Political Chaos

In the wake of the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 13, 2025, at Utah Valley University, our nation has once again been plunged into a maelstrom of grief, anger, and division. Kirk, a prominent voice in conservative circles and a close ally of political figures like Donald Trump, was gunned down in what authorities have described as a politically motivated attack. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, faces charges including aggravated murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. While many have mourned this loss as a blow to free speech and civil discourse, a disturbing undercurrent has emerged: individuals and groups openly celebrating his death on social media and beyond.

As followers of Christ and citizens of this great American republic, we must unequivocally decry such celebrations. Rejoicing in the murder of another human being—no matter how vehemently we disagree with their views—is not only morally bankrupt but antithetical to the principles that define us as Christians and Americans. It poisons our society, erodes our shared humanity, and invites further cycles of hatred and violence. In this post, we’ll explore why this mindset is so dangerous, drawing on timeless Scriptures to guide our understanding, and explain how rejecting it fosters maturity and a healthier society.

The Biblical Imperative Against Gloating Over Death

The Bible is clear: celebrating the downfall or death of others, even our adversaries, is a grave sin that displeases God. This isn’t about excusing Kirk’s controversial stances or political affiliations; it’s about upholding the sanctity of life and the command to love as Christ loved.

Consider Proverbs 24:17-18 (NIV): “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.” This passage warns us against the temptation to derive joy from someone’s misfortune. Why? Because it reveals a hardened heart, one that prioritizes vengeance over mercy. In the case of Kirk’s murder, those who post memes, tweets, or comments cheering his death are engaging in this very behavior. They may justify it by citing Kirk’s rhetoric on issues like immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, or election integrity, but Scripture doesn’t allow for such qualifiers. God sees the glee in our hearts and judges it accordingly.

Similarly, Ezekiel 33:11 (NIV) states: “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” Here, God Himself models restraint—He doesn’t delight in destruction, even of those who oppose Him. As Christians, we’re called to imitate this divine compassion. Celebrating Kirk’s assassination aligns us not with God’s heart but with the spirit of division that Jesus warned against in Matthew 5:44 (NIV): “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Kirk may have been seen as an “enemy” by some on the left, but our response should be prayer for justice and healing, not jubilation.

These Scriptures aren’t mere suggestions; they’re foundational to Christian ethics. By decrying celebrations of violence, we’re backing up our faith with action, showing the world that Christianity isn’t about tribalism but about transcendent love and forgiveness.

As Christians: Maturity Through Grace and Restraint

Christian maturity isn’t measured by how fiercely we oppose our ideological foes but by how we respond in moments of crisis. Celebrating murder infantilizes us—it reduces complex human beings to caricatures and feeds the ego rather than the soul. Instead, true maturity comes from grace: acknowledging that all people, including Kirk, are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and deserving of dignity, even in death.

Think about it: When we cheer violence against those we dislike, we undermine the Gospel’s message of redemption. Jesus didn’t celebrate the crucifixion of His enemies; He forgave them from the cross (Luke 23:34). As Christians, decrying such celebrations models this Christ-like restraint. It betters society by promoting empathy over enmity, encouraging dialogue instead of dehumanization. In a polarized world, this approach heals divides, fosters personal growth, and invites others to experience the transformative power of faith.

As Americans: Upholding Civility for a Stronger Union

America’s strength lies in its commitment to freedom, including the freedom to speak boldly without fear of lethal reprisal. Kirk’s murder strikes at the heart of this—it’s an attack on the marketplace of ideas that our Founders enshrined in the First Amendment. But celebrating it? That’s a betrayal of American values.

As Americans, we must remember that our republic thrives on civility and the rule of law, not mob justice or schadenfreude. The Declaration of Independence affirms that all are endowed with “unalienable Rights,” including life. Rejoicing in murder erodes this foundation, normalizing violence as a political tool and weakening the social fabric that binds us.

Decrying such celebrations is the mature path because it prioritizes unity over division. It betters society by reinforcing norms of respect and peaceful disagreement, preventing escalation into broader conflict. History shows us the dangers: from the assassinations of Lincoln and Kennedy to more recent attempts on political figures, celebrating violence only begets more of it. By rejecting this, we honor our democratic ideals and build a more resilient nation where ideas compete, not bullets.

A Call to Reflection and Action

To those who’ve celebrated Kirk’s death: Pause and reflect. Your words contribute to a culture where disagreement turns deadly. As Christians, let’s lead by example—pray for the Kirk family, for justice in the courts, and for a society that values life above all. As Americans, let’s recommit to civil discourse, remembering that our differences make us stronger when handled with maturity.

If we truly want a better world, it starts with us. Let’s decry the darkness and choose light.

Posted on R-Rated Religion – Raw Faith for Real Life