pains me to see one of our own publicly murdered for what he believed. I grieve for the vacuum his absence is going to create. I grieve for how I think he would have continued to mature and grow as a man, leader, and Christian over the next few years, and what we will now miss. I grieve for his wife and two young children, who were there when it happened, and will never forget the day they watched their father die right in front of them.
I have already seen a dozen or more people on social media celebrating this tragedy. My own sin nature wants to lash out in anger and disgust that any human being with a soul could find joy in what happened to Charlie today. But I know we live in a sick world, and I choose to believe such people are in the overwhelmingly small percentage of people. And then I think of the shooter who is still at large as of my writing of this.
As a pastor and a Christian, here is what I would say to all such people, whether involved in his death or celebrating it… we forgive you. Many of you may reject the idea of needing forgiveness for feeling the way you do, but I extend it all the same. We are commanded by Jesus to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully abuse you.” Charlie is by no means the first, and he will certainly not be the last. And if the death of Charlie Kirk were to result in even one more person receiving the forgiveness of God, and becoming reconciled to Him through Christ, I know Charlie himself would be grateful for it.
Charlie… may your soul rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May your loved ones find comfort in the grace of our Lord. May the Gospel ever shine brighter through us as we respond to a broken world. May we all live our lives with the passion and purpose you lived. And should we pay the same price for doing so, may we hear “well done, good and faithful servant” on the other side.
Blessings,
Pastor John