As we watch our nation and the world react to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, what does it all tell us? Do some of us remain in shock? Are we shedding tears over such a tragedy, or are some even celebrating that this man is no longer with us?
Maybe it’s time to look in the mirror and see what we discover about ourselves. In that stillness, feeling the weight of the world, I wait to understand my place in it. In the meantime, I will attempt to offer my perspective as we all navigate our lives in the times ahead. I hope this article, though somewhat long, will offer a helpful perspective for us all.
National and Global Responses
Charlie Kirk’s assassination on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, Utah, September 10, triggered a seismic wave of grief, introspection, challenges to our faith, and political reckoning across the globe. This was to be his first stop of his American Comeback Tour. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:23 p.m. MDT, forever altering the history of our nation.
The 31-year-old devoted Christian, conservative activist, and founder of Turning Point USA was known for mobilizing young people around free speech and conservative values. He was also a devoted husband and father to two precious young ones. His death caused widespread shock in America and elicited reactions from national and global leaders as well as those in most every community and neighborhood.
From President Trump to former Presidents Clinton, Obama, and Biden condemned the violence and called for civility. President Trump described Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom,” while former President Clinton urged Americans to “go through some serious introspection.” Leaders from Italy, France, Hungary, and the UK expressed deep sorrow. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni called it “an atrocious murder, a deep wound for democracy,” while British PM Keir Starmer lamented the loss of a young father.[i]
Concerns Rising
Kirk’s assassination during a campus event also amplified debates about the safety of public discourse in academic settings. Many are questioning whether universities can ever again be bastions of safe, open dialogue. While some suggest there will be fewer outdoor political events, others are saying they are going to expand them. If the latter occurs, security will undoubtedly be heightened for public figures.
Kirk’s death has also become a rallying point for populist movements in Europe, declaring multitudes have awakened. Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán blamed “international hate campaigns,” and French far-right leaders condemned “dehumanizing rhetoric” from the left. Former NBA champion Andrew Bogut amplified Australian reactions, highlighting how even politically neutral citizens are now discussing public safety and freedom of expression.[ii]
Yet, there are those, such as The Southern Poverty Law Center, who are “…comparing the largest conservative grassroots youth organization to the Ku Klux Klan, adding Turning Point USA to its ‘hate map’ that plots KKK chapters and claims to expose ‘the groups upholding white supremacy in the United States.’”[iii] Then add any other number of conservative organizations, such as Moms for Liberty. There appears to be no bridge to help us cross over this divide.
Students tend to mirror this ideological divide on campus. When attempting to understand the motivations of both sides, one can only observe the behavior of those who support their side. According to a 2022 survey from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), “Almost two times the number of liberal students think that there are justifiable cases to silence speech compared to conservatives. A similar ratio emerges when asked about trying to block other students from attending a talk (31% of liberals compared to 15% of conservatives), as well as the legitimacy of using violence to stop the expression of ideas.”[iv]
Just consider past events by both sides and the overall reaction to Kirk’s assassination. Are buildings being burned down and by whom? Are people accosted in the streets? Is violence being justified by word and deed? Or do you notice those possibly on both sides saddened and even heartbroken, reaching out, seeking a way to bring healing and safety to all? Perhaps, there are more heartfelt prayers taking place?
Are We Victims of a Soundbite Culture?
Kirk’s death has become a mirror for how we consume information. Are we judging people based on viral clips and headlines from our tribe, rather than engaging with ideas respectfully, deeply, and personally? This moment is more than a tragedy—it’s a challenge. To reflect. To listen. To resist the pull of instant judgment. And maybe, then we will rediscover the courage to reason for ourselves.
Barry York in his Gentler Reformation The Church and Kirk post asks us to “…Be prepared to answer it honestly. Did Charlie Kirk make regretful statements? Yes. In his youthful zeal, did Charlie Kirk hurt some people with his rhetoric? Yes. Did Charlie Kirk sometimes misrepresent others’ positions? Yes. Do you disagree with some of Charlie Kirk’s positions? Yes. Do you believe some of Charlie Kirk’s theology was flawed, as he was a professing Christian? Yes.”[v]
York continues with, “If I substituted my name or yours in the above questions where Charlie Kirk’s name appears, would your answers differ? I hope not, for you would be measuring your life by a different standard than you use for his. From the statements he made, I also believe Charlie would have answered those questions with the same answers I gave. It is uncharitable for Christians to find a clip or two from the thousands of video hours where Kirk was recorded and then judge the whole of his life based upon it.”[vi] May I also include anyone of any persuasion with York’s words to answer honestly?
What do we believe, and Where is our faith in all this?
Kirk’s death has reignited debates about the role of religion in public life. Supporters see him as a martyr for truth, while critics wrestle with the implications of mixing faith and politics so openly. Leaders in Europe and Australia responded not only to the political loss but to the silencing of a religious voice. His unapologetic Christianity resonated with populist movements abroad that also seek to reassert traditional values.
This impact has not only shaken political and cultural spheres—it’s awakened and pierced the heart of a movement deeply rooted in faith. His evangelical Christian worldview wasn’t just a personal conviction. It was the lens through which he understood every facet of society, whether government, education, family, healthcare, and beyond.
Kirk often said he wanted to be remembered ‘for courage for my faith’ above all else. His Christianity was not compartmentalized—it was foundational. He viewed the Bible as a blueprint for moral governance, family structure, and civic responsibility. In 2022, Kirk launched Turning Point Faith, a branch of his Turning Point USA organization, aimed at helping churches re-engage with civic life. He believed that America’s moral decline stemmed from a retreat from biblical values.
Whether debating college students or speaking at Dream City Church in Phoenix, Kirk quoted both the Old and New Testaments to affirm the equal dignity of all people. Anyone could come to the mic and voice their opinion or position, knowing that neither he nor the person at the mic were perfect in any way. For some, “…his brash style and controversial remarks made him hard to hear. Some saw a prophetic voice; others saw a provocateur. Some saw a man growing in grace and maturity; others saw a culture warrior who played too close to the edge.”[vii] Yet, his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ campus tours invited students of all beliefs to challenge him on theology, politics, and philosophy. Kirk, during times of calm dialogue and heated emotion, always got someone’s attention and advocated for critical thinking and common sense. Even California Governor Newsom’s thirteen years old son was a fan.[viii]
For those curious enough, look at what Jesus and his apostles experienced in their lifetimes of being a voice in the wilderness and to the powerful. You may just find some interesting parallels. Kirk wanted to simply ensure Christian morals would have a voice and could advise lawmaking and public policy. He viewed this as a return to the values of the Founding Fathers, whom he deemed were deeply influenced by biblical principles. Those principles safeguarded freedom of all religions and faiths, not freedom from religion.
As a protestant, Kirk strived to build bridges with other denominations and faiths. He thrived on debating theological differences and emphasized unity across denominations in defense of shared Judeo-Christian values. That diversity in unity is being seen in churches and particularly young ones across the country and world holding vigils and stepping up to carry Kirk’s legacy.[ix]
Questions Stirring in the Wake
Are We Losing the Ability to Disagree Peacefully? Many are asking whether political rhetoric has become so toxic that violence feels inevitable, even justified. Former President Bush warned against treating political opponents as enemies. The assassination has prompted soul-searching about whether society still values open debate, after decades of ideological conformity being enforced through intimidation, particularly by the far left. Yet, Charlie Kirk consistently encouraged those who held differing viewpoints to engage in ‘Let’s talk’ forums, ‘Prove Me Wrong’ sessions, and personal conversations.
Are we losing the courage to live out our beliefs publicly? Charles Colson, a former Nixon advisor turned Christian apologist, warned Western society was trading conviction for convenience. His words echo today as many believers wrestle with fear of public backlash. Solzhenitsyn, in his 1978 Harvard commencement address, listed a litany of woes facing the West: the loss of courage and will, the addiction to comfort, the abuse of freedom, the capitulation of intellectuals to fashionable ideas.[x]
Can faith still shape public life without coercion, punishment, or even violence? Charles Colson also stated, “If secularists understood correctly the nature of Christian public duty, they would not fear, but welcome responsible Christian political involvement.”[xi] This quote affirms faith-based engagement in politics need not be coercive—it can be principled, respectful, and rooted in service. Colson argued that Christians should influence society not by force, but by example and moral clarity.
Have we become so reactive to soundbites from our tribe that we no longer seek truth with humility, depth, and open dialogue? Bruce Ashford offered in his Letters to an American Christian “What we need is not the dogmatic virulence of political correctness but the respect and decency of public civility.” Ashford, a theologian and political thinker, directly challenges the soundbite culture. His call for civility is a reminder that truth-seeking requires due diligence, patience, humility, and a willingness to listen beyond slogans that twist and filter out of context what people say. We may then also demonstrate we genuinely care for our neighbors and strangers alike, even when truth is hard to hear from either side.[xii]
Kirk’s death is forcing many to confront all these questions—not just about politics, but about the soul of a nation and the spiritual foundations of Western civilization. His death is not just a tragedy—it’s a challenge to reexamine how we engage with Truth, grace, and public witness.
God’s Redemptive Perspective
As we travel through this tragic season, let’s offer each other a lens of hope and God-given purpose.
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Romans 8:28 AMP
When we embrace these words, especially in tragedy, God is not absent. He is actively weaving healing and redemption through sorrow and tragedy. Even when we don’t understand the ‘whys’, with eyes willing to see, look around your neighborhood and community of young and old. You will find Him comforting, working His Truth, justice, and transforming lives. One thing I know—God refuses to let evil have the final word.
In this moment, are you sensing:
- A call to courage: To live out faith publicly, not with aggression, but with love, conviction and grace.
- A refining of motives: To ask whether our political and cultural engagement is truly rooted in love, or in fear and tribalism.
- A deeper hunger for truth: To move beyond soundbites and slogans and seek wisdom with humility.
Even when sorrow weighs heavy and hope feels distant, God’s love to share remains a steady flame—not just for quiet comfort, but for bold truth in the public square. In the shadows of grief, He is still crafting a redemptive story with your name on it.
We are all on that journey of discovery. You’re invited to turn the page, step into the story, and find the purpose He’s placed within it. I will do the same. And guess who knows—we just may find our stories intertwining along the way.
[i] McFall, Caitlin. Charlie Kirk mourned by world leaders after shocking Utah assassination. Fox News Updated September 11, 2025 9:50am EDT.
[ii] McFall. Ibid.
[iii] O’Neil, Tyler. Southern Poverty Law Center Puts Largest Conservative Grassroots Youth Group on ‘Hate Map’ With Klan Chapters. Daily Signal. May 24, 2025.
[iv] Abrams, Samuel J. Critical Differences in Protesting Between Liberals and Conservatives. Here’s Why. American Enterprise Institute. FoxNews. June 20, 2023.
[v] York, Barry. The Church and Kirk. Gentler Reformation. September 15, 2025.
[vi] York. Ibid.
[vii] Troutt, Seth. How Should Pastors Respond to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination? Christianity Today-CT Pastors. September 12, 2025.
[viii] Schorr, Isaac. Gavin Newsom Telling Charlie Kirk His Son Wanted to Skip School to Meet Him. Media Ite. September 11, 2025.
[ix] Simon, Luke. Why Charlie Kirk Landed with Young Men Like Me. Christianity Today, September 18, 2025.
[x] Colson, Charles W. God & Government: An Insider’s View on the Boundaries Between Faith & Politics.
[xi] Colson. Ibid.
[xii] Ashford, Bruce. Faith and Politics: 5 Quotes from Bruce Ashford’s Letters to an American Christian. Center for Faith and Culture. July 11, 2019.
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