Charlie Kirk (October 14, 1993–September 10, 2025)
I am devestated As we all know, Charlie Kirk was shot to death yesterday (September 10) while answering questions at Utah Valley University. Regardless of your political convictions, all admit that this young man was very effective in giving high school and university students an alternative to the secular ideologies they were experiencing in many of their classrooms.
The news of his assassination reached Rebecca and me here in Switzerland, where we are leading a tour to the sites of the Protestant Reformation. Though we did meet on a couple of occasions, I can’t say I knew Charlie well.
Charlie Kirk was certainly an advocate of free speech and, without fear, willingly offered to debate those with differing opinions, especially young adults in college. He wanted to start a dialogue and did so, with the result of many changing their minds on certain topics. Using a Socratic method of debate, he asked challenging questions to get the person to think about their beliefs. And he did so without rancor. He was successful because he cared for the people with whom he talked.
It was not unusual for Charlie to begin an interview by stating clearly that he came to saving faith in Jesus Christ while a fifth-grade student at Christian Heritage Academy. He openly stated he was guided by the Lord Jesus Christ, and once remarked, “Without Jesus, I am nothing.” Yet at the same time, he was a staunch defender of religious freedom for all, regardless of their beliefs, or lack thereof.
Hutz Hertzberg, who at one time was the Executive Pastor at The Moody Church, worked with Charlie and Turning Point USA to establish a curriculum for public schools that was in keeping with Christian values. Those schools willing to sponsor conservative groups on campus benefited from his leadership.
Of course, the media is filled with stories of Charlie’s accomplishments. Even as I am writing this, members of our tour group have expressed appreciation for the positive impact he had in our universities and high schools. He was fearless, willing to answer any question thrown in his direction.
Rebecca and I join with millions across the political divide in praying for his dear wife, Erika, and two precious children. More than that, we are also praying for our nation, that God might help us to settle our differences by listening to each other rather than resorting to violence.
Here in Europe, I have been giving lectures on how there was no freedom of religion for many centuries, and heretics were put to death. Unfortunately, human nature has not changed, and we are faced with the reality of human evil. We pray that this terrible event will spark a desire for all of us to seek God for ourselves and for those around us.
On the bus this morning, I read from the writings of John Calvin that all that happens takes place under God’s supervision and control, and we don’t have to know His purposes in order to be convinced that He knows what He’s doing. And yes, even evil can be used of God to bring about good.
We pray that it will be so, even as we face an uncertain future.