Why worldview matters

Turning point of the world

This post is in memorial of Charles James Kirk.

Charlie was a conservative Christian who defended his views with eloquence. He had an enormous impact and reached many people. He was determined to continue changing the world. Tragically, he was shot dead during a campus tour in Utah. Some people say he "deserved it," claiming "words have consequences, and that “he had it coming” because of his worldview. Let’s look at the logical conclusion of this worldview: if someone says something I don’t agree with, do I have the right to decide that person should stop living? To take it further: if I don’t agree with people who argue that this is justified, does that make it justified to murder them because they have a different opinion?

Before he died in such a dehumanizing way, Charlie said, "When discourse ends, violence begins." He couldn’t have been more right. We are all human beings made in the image of God, which grants us certain human rights. Charlie's worldview was that of a Christian conservative, where he traveled the world talking with people he didn’t agree with, hoping to convince them. He saw them as human beings who deserved respect, not coercion. Sadly, this same grace was not extended to him. Today, a part of our freedom has been taken away, and that hurts. The idea that you are no longer safe to speak the truth, even if you are respectful, gracious, and using evidence, is a painful reality.

This was a painful loss for people on all sides of the political spectrum. Keeping hope in such a situation is incredibly difficult, honestly, I’m scared. But we must move forward. Charlie was an inspiring man, a martyr, and his legacy is beautiful. He has planted his seed in the world. He died for the truth, he stayed truthfull to Christ and lived an authentic life. May his blood be the soil of our counter-culture. Let us pray for his family, that the Lord may give them strength. May the Lord strengthen us to continue Charlie’s legacy.

It is a sad day for his family, but especially for the world, losing such a hero. Charlie is now with the Lord, in a far better place than we can even imagine. As his pastor said: “Charlie did not die, instead he has begun to live.”

And to confirm Charlie’s hope for how he would be remembered when he died: Yes, Charlie, you will be remembered for your courage and for your faith.

-Ella