The murder of Charlie Kirk is a flashpoint that continues to contribute to the deep divisions in our nation. Unfounded accusations and blame were spouted from each extreme of the political spectrum. Yet while there are vast differences of opinion about the work and legacy of Charlie Kirk, the vast majority of people across the political spectrum agree in condemning the senseless act of violence that took his life. The vast majority also support expressions of condolence and care for his widow and their two small children. I count myself among this majority as I hope you do too.
This post is not about the politics or work of Charlie Kirk with which I have profound differences. Rather, I want to lift up a deep spiritual division evident in his recent memorial service. The three videos posted below reflect this reality. The service was clearly intended to be an expression of Christian faith. The first video features part of the very heartfelt and moving words of his widow Erika. Even at this time of unimaginable pain and loss, she expressed the essence of the Way of Jesus in reference to her husband’s killer :
“I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
The tens of thousands of people in attendance rose to their feet and applauded these words. Many of those same people applauded again when President Trump and Stephen Miller spoke, Yet they spoke explicitly about hate, vengeance, and retribution. The second video is a clip from President Trump’s speech in which he unapologetically expressed hate for his enemies. The third video comes from Stephen Miller’s speech in which he dehumanized and demonized his opponents by calling them “evil” and “nothing” while threatening unmerciful retribution. Somehow those who applauded thought these expressions of hate and retribution were appropriate for people who call themselves Christians.
The spiritual division reflected in that memorial service is a warning to all of us who identify as followers of Jesus. We can’t have it both ways. We cannot applaud forgiveness and love and then applaud hate and retribution. Regardless of any sincerely held political convictions, the Way of Jesus calls us to nonviolent self-sacrificial love that includes everyone including our enemies. Our own souls and the soul of our nation are at stake.