Charlie Kirk & The Great Awakening

Kirk’s death marked the day the West woke up. 

By Carter A. Freeman 

 

EiC’s Note: This article is the first in our new miniseries on Charlie Kirk. Carter Freeman aims to unpack Kirk’s life and legacy while reflecting on his lasting impact on Western society. 

 

An Instrument Taken 

September 10, 2025 – The day when an instrument of truth was defiled. Before our very eyes we bore witness to the truth of this world, a truth Charlie Kirk exposed throughout his impactful but short life. 

As the day darkened with news of his death, people turned to prayer, not pitchforks—to love their enemy and hate the evil they do. That is exactly how Charlie would want us to respond. Looking down from heaven, he would say, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” 

 

More Than Politics 

When Governor Spencer Cox of Utah called it a “political assassination,” he missed the true significance of the moment. Charlie Kirk’s death was not merely a political event. It was the witness of a modern martyr who believed hearts changed policy, not the other way around. 

What cannot be missed is what this martyrdom has already produced – and will continue to produce – in our nation and throughout the world. The world has been awakened to the truth.  

The death of Charlie Kirk is, indeed, a turning point. 

 

A Young Man’s Calling 

At eighteen, like the uneducated men of Acts 4:13 Charlie set off without a college degree and with little more than courage and conviction for truth. 

His greatest lesson came not in a policy fight but in the quiet recognition that culture and spiritual beliefs shape politics, not the reverse. Kirk refused the lure of a title or office. He chose a higher calling, and for that, he paid with his life. 

 

The Insight That Changed Him 

In a conversation with Dr. Jordan Peterson, Kirk explained that politics was “only one manifestation,” a short window of votes compared with the “cultural and spiritual realities” that truly shape a free society. 

That realization changed him. That understanding inspired him to change the world through proclaiming his faith, not merely to protest political wrong.  

Charlie’s focus shifted from winning elections to shepherding hearts. In earlier years he chased the adrenaline of political combat. But, as he saw the unrest and disunity grow, he began to see that ballots follow belief. Kirk begun TPUSA Faith in 2021, partnering with a pastor to bring courses and chapters across the United States. As he became a leader and role model for young men his rhetoric softened, he became gentle even with those in a place of sin. (LISTEN MORE: Breaking the Narrative: Why You Need Pro-Life Apologetics)

Politics could patch a policy, but faith could heal a soul for eternity. From that point on, every campus visit, every podcast, every late-night strategy call aimed less at flipping a district and more at awakening a generation to the God who grants true freedom, liberty, and eternal life. 

 

Vigils Across the Globe 

In the wake of his martyrdom, people across the globe have gathered in Vigils. They light city squares from Seoul to San Diego, from the E.U. Parliament to Eugene. Countless voices testify that he inspired them to return to the church and to Jesus. Millions marched in London for the right to pursue truth.  

The great Babylons of this earth are confronted with the deep spiritual realities Charlie died to reveal: the sanctity of life, the dignity of the body, the call to holiness. He spoke truth with gentleness and prayer to those wrestling with gender identity that they might learn to love the bodies God gave them. He asked every morning how he might sacrifice to better love his wife. Kirk took the talents God gave him and multiplied them to levels few could accomplish in many lifetimes. (READ MORE: IVF The Cost of Creating Life) 

 

 

A Great Awakening 

In the 1730s, preachers like George Whitefield drew thousands to fields and town squares, sparking spontaneous revivals that reshaped the colonies. A century later, another awakening lit fire in our nation, fueling the abolition movement and political reform. (READ MORE: Christians are a People Too) 

During the life of Charlie Kirk, millions of college students heard the Christian truth through this man. The same Holy Spirit was at work sparking spiritual, cultural, and political awakening. Through his martyrdom, that number is only growing, the impact only more profound. Through death he accomplished what he set forth to do – to wake up America to the truth. This movement of free speech and pursuit of truth isn’t stopping at just the United States, but all the nations. 

 

A Legacy of Faith 

If his death means anything, it is this: the renewal of the West will come not from ballots, but from hearts set on Christ. 

Historians will mark September 10, 2025, as more than the day a man died. They will remember it as the hour the sleeping West awoke. 

When asked what he wished to be remembered for, Charlie replied, “Courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith.” 

And that is how the Lord knows him: a good and faithful servant. 

 

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.

Cover Image: Gage Skidmore, taken from Wikimedia Commons (License) (Cropped)

Captioned Image 1: @ForbesBreakingNews on YouTube (Link) (Cropped) 

Captioned Image 2: @DaCostaVision on YouTube (Link) (Cropped)