Chris Cole offers his personal insights into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, freedom of speech, media as ministry and the call to faith in turbulent times.
I was asked the Friday after the Charlie Kirk murder to write down a few thoughts for CBC. I know exactly where I was when I heard the news of his assassination. I was sitting in my office at home when my wife, Kerry, called me from the kitchen and told me.
I am not usually an overly emotional person, but to my surprise I felt a deep sense of dismay and sadness — and I cried. Looking back, I believe this was almost a spiritual experience, a recognition of the death of a martyr who had been instrumental in the USA and beyond in promoting the Christian faith to the world.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Photos: Wiki Commons.
A voice in the quiet revival
My discernment was that Charlie Kirk was part of the Quiet Revival taking place in the West.
This is not simply about politics, though such issues are hard to ignore. It is about a young man raised up to boldly debate, both in his own country and internationally, the values of the Judeo-Christian faith.
His use of social media — TikTok, YouTube and beyond — was unparalleled. In the days following his death, rallies in London and across the world bore witness to extraordinary global events sparked by his voice and influence. This march in London, whilst having nothing to do with Charley Kirk, saw people carrying his portraits. Mass meetings happened all over the world.
Freedom of speech and the power of words
The 18th-century philosopher and satirist Voltaire, real name François-Marie Arouet, is often credited with the saying: “I disagree with every word you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Freedom of speech is one of our most precious gifts, and this was a driving force in Charlie Kirk’s mission.
Voltaire also warned about censorship: “If you want to know who controls you, look at who you are not allowed to criticise.”
These words resonate powerfully in our turbulent times. Global ideologies are aligning against liberal democracies in the West, while global media allows us to witness events in real time.
Daniel’s prophecy and the Age of Knowledge
Daniel 12:4 offers a prophetic insight: “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
This verse describes a time when knowledge and communication would explode — a hallmark of the modern age. Some interpretations suggest this also refers to a greater understanding of spiritual and prophetic truths in the final days.
For those of us called to media ministry, this is deeply significant. Our role as Christians who are journalists, broadcasters and practitioners is not merely a job but truly a vocation.
The call of media as ministry
A month ago, I received a call from a young woman in her twenties who had been listening to Cross Rhythms. She asked to meet with Kerry and me.
When we met, she said she wanted to give her life to Jesus. The cost to her was considerable, she would leave her previous lifestyle behind, but she made that decision. Today, she is growing in faith every day.
This is what media can do. This is why we must treat it not just as a profession, but as a calling from God.
As Christians our primary focus and purpose of all our lives is alignment to Jesus Christ and the Kingdom being established by God through us. We are called to render unto God what is God’s and unto Ceasar what is Caesar’s and I think this is what Charlie Kirk was trying to accomplish as he matured in his discipleship whilst definitely being called to the political arena.
At the Last Supper, all the disciples called Jesus ‘Lord’, except Judas, who called Him ‘Rabbi (Teacher)’. Judas was looking for earthly liberation, while Christ was bringing something quite different.
Some of us are called to politics, others to business, media or church leadership etc. The important thing is that we make a bold stand for what we believe, in open debate, and ensure our hearts and minds are truly submitted to the leading of Jesus Christ. I believe we are going to face times that are both dark and light at the same time. We are all called to pick up our cross.
