Updated September 13, 2025
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed this week while speaking at a university in Utah. The 31-year-old was fielding questions on his “Prove Me Wrong” tour when he was shot in the neck and rushed to the hospital. The popular podcaster, campus speaker, and friend of President Trump and Vice President Vance had markedly mobilized political conservatism on college campuses. Kirk was an outspoken Christian. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Reactions to the shooting have ranged from gleeful to vengeful to numb. Even as public figures have condemned the violence and urged calm, many they purport to influence are not listening. Read a comments section, and you’ll likely see celebrations of the murder even as others vow retribution.
The sickening footage of the shooting, reaction videos of tiktokers dancing with delight, an icy wave of anxiety over a nation who hoped we were better than this—how should we as Christians process all that’s happening here?
To order our chaotic thoughts, we think it’s helpful to consider what’s happening in terms of three overlapping dimensions. First, a gunman took a human life. Second, a fractured society reels from a fresh laceration. Third, as always, a spiritual war rages, coopting and conscripting human actions toward life or death.
Let’s pause to think about this tragedy in each of these dimensions.
The Personal Dimension
Death is at core a separation. By killing Kirk, this gunman separated Kirk’s wife from her husband and his two kids from their dad. Death separates body from soul. This death also separates a mass movement, Turning Point USA, from its leader. Thankfully, because Kirk was a believer in Jesus, these senseless separations rebounded in reunion with God in heaven.
Whether you appreciated Kirk’s politics and persuasion tactics or not, all can admit he was uniquely powerful in his ability to invite debate, influence elections, and carve space for conservatives on college campuses. When I (Bobby) discussed Kirk’s death with young college students in my church, they remarked how he had made it safe for them to hold evangelical and biblical beliefs when no one else in popular culture was doing so. Conservatives admire the magnitude of his youthful accomplishments even as they grieve the decades more that might have been.
“Conservatives admire the magnitude of his youthful accomplishments even as they grieve the decades more that might have been.”
The Political Dimension
Another dimension affected by this murder is the social-political arena, infused now with a fresh fog of anxious questions. How will the coming anger from the right manifest? Will there be copycat assassinations lurking around the next event? Will right and left predictably spiral into the hatefulness that makes more violence inescapable? Will open debate between progressives and conservatives, something for which Kirk died, die with him?
Everybody allowed on the news shows and podcasts quickly denounces the murder, so that’s good. Just as quickly, though, some have implied that Kirk brought this on himself through voicing his political and theological conservatism. Reports indicate that antifascist ideology, for example, has been found engraved on ammunition inside the shooter’s rifle, and Kirk was shot while fielding a question about mass shootings by transgender people.[1] These “yeah it’s wrong, but” responses portray Kirk’s death as eye-for-eye because he debated controversial issues from a conservative perspective. For that accusation to seem plausible, how lopsided must our political discourse be!
Amid the fear, some are predicting hopeful outcomes, if only to somehow speak the nation above its gravitational trajectory. Perhaps, as one columnist put it, “Colleges should host a series of Kirk debates.”[2] Or perhaps, Kirk’s murder can be a catalyst that “will expose the desperation of the old and failed consensus that Kirk opposed.”[3] Perhaps, as some pundits put it, tritely but hopefully, this can be a time for the nation to come together. Such wishes might seem like asking for the miraculous, though, and politics is as earth-bound as it gets. Unless we turn our attention to a higher dimension, we’re left with anxious questions with near-inevitable answers.
“Unless we turn our attention to a higher dimension, we’re left with anxious questions with near-inevitable answers.”
The Spiritual Dimension
There is more going on in our world regarding the demonic than many of us admit. Both the books of Daniel and Revelation describe how Satan and demons can have power and authority over governmental systems (e.g., Daniel 10:20; Revelation 13:2). It seems our nation is experiencing increasingly intense spiritual warfare that runs deeper than any political rivalry. We believe a major focus in this warfare is a battle over our beliefs and values as a society (for more on the spiritual war of ideas, see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
While political violence sparks an eagerness to suspect motives and affix blame, Christians are called to recognize a deeper dimension. The apostle Paul put it this way:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12, NIV)
Every society is framed by a particular worldview or set of worldviews, and our nation is influenced and partially framed by Judeo-Christian values. We have been moving away from some of those foundational worldview commitments for decades, and it makes sense that there would be spiritual warfare over which values we will base ourselves and our society upon.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Charlie Kirk grounded his fundamental posture and work in his faith in Jesus and the gospel, even if imperfectly. He claimed that, though his political and ethical positions could be arrived at through reason and wisdom, for him they were rooted in his Christian faith. It’s true that people’s faith in Jesus can lead them to different political conclusions and methods of persuasion. But insofar as Kirk’s positions and postures were framed by his Christian faith, we ought to consider what our spiritual enemy had to gain from the silencing of this influential voice.
Many outcomes for Christians could serve our enemy’s interests. For example, if Kirk’s murder discourages Christians from taking their convictions into the public square. Or if there are fewer Christians willing to dialogue over difficult questions. Or if Christians let our hatred of murder (something we ought to hate) morph into hatred of people—whom Christ never gives us permission to hate. Or if Christians fixate on the grotesque and provocative so much that they forget to pray. Or if they feverishly scroll through soundbites to find answers they’ll only discover by meditating on Scripture. Or if they grieve the wrong way: without hope.
In this all-influential spiritual dimension, many outcomes would count as a win for our enemy. That’s why, when tempted to let sinful impulses guide us into becoming part of the problem, we must think clearly. We must submit to the Lord and devote our steps to Him.
“In this all-influential spiritual dimension, many outcomes would count as a win for our enemy.”
What kinds of steps might He lead you to? You might pray for a spirit of courage and wisdom that refuses to let your Christian convictions go silent. You might ask God for increased opportunities to share your hope with lost people. Disciple a young person. Call to encourage someone you know is struggling. Befriend a political rival and pray God’s blessings on him or her.
In this frightening cultural moment, let’s each of us prayerfully pursue an outcome that doesn’t give our enemy a win.
[1] Sadie Gurman and James Fanelli, “Ammunition in Kirk Shooting Engraved with Transgender, Antifascist Ideology: Sources,” Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2025, https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/charlie-kirk-shot/card/ammunition-in-kirk-shooting-engraved-with-transgender-antifascist-ideology-sources-pdymd1sXXMSlVRhpvR4b. An update to the article clarifies that it is not confirmed that transgender ideology was found engraved on the ammunition.
[2] James Freeman, “The Courage American Needs Now,” Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2025, https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-courage-america-needs-now-2a7b053c.
[3] R. R. Reno, “A Turning Point of America,” First Things, September 10, 2025, https://firstthings.com/a-turning-point-for-america/.
10 Responses
Paul’s admonition to Timothy, “But you, keep your head in all situations (2 Tim 4:5) quickly came to mind when I saw the news. Why? Shortly after the emotions of shock and somberness, anger began to rise, not just at the situation, but against people whose worldview stands opposed to Kirk’s, and in particular, some who had regularly blasted their message in my face. They have cried for tolerance, yet labeled anyone who disagrees with them as hateful. Their thinking is embedded in the very ideology that gunned Kirk down. I wanted to go off on them. Of course, there is a proper place for healthy debate, and that is something that Kirk stood for. But the Holy Spirit reminded me in that moment that the core issue is indeed spiritual. Thus, referencing Ephesians 6:11-12 is spot on. Thus, we humble OURSELVES and pray. (myself) Thus, we speak the truth in love. Thus, we practically love our neighbor, even those with whom we do not see eye to eye. If directed by the Lord, we do engage in public discussion while all the time, “speaking the truth in love” and above all, we lift up Jesus in everything we do and say.
Continuing to pray for revival and an awakening in the Land.
I am really confused as to how many Christian’s will disregard Charlie Kirk’s many words that were untruthful, bitter, angry, and racist. We are so quick to dismiss his words when the Bible repeatedly talks about not only Christian conduct but Christian speech. You say that his beliefs were framed by his faith? Black women stealing jobs from white people, is that framed by his faith in Jesus? Calling a man a “chink” (yes, I saw it on video) because he disagreed with him on capitalism. Is that framed by his faith in Jesus? Blaming DEI for people dying in the floods in Texas, all while families were grieving.—was that framed by his faith? I could go on and on with his rhetoric. Doesn’t the Bible talk about wolves in sheep clothing, and the deception of false teachers? I’m sorry, but I’m struggling to see this man as a brother in Christ when so much of what he said was framed by his political ideology not Jesus, not to mention the fact that a lot of it was just plain ignorant. Twisting history and making his opinion fact. It seems that so many Christian’s are deceived. Someone says “Jesus,” but the rest of their life says something else and we’re okay with that. Doesn’t the Bible say we will give an account about the idle and careless words we say? I truly feel for his wife and children. We absolutely shouldn’t be applauding his death, that’s disgusting. Yet, I worry about the state of the church in America when we are only concerned about certain sins, while blatantly ignoring others. And to be clear I am not a “liberal leftist.” I’m a Bible believing woman who is trying to understand why a man who spoke such hateful words is being regarded as a hero.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18:3
Thanks for your thoughts; you speak for many. The point of this article wasn’t to weigh in on whether particular political positions or public statements of Kirk’s were grounded in biblical faith. I’d like to draw attention to the important word “insofar” in the sentence you referenced: “But insofar as Kirk’s positions and postures were framed by his Christian faith, we ought to consider what our spiritual enemy had to gain from the silencing of this influential voice.”
One more thought, and I hope this comes across gently. Many people on social media are listing the worst things they can find from Kirk’s public statements. I have found that many of these statements need more context if they’re going to be represented fairly. But even when the accusations are fair, I question why so many people feel the need to list their grievances over someone who has just been killed. Pick any political figure in the US in the past who was assassinated, and is the week of the murder the appropriate time to list all the worst things about them? I question the wisdom of that. I realize that such lists are usually circulated in reaction to what they feel is an over-eulogizing of the deceased. Still, is this the right time? People who did love Charlie Kirk need time to grieve, and I fear that, sadly, this week even longtime friendships will end because of people rushing to speak to each other on social media without the relational nuance we desperately need in emotionally charged times.
Hi Daniel. Thank-you for your thoughtful and I believe sensitive reply. One principle that helps me during these stressful, emotion stirring times is to try and separate the Spiritual convictions from the Political ones. Spiritual convictions that oppose current secular trends and worldviews (think abortion, transgender ideology, like boys being allowed in girls locker rooms & bathrooms, “drag queens” leading our children’s story hour, riots in our streets and violence (especially killing of the innocent like Lakin Riley, little girl in Texas, Charlie Kirk, MLK, JFK, RFK, Matthew Sheppard, others) of all kinds) in my opinion (I know opinions are like noses, everybody has got one) Christians should be able to stand shoulder to shoulder on. Political issues (think immigration, national security, economic policy, voting laws, rules and procedures, etc.) not so much. I feel grateful and thankful to be blessed to live in a country where I can read contrarian views to mine with grace and acceptance, not of a position but acceptance of a fellow Christian. May God bless you for your kind post. May God have mercy and extend His grace to us in the USA during these trying and sifting times. Your friend Walt Hobby
Thanks for the encouragement, Walt!
I would like to make a correction, Mr. Kirk did not call a man a “chink,” it was “Cenk” in reference to his name. If I’m wrong I’m wrong, and I will correct myself. The other things are true, they can be easily looked up. As a Christian your words are supposed to be seasoned and careful.
Thank you for this article. I also appreciate Dalisha Moss’ comments and own correction. Dalisha you have made some very strong points in response to the article. I also appreciate your humility by addressing something you incorrectly wrote.
While the article is attempting a balanced perspective, it contributes to a major problem that continues to fuel the debates, hateful rhetoric, and attitudes that divide many in our country. An example is the statement “Transgender and antifascist ideology, for example, has been found engraved on ammunition inside the shooter’s rifle, and Kirk was shot while fielding a question about mass shootings by transgender people.”
This has been proven to be untrue (you can even visit the link in endnote #1 where it amends the current statement by the reporter that the ‘transgender engraving’ is incorrect). We all knew this was untrue by Sept 12, but people continue to recycle these statements–as well as the authors of this article (which as of 9/13 still contains the incorrect statement–or people stop talking without acknowledging they were wrong. While I agree that this is often unintentional, what needs to happen is self correction. Jesus tells us to, take the log out of our own eye so we can see clearly to take the speck out of our neighbors. What I find missing in the many discussions since 9/10 is the willingness to publicly state or post things like, “We incorrectly connected this event to ‘leftist’ ideology or individuals.” “We were wrong and this was not the case.” “The individual was raised in a family that held to Republican values causing us to reflect on our own biases and hateful words.” “Our president blamed ‘the left’ and this is incorrect…” How we would heal as a nation if our main leader admitted that he made a wrong statement. It would go a long way in rebuilding trust and respect for leadership in our country.
While we can suggest that people must come together or that we need to remove hate language, that means nothing unless we ourselves admit our contribution to a problem, our dissemination of incorrect ideology and information, and our willingness to listen to people who have a different perspective and validate their feelings rather than try to correct them.
Ron Clark
Hello Ron, thanks for pointing us to the update on that Wall Street Journal article. In their update, they write, “An early bulletin circulated widely among law enforcement officials said investigators found ammunition engraved with expressions of ‘transgender and anti-fascist ideology’ inside the rifle that authorities believe was used in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. But some officials later Thursday cautioned against reaching conclusions based on the internal report.”
We had so many new people in church this week with concerns and questions, and in need of clarity because of what happened to Charlie Kirk. Was glad we addressed it head on during our prayer time. I noted that Charlie was a person who truly lived in the pattern of Paul, taking truth into the marketplace of ideas and seeking to reason with those who believe in lies and idols, and in the process, win some to Christ with reason arguments. It’s a model that as Christians we truly need to learn from this real life example. And we must exercise the freedom we have to speak freely while we have it.