As a general rule, RFTG does now write articles in response to cultural events, whether those events are of a political or social nature. The reason for this is both practical and intentional. On the practical side we don’t have the staff to keep up with the 24/7 news cycle. Yet we also intentionally publish content that is more focused on spiritual formation rather than cultural engagement. From time to time, however, a cultural event will occur that beckons a response. Two such events have occurred in recent weeks (1) the assination of Charlie Kirk on September 10 and (2) the tragedy at the LDS congregation in Grand Blanc, MI on September 28.
I cannot add much that has not already been sad about the death of Charlie Kirk. Frankly, when I heard about his death, at the time, I did not know much about him. I knew that he was a conservative political activist who engaged in public debates on college campuses. Beyond that, I knew very little about him. Since then, I have listened to several interviews he did, not long before his death, and have watched a few of the debates he had on college campuses. While, I do not agree with him on several political views, I do applaud the efforts he made to engage in political dialogue in the public square through his organization, Turning Point, USA. Tragically, this is also what got him killed. It is a grave tragedy in this country, especially for someone who had the influence of Mr. Kirk, to be silenced while exercising his first amendment rights and also inviting others to do the same.
Mr. Kirk was also, as far as I am aware, a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He allowed his faith to shape his engagement in the public square, and he used his platform as an opportunity for evangelism. While, I do not think that he was killed solely because of his faith, his death has certainly allowed an opportunity for millions of people to hear the gospel. One powerful example came at his funeral when his widow publicly forgave the man who killed her husband. What a beautiful picture of the love of Jesus on public display. Even in the midst of tragedy, in that we can rejoice.
The second cultural event is the tragic shooting and fire at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community in Grand Blanc, Michigan. At the time of this writing at least four people were killed and many others injured when a man drove his car into the building, opened fire on the congregation, and set the building ablaze. This type of tragedy is what the American founders were seeking to avoid when they enshrined the freedom of religion into law through the first amendment. And for this reason, this type of violence cannot stand in the United States of America. It is a fundamental right of this nation for the free exercise of religion, even one we disagree with.
If you do not know someone who is a member of the LDS faith, they are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. They make the best neighbors, my family can attest to that fact. Our neighbors across the street are LDS , and I thank God for them. While I strongly disagree with the LDS on many points of theology and spiritual practice, I wholeheartedly support their right to practice their faith in peace. The way of disagreement is through opening our Bibles on the front porch and having an honest discussion, not opening fire on innocent people at church. I mourn alongside my neighbors because of this tragedy. Sadly, these types of events have happened too often in our society, from countless school shootings, to the similar tragedy that occurred at Mother Immanuel Church in 2015, to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in July 2024, and the killing of lawmakers in Minnesota just this year. As a nation, we all should mourn, and strongly condemn all acts of violence. As followers of Jesus are called to pray for our nation.
Every Sunday, in the Anglican tradition during the Prayers of the People portion of the Eucharistic liturgy, we pray for Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith. Let us also pray for our nation that the Lord would have mercy on us and allow us to worship in freedom. I do not want to live in a nation where I have to live in fear of being killed for my political views or for practicing my faith. An attack on one person’s right to free speech, even if we disagree with them, is attack on us all. Likewise, an attack on the religious freedom of one faith group, even one with whom we disagree, is an attack on all our religious freedom. Lord show us your love and mercy.
At this time I invite you and your family to pray for the family of Charlie Kirk, for those affected by the tragedy in Grand Blanc, Michigan, and for our nation.
A Collect (Prayer) For Peace
O God, the source of all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works: Give to your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. (taken from the Book of Common Prayer, 2019).
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com
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