They were gifted thinkers and speakers concerned with truth
These two men, both whose names are well known, do not seem to have much in common; Charlie was killed at the age of 31; Newman died at age of 89. Charlie did not have a college degree; Newman was one of the most learned men of his generation. The former was a married man with two young children; the latter was a Catholic priest and cardinal. Yet they both shared important traits: they were courageous religious leaders. They were gifted thinkers and speakers concerned with truth.
Charlie Kirk, founder and leader of the conservative grass roots movement Turning Point USA, was an outstanding man, a prophet in our times who spoke courageously about difficult truths. Charlie questioned young men and women; made them think about the meaning of their lives, work, family, and faith in God. He offered strong arguments in support of respect for the unborn, for marriage, and for the right understanding of human sexuality. He was bold in speaking about Jesus Christ and his teaching.
From a young age, like John Henry Newman at Oxford, Charlie began to call Christians to take their faith seriously and to get involved in the important matters surrounding them. His leadership style resembled Newman’s leadership at Oriel College and later in the Oxford Movement. Charlie inspired others through his words, friendship, and vision.
Like Newman before him and contrary to the claims of detractors, Kirk respected his opponents. He tried to persuade them with reason and love. He did not harm or belittle others with whom he disagreed. He challenged young people: prove me wrong, words turned into music, the Ballad of Charlie Kirk. These words were an invitation for them to think through their ideas and arrive at the truth. In his time, Newman insisted on the role of the moral conscience and of each person following his conscience properly formed. He respected the consciences of others and asked others to do the same.
Kirk believed that freedom of speech is a fundamental right which is at the very core of the foundations of the United States as a nation. He was slain with a microphone in his hand. He was unarmed and speaking to a large number of young people, exercising this sacred right. Those who have not really listened to him misconstrue his words. This also happened to Newman, which led him to write the Apologia. Charlie will not have that chance to write books answering his opponents. This chance was taken from him.
We mourn the life of this young father, this courageous voice for the truths about man and about God. He paid with his life for speaking the truth, but he did not fall in vain. His life has left abundant fruits. He was and will continue to be a point of reference for thousands of youth in America and other nations. His voice will not be drowned. It will echo on in the lives of many young people who because of him will live more confidently the moral life as free and responsible members of society.
Charlie and his wife Erika found strength in the Virgin Mary and the prayer of the rosary. In this also Charlie resembled Newman. They both grew over time in their understanding and love for Mary. Charlie considered the Mother of God a model of womanhood for our society’s toxic feminism.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, who considered him a good friend, will pay tribute to Charlie at the NFL stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. This will be a fitting honor for a hero. We wish to join in this tribute and pray to God for his wife and two young children, to pray more fervently for freedom of speech in our country and world, and to pray for all young people.
Some months before his death, Charlie was asked what he wished to be remembered for, and he replied that he wished to be remembered for the courage for his faith. He was a man who loved Jesus Christ, honoring him as his Lord and Savior. He fulfilled his mission and life, deserving to hear the Lord’s words: come, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.
Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.
Source: cardinaljohnhenrynewman.com
