Charlie Kirk Shot

[temporal1]

Dr Alveda King
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOtSdvdjjuW/

alvedaking
I know the pain of losing loved ones to assassination. Today, I grieve with the family of Charlie Kirk.

In his life, Charlie stood boldly for faith, for life, and for truth.
He was not afraid to proclaim the name of Jesus—even when it cost him everything.

Now is not the time to attack him.
It is time to honor his legacy, pray for his family, and ask ourselves the question he so often raised:
Where will you spend eternity?

[Praxis+Theodicy]

Our city is doing one tonight in a park right by our house. We are about to walk over and quietly attend. Well, I am going to be quiet. My son is riding in the Trump Train then attending.

Sang some songs. Had some people share what Charlie meant to them. Calls for peace and a strong recognition of the spiritual battles in our society today. One man even said that if the assassin accepted Christ and made it to heaven, Charlie would be the first to hug him as he got there. I thought that was a nice message.

I took my daughter to the library on Monday and saw a gathering similar to this but about 2-3 times as big. Rather than go into the library we remained outside on the periphery to observe the whole thing. My daughter (14 months old) saw a lot of dogs and kids her age to interact with. A lot of friendly older people and parents appreciated her smile. I saw a former coworker there who advised me to be careful with my daughter around the crowd, but I didn't have much reason to worry.

There were reps from Turning Point USA there selling merch. There were a few speakers. People sang songs accompanied by someone playing a keyboard. Some :inspirtional" songs ("I Can Only Imagine"), some worship songs to Jesus ("Amazing Grace", a funeral staple), and few worship songs to America ("God Bless America", "My Country 'Tis of Thee", "O Say Can You See?").

There weren't any explicit or even implicit calls to blame anyone or anything on Charlie's murder, nor any calls (not even veiled calls) to take action against anyone or anything. Though one or two of the 100+ people had fearmongering signs ("They're coming for all us us next!"), none of the speakers even put a toe into the territory of fearmongering or enemy-building. I don't think any of them even made passing reference to that sort of thing.

The speakers mostly proselytized about starting up local Turning Point USA chapters. They spoke especially to the youth, encouraging formation of local chapters in all the local schools. Then there was an extended call to action for local churches to form local chapters to have the youth be more energized to take political action an form study groups to discuss the Bible and the sacred texts of America and how to carry them out in action to the community surrounding them. There were explicit calls to "accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior."

I had heard about the events that Turning Point USA Faith puts on, how they are such a hybrid of "Christian worship service" and "ideological political rally" that attendees can no longer tell the difference between the two. This was the first time I had witnessed an event like this in real time. It didn't have a lot of the emotional charge of a "rally". More of a mournful tone. There were chants of "USA" several times, but also some sad, determined, prolonged cries of "Charliiiiiieeee!"

I heard there are may such events going on. I live in a pretty small town and was surprised Turning Point had the resources to put on an event like this. What's more, I heard there were events in even smaller, more rural towns about 30 minutes away. It seems to me that, if they capture this moment effectively, they could very well have the power to become a new bona fide political party in America. It seems the landscape is calling for change and a removal of the "old guard" in both the Democrat and Republican parties. "MAGA" isn't a good name for a political party, but the "Turning Point Party" already has the infrastructure (and now the recognition) in place to become an actual viable political party in America. I used to worry about Turning Point being a new, syncretistic religion, but that was because I was mostly looking at it as a Christian. From a more pragmatic perspective, a political party is a much more viable -and much more enticing- move for them.

[JohnH]

Just as a reminder, nearly all Christians think it’s fine to be politically involved. I don’t really consider it a fair criticism to complain that (for example) Baptists don’t magically turn into Anabaptists when it comes to Turning Point USA.

As I have said many times, one of my biggest concerns is that many Anabaptists hop on the evangelical -> liberal progressive pipeline. Here is an example of an Anabaptist whining that her fellow Anabaptists won’t get involved in politics enough:

https://anabaptistworld.org/ethiopians- ... ive-piety/

[HondurasKeiser]

Just as a reminder, nearly all Christians think it’s fine to be politically involved. I don’t really consider it a fair criticism to complain that (for example) Baptists don’t magically turn into Anabaptists when it comes to Turning Point USA.

As I have said many times, one of my biggest concerns is that many Anabaptists hop on the evangelical -> liberal progressive pipeline. Here is an example of an Anabaptist whining that her fellow Anabaptists won’t get involved in politics enough:

https://anabaptistworld.org/ethiopians- ... ive-piety/

https://anabaptistworld.org/virginia-ch ... g-to-love/

[Southerner]

One positive thing I’ve heard is that many vigils have been led by pastors and altar calls have been given and responded to.

I wouldn't personally attend a vigil for Charlie Kirk, because I don't share his same faith, and don't want to be identified with a political movement. But I'm fine with more people believing in God, and being serious about their faith, because that search can lead them to further explore what it means to be a Christian and a follower of Jesus, and lead them out of the errors that people like Charlie Kirk represent.

My son is riding in the Trump Train then attending.

I pray that your son finds a traditional Mennonite congregation and leaves politics behind. It's bondage.

[Bootstrap]

I had heard about the events that Turning Point USA Faith puts on, how they are such a hybrid of "Christian worship service" and "ideological political rally" that attendees can no longer tell the difference between the two. This was the first time I had witnessed an event like this in real time. It didn't have a lot of the emotional charge of a "rally". More of a mournful tone. There were chants of "USA" several times, but also some sad, determined, prolonged cries of "Charliiiiiieeee!"

I'm guessing that the tone is different now than it would have been a few weeks ago. And I wonder if the content will be different.

This event is a turning point. We’re waiting to see what Turning Point will become in response. A good time to watch and pray. I think America is badly in need of a revival that Seeks First the right Kingdom.

[Ernie]

People who are making appreciative comments about Kirk's death on social media are getting fired or suspended.

Wouldn't CK have decried this? He was very concerned about free speech.

My parents made some strong statements about his death, particularly because they disagree w his views on immigration and his fusion of politics and Christianity. They shouldn't be censored for their beliefs.

Free speech does not mean freedom from consequences. The above sounds very holy, but follow to it's logical end.

As a nonresistant Christian, I want to see peace reign in the world rather than violence. I believe that violence begets violence. I believe that Christ-like love is stronger than force.

Consequently, I am glad if someone loses their job for being appreciative of violence. I would not continue hiring someone who did this and would dismiss anyone who refused to acknowledge their error and stick by their guns. Pun intended. Do not rejoice when your enemy stumbles is not just an instruction for Jews and Christians. I think it is a worldwide principle that God wants everyone to follow.

P.S. I do not know what CK would say or do.

[Judas Maccabeus]

I wouldn't personally attend a vigil for Charlie Kirk, because I don't share his same faith, and don't want to be identified with a political movement. But I'm fine with more people believing in God, and being serious about their faith, because that search can lead them to further explore what it means to be a Christian and a follower of Jesus, and lead them out of the errors that people like Charlie Kirk represent.

My son is riding in the Trump Train then attending.

I pray that your son finds a traditional Mennonite congregation and leaves politics behind. It's bondage.

Perhaps as a result of being in one of those “traditional “ congregations, I had no inkling of who this guy was when the shooting saturated the news. I feel I am the better for it.

[Ernie]

https://anabaptistworld.org/virginia-ch ... g-to-love/

I don't see much wrong with this. Do you?

[temporal1]

Perhaps as a result of being in one of those “traditional “ congregations, I had no inkling of who this guy was when the shooting saturated the news. I feel I am the better for it.

If you read this topic, it seems many knew little or nothing about CK. i didn’t.
Much to my surprise to find out this week how well known he was. i try to read or listen to people i wouldn’t ordinarily encounter.
Esp everyday conservatives, and people who vote - ‘cause voters decide things. One thing i enjoy about this forum is finding new sources, with great variation. i’ve learned here.

Lots of people do not vote, for many reasons, not faith convictions alone. Not everyone understands some do not vote because of faith convictions. That’s new thinking for many people. i’d prefer people were better informed about cAnabaptists. Many decisions are made without balanced information, including about cAs.

MLK III
MLK's Son Reacts To Charlie Kirk Shooting - Shocking Words Revealed / 5+min

^^not lengthy. a transcript would help.