It was my privilege to meet Charlie Kirk last year at an event where we both were guest speakers. I had appreciated Bro Kirk’s ministry and manner of interacting with friends and foes alike. He was kind and courteous to those he dialogued with on “hot topics of the day,” whether they agreed or disagreed with his conclusions.
I saw him engage with bright people, young or old, bringing logic and well-informed facts from natural science, history, and politics to the dialog. I was impressed in part because one does not “accidentally” know all the facts of which he had such ready command. To me that demonstrated his effort and commitment to working with the actual facts, and not mere suppositions or opinions.
Besides that, Bro Kirk actively sought dialog rather than violence, congeniality instead of personal attack, and mercy instead of sternness. I found him a breath of fresh air in an age of hatred where “might makes right.” The United States of America was founded on principles exhibited by Bro Kirk—freedom of speech and religion, with equal liberty and justice for all under the law.
As one who served in the armed services myself, I sought to honor and protect the Constitution and the republic which it established. As a Christian, I believe our Constitution aligns with the Judeo-Christian faith, and that includes its provision there be no religious tests for those who vote or hold office. There is no country with the freedom and liberties enshrined in America’s Constitution.
For me, Charlie Kirk’s legacy is that he lived and breathed and exemplified those principles and liberties. He recognized that he held a number of minority views in our modern society, yet he actively sought to engage those with differing views in open dialog. Dialog that at times was vigorous, but without animus, hatred, or unkindness on Charlie’s part. No man is faultless, and neither was Bro Kirk. (nor am I nor you, dear reader) Nonetheless, I can safely say that our world needs more people who exhibit the noble characteristics of Charlie Kirk.
So, I have a question and request for my fellow citizens who claim to appreciate and honor Bro Kirk’s legacy by using the very methods Charlie sought to change in our society—how can we honor his legacy by using the methods that stand in opposition to what he stood for?! It’s as irrational as saying, “I hate haters,” or “Those who disagree with my views deserve to die.”
If that rationale were to hold true, then the very one speaking deserves to die because he disagrees with the one spoken of. Violence, injury, coercion, persecution—any form of force—simply has no place in a society with freedom of speech and liberty of conscience. None. Not even to protect what we consider Truth. Perhaps we should say, especially not to protect what we consider Truth.
I postulate that seeking to have those who speak ill of Charlie Kirk, or malign him and his legacy, canceled, fired, disciplined, etc. is entirely incompatible with the very idea of honoring Charlie Kirk and his legacy. Let those who disagree with our ideas of his nobility, those who celebrate his death, those who say whatever they want against him, enjoy the same liberties we cherish to speak our mind about his merits, or whatever we want!
Yes, any who commit false witness will have to face their words on That Day but friends, let’s honor Charlie and his legacy by living it instead of using the methods of his enemies and detractors. Please.
And, by the way, this applies to every citizen, regardless of belief, occupation or party. How immature for our representatives to be arguing hatefully about whether to honor Charlie Kirk?
****
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
Dr. John Kelly is a physician and educator passionate about Lifestyle Medicine. He completed his studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Shepherd University and earned dual MD and MPH degrees from Loma Linda University, specializing in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine. As Founding President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, he helped pioneer the field and continues to train healthcare professionals in therapeutic lifestyle interventions through Lifestyle Health Education, Inc. A frequent speaker and author, Dr. Kelly has contributed to research on reversing type 2 diabetes and serves on ACLM’s Expert Panel. He enjoys family life, ministry, hiking, and sharing the science of health and healing.