Young People and The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

by Robert C. Veil, Jr.

As I today finish writing this article, I am still processing the tragic news of the assassination
of Charlie Kirk. Mr. Kirk was an articulate, conservative debater and political influencer. He
reasoned cogently, clearly, concisely about the hot- button political and moral issues of our day.
He was especially effective on college campuses, where he would invite open and public dialogue
with students. Through his Turning Point organization, which he founded when he was only 18
years old, he was having great success in showing college students that there is a more conservative
view, and more correct view of the issues, a more biblical and accurate way of looking at issues
like abortion, race hatred and transgenderism.

I started noticing Mr. Kirk’s podcasts and video reels several months ago. I was impressed
with his ability to clearly and unapologetically state the issues involving these important subjects,
and to deal kindly even with hateful and mean-spirited college students in public settings. I
watched, for example, loud, vulgar college students shout and rail at him about unborn children,
as though they were mere inconveniences or blobs of tissue. I never saw Mr. Kirk get angry or
respond in kind. He kept his part of the discussion focused on the issues and did so with kindness,
yet effectiveness. He spoke openly about his faith in Jesus Christ. He showed sincere, right
thinking college students that it is okay to hold an opinion which is out of step with the politically
correct, immoral culture of our day. Now the news again abounds with calls for “civility.” This
will go on for a while before the next tragedy.

Our precious young people must take notice of what is happening. When political or other
public figures speak out against the horrific practices of abortion, transgenderism, hatred, etc. they
are being silenced. When they call for a return to faith in Jesus Christ, they are mocked and
ridiculed, marginalized in the culture. If possible, they are eliminated. Satan has his way — by
violence if necessary.

A nation which prides itself on freedom of religion and freedom of speech, cannot long endure
when that freedom only goes one way. When the only people who are free to publicly proclaim
their beliefs are those who are disgustingly immoral, anti-Christian and hateful. When violent
attacks and assassinations or attempted assassinations against conservative or religious citizens
who dare to speak out become the order of the day. When people refuse to listen to rational
arguments and scriptural truth. When, like Stephen’s audience in Acts 7, they “stop their ears” and
“take up stones” (or in this case, a high-powered rifle) and silence their opponents because they
cannot stand to hear the truth.

Young people, you are the hope of this nation! You dare not allow the peer pressure and
ungodly influences all around you to snuff out the love and truth of Jesus Christ. College campuses
are supposed to be pieces of open and honest debate, sincere expeditions for truth, and love for
one another. They should be places of humility, respect, and receptivity to the truth. They should
be places for figuring out what is right, and aiming our lives toward God.

I am so proud of our precious young people here at Central. When I think of the “faith of
youth,” I am encouraged at what I see developing here, and in many other places. I am thankful
we have opportunities to be exposed to places like Freed-Hardeman University, where the faculty
are not ashamed to instruct students in God’s word, and what is holy and right. After all, that is the
only hope for our nation, and we need to be reminded of this fact especially at dark times for our
nation like this.

The gruesome murder of Charlie Kirk reminds us how ugly Satan really is. The alternative to
Christianity is filthy hatefulness, and we are seeing that play out again and again. Let’s not allow
the legacy of good men and women die. Let us stand firm in our resolve to speak the truth with
kindness and love, whether the world acknowledges its dire need for it or not!