Christian Nationalists Elevate Charlie Kirk to Martyr Status, Fueling Divisive Rhetoric
Following the death of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, a segment of Christian nationalists have begun to portray him as a martyr, sparking concern over the potential for escalating rhetoric and calls for retribution. This reaction highlights a growing trend of framing political figures within religious narratives of sacrifice and conflict.
Kirk, initially known for his secular youth organization founded in 2012 and his widely viewed debates on college campuses, became increasingly vocal about his Christian faith in recent years. This shift led him to speak at churches defying COVID-19 lockdown orders, including Godspeak Calvary Chapel led by Pastor Rob McCoy, a former Thousand Oaks mayor. McCoy now co-chairs Turning Point USA Faith, an organization advocating for greater political engagement from pastors. Following Kirk’s death, McCoy released a statement condemning those who expressed joy at the news, calling them “instruments of evil” and urging repentance, while also emphasizing the transformative power of prayer.
According to Professor Boedy, McCoy influenced Kirk’s embrace of Christian nationalism, specifically the “Seven Mountains Mandate” - a belief that Christians should strive for influence over key cultural institutions including arts, business, education, family, government, media, and religion. This ideology, rejected by mainline Christians, asserts that the United States was founded as a christian nation and that faith should hold a central role in governance and law.
Experts warn of the dangers inherent in this ideology.Brian Levin, founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, noted that the “more violent fringes of Christian nationalism have disturbing aspects that are eliminationist and antidemocratic.” He drew parallels to the deification of former President Donald Trump by some within the same circles, particularly after reported assassination attempts, with Trump himself claiming to have been “saved by God.” Levin explained that this narrative portrays Trump as “an armed Christian warrior protecting America” from various groups,and that framing Kirk as a martyr resonates with this existing worldview.
The rhetoric has extended to prominent political figures.California Senate Minority leader Brian W. Jones (R-santee) labeled Kirk “a modern day martyr” and invoked a quote from Thomas Jefferson stating, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants,” adding, “Let us take care that we allow that tree to grow and blossom as it feeds on the lifeblood of Charles J. Kirk in the years to come.”
Levin cautioned that the language of martyrdom inherently evokes conflict and war, and while acknowledging Trump could have used the moment to unify, he rather “veered into divisive territory.” The elevation of Kirk to martyr status underscores a concerning trend of utilizing religious framing to fuel political polarization and potentially incite further unrest.