To the Editor:
A great deal has been written and said about Charlie Kirk since he was assassinated on Sept. 10. His death has had a profound impact on millions of people living in America and around the world, especially young Christians on our college campuses who saw him as a hero of their generation. Most of what I have read and heard has been positive, but there are some people who have portrayed him as a coward, and some who have even celebrated his tragic death.
First of all, I view this as the continuing battle between good and evil. The evil forces are portraying him as a Christian nationalist who has capitalized on the emotions of hardworking Americans and young Christian college students at the expense of those who do not agree with his stance on social issues. His followers, on the other hand, see him as a man who fought for the God-given rights that all people share as inhabitants of this world, while recognizing the fact that total depravity is a trait that every human is born with.
Charlie Kirk was an amazing man who understood the importance of political engagement from a biblical standpoint, shining as a bright light in a dark world that is dominated by evil. As a modern day evangelist, he knew that liberty, which so many people misuse as they cry out for democracy, actually comes from God. He preached the name of Jesus Christ with boldness and without shame, knowing that he was a target of a vast number of lunatics who oppose all that is good. Regardless, he welcomed all views and was willing to engage in a spirited debate with those who disagreed with him.
After being turned down admission at West Point, rather than attend college he decided that he would be a voice for the values that all young Americans should cherish. So he started Turning Point USA, a grass roots conservative organization with Christian values aimed at countering the various organizations and institutions that embrace ideologies that oppose all that this nation stands for and was built upon. It is God first, understanding that Jesus Christ died for the sins of mankind, followed by family, our country and the common good of all men and women. And the mission field was where the enemy loves to prowl – college campuses.
Charlie Kirk respected all people, even those who hated him and disagreed with his position on the many social issues we face. And had he survived this cowardly attack, he probably would have forgiven the shooter. He was a true patriot and hero to all who love God and champion good over evil. The problem is that we have too many people who love God, but are either too embarrassed or afraid to speak the truth, as Charlie did, based on a concern that they would be viewed as political, which could damage their standing in the community.
In the end there are only two choices in life. Good or evil. Right or wrong. Heaven or hell. There is no room for fence-sitters or lukewarm water. Jesus told His disciples in the Great Commission to be His witnesses to the end of the Earth, not just to those who agree with them. Charlie did this with boldness, compassion and dignity.
Although many people may disagree with me, I see Charlie as a martyr, assassinated because he spoke truth about the Word of God, was not ashamed of the Gospel, and was not concerned about being perceived as a political operative. He loved God, loved his family and loved our country. When asked how he would like to be remembered, his response was as a person who was courageous for his faith.
The world would be a better place if more people lived their lives like he did – not ashamed of the Gospel, not afraid to speak the truth, and with a mission to please God, even at the expense of offending some people.
Anthony P. Monzo
Cape May
