Death, Violence, Politics, and Religion: A Christian's Response

Does there come a time when culture has sufficiently saturated an issue? The recent murder of Charlie Kirk has generated an estimated 26 million social media posts and more than 50 hours of news coverage in just the few days following the brutal attack.

Have we, as Christians, learned everything we need to from this gruesome event? In general, most likely not. But why? Not to be dismissive, but is the idea that “murder is wrong” our greatest takeaway?

This is truly a multi-faceted crisis. There are civil, political, family, religious, legal, 

and even medical implications.

However, as “regular” Christians, what should we do? What should we think? What should we feel?

Can I lovingly caution against certain takeaways? If you are most troubled by the political ramifications, or if you think that a change in political ideology will solve the ongoing problem of violence in our society, you need to take a step back and reflect more deeply on the fallen nature of man.

Let me address a few broad topics for us as we consider how our lives should change.

Death

Since Adam and Eve’s damning decision in the garden, there has been a constant promise passed on to each of their descendants:

“...By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread,
till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken;
for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19)

Sin brought death, and death destroys. This is not to say we should discredit the horrors or sorrows surrounding death, especially when that death comes through grievous actions. However, the reality that truly unites all of creation—especially humanity—is the presence of dying.

Did the recent events cause you to pause and reflect on the brevity of life? It is true that we are not promised tomorrow. Have you confessed your sin to the Creator? Have you responded to His gracious, intervening love in faith and belief? If so, is your life characterized by fruitful Christian ministry? What have you accomplished for the cause of Christ that will last for eternity?

I confess there is much in my life that simply does not matter. This is not to say we must condemn all forms of comfort or entertainment, but we should consider how much priority those things are given. Life is short. Eternity is forever.

Family

The first proving ground for our faith is the home. James challenged his audience:

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’
Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (Jas. 2:18)

It has been beautiful to see how involved Charlie was with his family, even amidst a life of constant travel and publicity. I hope you will find motivation to prioritize the relationships and responsibilities you have been given in your own home and seek to show Christ to those who spend the most time with you.

Evangelism

This may be where I separate myself from much of the Christian and conservative populace. Though what Charlie dedicated his life to was objectively good, I want to caution Christians against thinking that his specific career path is the “ideal” for Christian evangelism.

Why do I say that? Having watched many of his videos and debates, I noticed that when pressed on whether the Bible was his foundational source of belief and authority, he would often say “yes” (which is wonderful). Yet, for the sake of political and societal discussion, he would frequently set the biblical text aside, preferring to rely on the legal and philosophical authority of the West.

Now, I understand why he did that. When debating the constitutionality of federally subsidized abortions, both parties must appeal to the Constitution—not Psalm 139—as the final authority. Charlie had to make that trade regularly when engaging with non-Christians. This is not sin, but we must remember: the Christian’s greatest tool, and the thing God has promised He will use and will not return void, is His divine Word.

What would happen if Charlie—or any other Christian political figure—relentlessly presented God’s Word as the foundation and sole authority for belief? First, his following would certainly have been much smaller. Second, his ideas would have been less widely received. He was obviously not arguing for immorality or idolatry, but my point here is to challenge the assumption that his method of “evangelism” is the ideal for Christians.

Did God use his platform to expose many to the Gospel? Certainly! But is the quiet and humble Christian, who will never have a global platform yet faithfully disciples a handful of fellow believers with nothing more than God’s Word, any less effective? By what measure do we judge “success”? This is an important question to consider.

Politics

Christians are called to obey and submit to the governing authorities placed over them by God Himself. Writing as an American, I am very thankful that God has allowed me to live in a country where the laws and government protect my open expression of biblical worship. I am thankful that as an American I have the opportunity to voice my thoughts on the decisions of my officials and even the privilege of selecting those officials.

I imagine Peter would have loved to vote “no” when King Herod was up for re-election instead of being beaten and imprisoned. Paul might have stayed longer in Lystra had he been able to organize a grassroots political action committee to protest the persecution of Christians next door to the synagogue, instead of being stoned and left for dead. Yet God’s will for them was to work within the governmental system into which He had placed them. They could no more start a political revolt than we can today.

What should a Christian in America do politically in light of recent events? First and foremost, we must not do anything that would violate our Christian testimony. And what is that testimony? A humble and grateful sinner saved by grace and given a message of hope to take to the world. We live and operate within the law to demonstrate that Jesus’ disciples are different. We do not seek our own. We do not fight for our own way.

Paul put it this way:

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings
be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions,
that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Tim. 2:1–2)

Paul’s point was clear: whatever happens, Christians must pray fervently to their sovereign God that His will would be accomplished, so that His people may live peaceful, quiet, godly lives while sharing the gospel.

I am not saying we should refuse all political engagement, but we must never lose sight that politics—like everything else—must remain a means to Gospel ends. Far too often we lose the “Gospel ends” because we are so emotionally caught up in the “political means.”

Conclusion

Christians hate sin and death, because sin and death hate the Christian. We war against sin’s effects, not with sword or shield (or bullets), but with God’s Word, which alone can save. We grieve the loss of life, weep over the destruction of families, reject the cruelty of evil, and abandon the ills of pagan humanity. These are the tools and means of the enemy.

But we do share truth, communicate hope, pray fervently, love deeply, and remember always that our task is disciple-making with the short time we have been given.

Don’t let the recent horrific events distract or mislead you regarding the true hope of humanity. If you think creating more political allies is our highest calling, yours is a house built on the most unstable of sinking sand.

Remember: life is short. Sin is real. Suffering exists. Jesus Christ has overcome. The Gospel transforms. The task is immense. Eternity is at stake.

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