Who was Charlie Kirk?

Charlie Kirk 1993-2025

It is obvious, if one is honest in our assessment that Charlie Kirk's faith was foundational to his life and to his political views. Growing up he attended Christian school and accepted Jesus at a young age. By the time he got out of high school Charlie’s faith had deepened and matured.

Charlie said: "I started to come in a much closer relationship with Jesus Christ and reading my Bible more and becoming more, essentially, unapologetic about my Christianity,” I was given a choice; I could try to descend more into this kind of secular world, or reaffirm my faith, and that's exactly what I did.”

Because of the deep emotions of this tragic event there are many that want to venerate Charlie and I do understand their motives. Veneration is driven by a deep respect, reverence, and honor given to someone or something. Biblically, veneration is the worship and adoration due to God alone but has been shown to individuals who have been set apart for God's purposes. It is imperative to distinguish between veneration and worship. God alone is to be worshiped. Charlie understood this. Charlie stated that he wanted to be known for his love of God and faithfulness to Him.

 My understanding would not preclude Charlie from being venerated. His life and commitment to his God, family and friends and nation are undeniable. He did engage in speech with respect to opposing views. He would listen and engage in debate grounded on provable facts and founded in Truth. One can always argue on who’s truth. His was always founded in God’s truth. That was always his starting point.

Hebrews 13:7 advises, "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”

Is Charlie to be considered a martyr? A martyr is defined as one who bears testimony to faith. A “witness”. Our New Testament understanding of is found in Acts 7: 54-60. While it is safe to say that Charlie was not seen as a Christian leader/pastor as one would view Steven, he was however and will be known as a Christian follower who led and lived unshakably the cause of Christ’s gospel. His vocation in life was founded and driven by his belief and understanding of God’s desires of communion with His creation.

In the Christian faith the concept of “finishing well” is connected to spiritual objectives and earthly responsibilities’. The notion of finishing well goes beyond simply completing tasks or life goals. It is about living a life of integrity, purpose and faithfulness until the end. I feel that he accomplished that.

“Finishing well” requires unwavering dedication and resilience as understood in 2 Timothy 4: 7-8. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And when we do there is a “Hope of Reward” awaiting us in heaven for all eternity. Paul’s understanding of this concept leads us to the promise of the “crown of life”. Charlie understood these teachings by Paul. Paul here is preparing Timothy for dedication and true purpose in life. Charlie too prepared many and offered a better understanding of a life with purpose based on Truth.

Let us remember, Charlie was a sinner like all of us, saved by Christ, a merciful God extending grace, saving us from the penalty of judgement. Faithful till the end, Charlie’s legacy is that he will be remembered always because of the love of his Savior.