In one of those videos recorded two months before his death, Charlie was asked what he wanted most to be remembered for when he died. After pausing to think for a moment, he said, “For the courage that my faith (in Christ) gave me.” In the midst of the growing evil of our age, the church needs such courage.

The days following the Charlie Kirk assassination have already proven to be a cultural phenomenon. Seemingly, every post on social media addresses it in one way or another. The major networks are devoting significant coverage to it. Prayer vigils are springing up across the country, with people amazed that large crowds are gathering even in places like California. People at church yesterday were discussing how everyone around them is talking about it, telling me that many of the friends they would not expect to do so are paying tribute to Kirk.

Many do not understand this fascination with Kirk. I believe, in part, it is because they readily associate him with President Trump. Kirk did support Trump in the past election and advocated politically for many of his positions. People do not like Trump, and it is not difficult to understand why. Calling the president a highly polarizing figure is like calling a volcano a campfire. President Trump’s acidic, harsh rhetoric (called fool’s speech in the Scriptures), combined with his immoral background, makes him unlikable. But I suggest that it is Kirk’s contrast with Trump, rather than his association with him, that has created the groundswell we are witnessing.

Watch some of his videos, and you will readily see this contrast. In his interactions with young people across the country at college campuses, you will consistently see Charlie demonstrating a pattern. He worked hard to dialogue with students. As students addressed him, Charlie would regularly do a “mic drop” of a different nature. As students came up to the microphone to ask him questions, he would put down his own microphone and actually listen—even when others were yelling at him or demeaning him. When he picked the mic back up, he often asked clarifying questions before responding. Charlie would try to reach points of agreement even while respectfully seeking to move those with opposing views to his position. He practiced civil discourse, and the Gen Z demographic flocked by the thousands to hear him and to talk with him. He was so unlike Trump.

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