The death of Charlie Kirk is both profoundly tragic and a sobering indictment of the polarised and angry world in which we now live. As Sting expressed in his song Fragile, reflecting on the fragility of humanity: “Perhaps this final act was meant to clinch a lifetime’s argument, that nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could.”
To me, Charlie was a man of deep conviction. I respected his passionate faith and his willingness to defend it, even when I found some of his views difficult to reconcile with the Christian faith I follow and the teachings of Jesus as I understand them. I did admire his openness to debate—his readiness to state his beliefs clearly, to hear challenges, and to listen to those who disagreed with him. There is something deeply valuable in such an approach. His death calls for a response: to uphold his wife and children in prayer during this heartbreaking time, and to reflect on the broader societal ramifications of this act of violence.
We live in a time when many people, both in the US and the UK, are unsettled and profoundly dissatisfied with aspects of our broken Western culture. There is much to celebrate in our shared heritage, but also, increasingly, many urgent problems that remain inadequately addressed. If there is any unity to be found at present, it may be in this shared sense of disillusionment, even though we often identify the problems—and their solutions—in very different polarised ways. Perhaps, then, we should seek a deeper appreciation of one another, recognising that we should face these challenges together. Let us look for the best in each other. It is usually easy to find the good. As my mother wisely taught me, shouting at one another will not bring resolution.
The Western consumerist promise of prosperity and happiness has too often proved to be a hollow illusion—a grand business enterprise from which many now suffer and from which we are all still reeling. And yet, even in the darkness, there is light. The message Charlie most passionately shared—that the truest way to live is found in the values of Christianity as embodied in the teachings of Jesus—remains, I believe, profoundly true. While I did not agree with him on every point of faith, far from it, here I stand alongside him. These Christian values—of love, hope, and peace—are the very things our world longs for as it struggles with hate, despair and anger. They offer a vision of healing for our polarised age.
Indeed, these values are foundational to the ethics, morality and justice upon which the US and UK were historically built, though they now often seem elusive. This Christian way, when lived fully, is not only good but transformative: it reveals truth, breathes life, and offers a path of renewal. In my conviction, it is The Way—the only true solution. Against the growing toxicity of our culture, where division and hostility deepen by the day, the Kingdom of God offers unity, peace and belonging. The privilege I experience as a Baptist Minister, leading and belonging to a living community of faith, truly feels like an oasis in a barren land.
If the world is moving toward greater brokenness, why not explore the wholeness that faith in Christ brings? You would be most welcome to join us at St Peter’s and experience this for yourself. I know you would receive a warm and genuine welcome, and I am confident you would find many of the answers to the deepest questions of our time.
Our next Alpha Course, which explores the main principles of the Christian faith, begins on 18th September. Click here for more information.