The American Spiritual Revival and the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

By John Kass

Wednesday Sep. 24, 2025

The barking dogs of angry politics were out in the alleys crying and howling across the country, all around us, the noise echoing on the walls, and what the Democrats are doing out there is all about ripping at our souls.

One cry is the left insisting Jimmy Kimmel is Free Speech warrior when he is not. And another is that conservative youth organizer Charlie Kirk is responsible for his own murder by the pro-transgender assassin. It’s all refrigerator magnet philosophy, all emotion, all of it cheapening the critically important issues facing America, all about obscuring the nature of the leftist violence over the years.

I couldn’t take it. And I couldn’t sleep—or even nap in my leather chair on Sunday–for all the snarling, screeching noise. And I really didn’t feel like reading after that, so I avoided all news programming on TV and put away the phone, seeking to repair my spirit by watching a few episodes of “The Chosen,” funded by modern Christians about Jesus Christ and the Apostles.

I don’t think I’m alone. Perhaps many of you were seeking refuge this weekend, too, somehow.

But that comes with a feeling I’ve had about our country for years now.  It’s a yearning. And since the assassination of youth organizer Charlie Kirk, it has accelerated exponentially especially among the young.

I’m not young, and even I can see it.

A spiritual revival is happening in America.

It is a Second Great Awakening, and it’s happening all around us. You can see this battle of good versus evil even in the tops of trees, as the wind grabs them, as their branches shake as we move into October.

After the Charlie Kirk memorial service in Arizona on Sunday hundreds of young people—some estimates put it at 2,000—attend a Turning Point U.S.A. rally in deep blue Minnesota.

And at Sunday’s Turning Point USA memorial service in Arizona attended by some 90,000 people, one of the speakers was Dr. Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College. I loved what Dr. Arnn said. And I wasn’t the only one. The great NY Post columnist Miranda Devine posted his comments on X. I called Hillsdale for permission to repost them.

“These  were beautiful and insightful words you may have missed from @Hillsdale President Larry Arnn at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Read the whole thing. It will help you understand Charlie and appreciate Hillsdale. “An assassin is not a thing that has being. The assassin must give up his humanity to destroy something that has being. Charlie lives on. The assassin will die.”

Dr. Arnn’s comments:

I have one short story to tell you about Charlie Kirk, my friend. He became a friend of mine because I interrogated him one time. 19-year-olds are my specialty. I asked him some questions he couldn’t answer and he was already becoming famous. And I noticed his reaction. He said: what should I do?

And I said, well, you have to suffer. If you want to grow, you have to suffer. Heart. Learn into the night, cracked on in the morning. Start with the Bible. Read the classics. Study the founding of America in those places you will find that there’s a ladder that reaches up toward God, and at the bottom of it is the ordinary good things that are around everywhere. If we can call them by their names, they have being, and the beings of the good things are comments of God.

You’ll find that article in Aristotle. You will find it in the Bible, you will find it in Madison and Jefferson. So I learned that, he said. I said, do you have to suffer? You have to study. You have to think. I thought I’d never hear from him again. Within a month he got hold of my cell phone number and he texted me a copy of a certificate of completion of the Hillsdale College online course. He would go on to do that 31 times. I keep a list in my head of the six or eight young people and I’m very privileged to get to know many inspiring young people for the best I ever saw. Charlie is the only one who has never been a full- time student at Hillsdale College who was on that list. We will miss him dearly. You can’t be replaced. You know a good thing is the thing that has being. Assassin is not a thing that has being. This assassin must give up his humanity, destroy something that has being. Charlie lives on. The assassin will die. My wife is here with me today and I have set up a scholarship in the hope that these children will go to a good college. I have one in mind.

And this May the 9th, Erica doesn’t know this yet. We’re going to give Charlie and Erica the greatest respect the college can give, an honorary degree. Charlie, you see, has suffered enough. He’s gone to the Lord. He deserves his reward. Thank you.

And Vice President J.D. Vance repeatedly did what many American politicos often avoid doing, mentioning Jesus Christ. Vance unapologetically referenced Jesus as Lord. And I leave a link to his address and I hope you listen to him.

It was exhilarating.

“For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,” Vance said. “My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”

My friend Dan Proft recommended the song “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake from the Charlie Kirk memorial, and I join him in applause for that song. It is nurturing and loving and what we need as a people.  I hope you like as much as I do. And so, I leave it here hoping it brings you peace:

From Brandon Lake’s beautiful song, “Gratitude:”

So I throw up my hands
Praise You again and again
‘Cause all that I have is a
Hallelujah, hallelujah
And I know it’s not much
But I’ve nothing else fit for a king
Except for a heart singing
Hallelujah, hallelujah

All of it had immense value, and America will relish much from that day, from President Trump rallying at the revival, and the speakers contrasting Christian peace at the memorial service to the Democrat leftist anger of the BLM riots that looted and burned the great American cities, including Chicago.

And Dr. Arnn weaving young Charlie’s love of learning to his love of Christ, and Kirk’s widow Erika offering herself as a model for Christianity when she referred to the shooter Tyler Robinson who so hated Kirk’s love of Christ and his politics and took away the father of their two young children.

“I forgive him,” said Erika.

America embraced the moment that was all about love.

And the barking dogs were finally silent for a time.

-30-

About the author: John Kass spent decades as a political writer and news columnist in Chicago working at a major metropolitan newspaper. He is co-host of The Chicago Way podcast. And he just loves his “No Chumbolone” hat, because johnkassnews.com is a “No Chumbolone” Zone where you can always get a cup of common sense.

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Comments 39

  1. After I visited the Turning Point original office in Lemont on Sunday, I was glued to the memorial for the entire 5 hours. I can’t let his memory go. I pray this revival for faith and country continues to grow, despite the evil and hatred from the left. If they ever stopped barking and took the time to actually watch one of his videos, they would see the truth!

  2. FORGIVENESS

    Sometimes there’s a misconception about forgiveness. Especially if you use the phrase “He/She deserves forgiveness”.

    If you are a Christian, and believe in the forgiveness Christ gives, and if you’ve come to HIM and asked for forgiveness, HE gave it to you. In gratitude you should not take that forgiveness for granted, as it cost Jesus his life.

    There is a misconception that we should forgive someone because they “deserve” forgiveness. I need to say that NO ONE deserves forgiveness. It is a gift given freely from one to another.

    Note that when Erika Kirk stated that she has forgiven Charlie’s assassin, she’s not implying that all ok. What she is doing is releasing her bitterness, hatred, anger, etc. and giving it all the Jesus. May the assassin see this act, and see that there’s no place for hatred or bitterness.

    …. and yes, I have experience this in my own walk toward forgiveness. The father of my children left me when they were 3 & 6, never to be seen by us again. I have forgiven him. My eldest son was murdered, and his killer was sent to prison. Again, I don’t hate him or hold any animosity toward him and have forgiven him. If I saw either of these men face-to-face I’d make sure that the love of Christ shines through me. I don’t have to like either man, but I do need to love as Christ would love.

    May the LORD give Erika Kirk the strength to stand by her words of forgiveness, and may the LORD shine through her.

  3. Charlie had a voice that resonated with young voters. He was feared by the powers of the left because he was capturing those seeking peace and truth. The scams and false promises were being realized for what they are.
    Kimmel is not entertaining his ratings before the Kirk episode were abysmal. Kirk was the proverbial last straw. Sinclair and Nexstar know their audience. Local stations would rather do sitcom reruns or other less controversial stuff than watch very salable tv time be wasted on Jimmy Kimmel. All about paying the bills.
    There is a stirring and preshocks that are being heard. Pray they continue. There is hope that the young will take up the torch.

    1. Mr. Kenney:
      I agree with what you say about Kimmel. The whole thing was about economics for ABC. Sinclair and Nexstar stood up their audiences and their standards (standards are something ABC does not have). I respect them for that. As for Kimmel and ABC, they are both losers. We quit watching ABC “News” programs a long time ago. Their “news” is propaganda and amateurish at that. I did not hear any information that ABC 7 mentioned anything about Governor Money Bags calling Republicans Nazis, but they report every action of the illegals against ICE (paid demonstrators) ad nauseum.

  4. Wonderful and powerful column again, Mr. Kass. However, the Sunday silence you close with is fleeting. Is it gone already in the Wednesday dark outside St. Louis as I rattle north on the Texas Eagle? I’m coming home again to see some old guys from Fenwick and OPRFHS. Routh has attacked his own client and introduced his ladylike daughter to us. Kimmel resumed prattling with unrepentant alligator tears. UN mooches upbraid our President. What happened to opening the newspaper eagerly? I had stops on my route where the Dad was on the porch waiting for my delivery. Whether it was the front page or the obits or Moon Mullins on the bottom of Sports the “news” was crucial and critical. Now we search for solace by avoiding the “media” and their commercial messages for drugs that “might cause thoughts of suicide” and sports gambling! I dunno, man…..

  6. My wife and I watched the entire service. It’s encouraging. I was uplifted and humbled, especially by Erika’s public statement of forgiveness. My wife and I escaped Illinois in 2020. We’re in the free state of Florida. I, my wife, and our families were active members of the Catholic Archdiocese. So yesterday I read of the award being bestowed on Senator Durbin, Illinois supporter of full term and even partial birth abortion, by Cardinal Cupich. Reprehensible! I fled Commodius Maximus in 2020. If we were still there I’d be fleeing again. Thanks for this column, John. I’m encouraged once again.

    1. After trying to stomach our “Lavender” Cardinal Cupich’s heretic words and actions, cleanse your system by listening to NYC Cardinal Dolan recent remarks concerning Charlie Kirk being a modern-day Saint Paul and not afraid to say the names Jesus Christ, amen.

    2. Mr. Hurley:
      I hate to say this, but as a fellow person of Croatian descent, I am ashamed of Cardinal Cupich. From closing the Church during COVID, to staying quiet during the Democratic assault on the unborn, and support of the illegals, he has been a great disappointment. We expected that he would uphold the values of the Church, and in many cases he has not.

      1. Cupich is a bad guy. Deflected and defended the priest molesters. Giving an award to fervent abortionist Dick Durbin. I think he deserves the Moutza this month don’t you?

        1. A few years ago I saw Durbin at a St. Pat’s Day parade in downtown Chicago and asked him what his thoughts were on certain European counties almost totally eliminating births of special need babies, and his response was the lockstep it is up to the person with ovaries (just kidding) to make the decision as I was standing there with my beautiful autistic daughter Amy. All these ghouls will have their judgment day and reckoning before the Lord.

        2. We have not had a decent cardinal since before Cody, Remember he was run out of NewOrleans and came here with his mistress and son. Cupich was just quoted as saying”guns are plentiful and common sense attempts to limit their availability have been largely rejected in the name of freedom not found in the constitution”. We deserve better.

        3. “Cardinal Blase Cupich, head of the Archdiocese of Chicago, plans to honor radically pro-abortion Senator Dick Durbin with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the “Keep Hope Alive” Benefit on Sunday, November 3.” I received this email from the Rockford Family Initiative a few days ago urging all the Pro-Lifers to oppose this and write to bcupich@archchicago.org asking Cupich to withdraw that honor.
          And then of course, Cupich will not honor this bull head without some hidden motive just like when he named a diocese school after his mentor/boss Pope Francis only to be elevated to Cardinal in 2 months, after!

      2. Mr. Lisicich.

        I am a practicing Catholic more so now that I am completely retired at 68.6 years of life.

        After what Cardinal Cupich did to Father Paul John Kalchik of closed Resurrection Parish at the behest of Deborah Mell and the LGBT community over sacrilegious desecration of the blessed altar which Father Paul removed along with his parishioners, showed me what a hypocrite Cupich really is.

        This is the same Cleric that walked by the portable abortion clinic at the Democratic convention here in Chicago, and did not stop and say a prayers for those lives lost or the women seeking the termination procedure.
        This is the same Cleric who is going to give an award to Turbin Durbin, the abortion advocate in November.

        I stopped giving to the Cardinals appeal, I only give to my local parish, and the Popes collection and the annual collection for the retired priests and nuns.

        Thank you for your statement. We are not alone.

        1. Mr. Madden: Thank you, and thanks to all the other gentlemen for their comments, as well. We have stopped many of our contributions as we were disgusted by the late Pope Francis’ comment that the Church in America is all about money. Pope Francis did not seem to have a problem taking the money – just insulting our generosity.

  7. John, thanks for highlighting that it is so much more than a political battle. We are in a spiritual battle for the souls of men, for the soul of this nation we call America! I congratulate Marco Rubio and JD Vance, as political leaders, among others, for speaking the truth about God’s love and God’s ways at the memorial service and contrasting to the ways of Progressivism and Marxism! Larry Arnn is correct about the soul of the assassin losing it’s being. We all are given a mind and soul and spirit, the core meaning of being created in God’s image (Imago Dei). We all have a choice in life as the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the early Roman church, that experienced awful suffering at the hand of the Roman empire. “For those who live according to the flesh (focusing their mind and soul only on the physical world) set their minds on the flesh (seeking power, pleasure, money and all that is in the world), but those who live according to God’s Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh (self) is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit of God is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6. The contrast is so clear, God and love, selfishness and hate. Progressivism says it “cares” about people, but is self-focused and leads to hate and “Assassination Culture”. If this world is all there is for a person, if their mind loses any awareness of their spiritual need for God, Progressivism can make sense, which ultimately leads to hatred for others. We are seeing the Spirit of God moving in many young people despite the Progressive educational indoctrination most have gotten, because they hunger in their soul and spirit for God and Truth. Jesus called the Spirit of God the Spirit of Truth. You can tell people apart on what path they are on by if they really want truth or believe the lies that keep them from seeing truth. I have “Gratitude” that God is moving in our country, particularly in a younger generation that sees the lies, hate and spiritual emptiness of Progressivism and wants to know where to find Truth and Love. It was fully on display Sunday at Charlie Kirk’s memorial.

  9. Right after hearing Charlie was shot many text messages were coming in, we were all praying for this young man who was the same age as our own children. My dear friend Cathy alerted me that there was a live rosary being said on YouTube for Charlie and sent the link. I jumped in and began praying and I noticed that almost 3000 people had already joined in. It was amazing and felt good to be praying along with so many others. The priest offered the prayers along with comforting words that I needed to hear. I wish I could remember his name and where he was from, but at the time all that mattered was the prayer. I felt in my heart that we were praying for Charlie’s soul and that he was already in heaven. And shortly after the rosary ended, it was confirmed that Charlie had not survived. But that rosary, said with my friend Cathy and thousands of strangers gave me comfort, peace and most of all, hope. Thank you for today’s column.

  10. Dear Lord Jesus, turn our hearts back to you and make our nation shine with the light of Your Glory, as a beacon on a hill, in this dark, dark world. Let America be, once again, one nation under God. Amen.

  11. Yianni,
    As a fervant believer in Christ and our own Greek Orthodox faith, I’ll share my awakening with you. At the young age of 28, my appendix burst, filling my insides with peritonitis and prompting a major blood infection. My Greek blood anomalies further exacerbated masking the problem and I went into a 4 day coma. Doctors told my wife and family, that it didn’t look promising for my survival. My late Mother, whose father died of the same issue at age 40, immediately flew up from Florida to be at my side. She lived next door to St. Andrews GOC at the time, and went to have the priest perform a “paraklysis,” a prayer beseeching St. Andrew to save my life. I awoke the next morning, oblivious to what had befallen me. My Mom, still at my side with my wife, told me I owe my life to St. Andrew, and have been a faithful parishioner there ever since. My surgeeon, Dr. Mike Govostis called it nothing short of a miracle. So, do I believe in the power of prayer? Do I believe in that “higher power” called God, Jesus? Of course I do, there was never a doubt in my mind. I’m living proof of that higher power…..we must all have faith, for without it we are nothing but empty shells. RIP Charlie.

  12. Cubs 3B Matt Shaw missed one game to go to the Kirk memorial service. The two of them were friends. The Chicago lackeys in the press made a big deal of it. We should all buy Matt Shaw jerseys. Pete Crow Armstrong defended Shaw on X. Even Kasso ought to buy a Shaw jersey and root for the Cubs in the playoffs now.

  13. Thank you very much for posting this, John.

    When Trump lost the 2020 election, I was viewing various commentary online and came upon Charlie Kirk. My curiosity was peaked by this very young man talking about the election and knew this was no ordinary young podcaster. When Jan 6 happened, Charlie Kirk and his friends were looking and seriously auditing videos (from different sources) of the day, and I was amazed on how detail-oriented he was. You knew this young man had a future. I also remember when he had Erica on the podcast announcing their engagement. He said that when he interviewed her, he decided he wasn’t going to hire her. He was going to marry her. This was a young man who set himself apart. But when one really thinks of it, he was set apart by God, and Charlie took up that cross to ride against the current tide and stand firm for what really matters. Love of God, love of country, and love of family.

  14. Mrs.Kirk will do well by her children and her Charlie as a thoughtful leader for TPUSA.But,John is a little wrong on the Jimmy Kimmel burp moment. He posted a message immediately after the murder to ask for a day of calm and reflection and sympathy for Erica.He said it again on Tuesday night while taping his comeback to better ratings show in praising her forgiveness of the idiot shooter.You know what Donald J Trump did at the memorial service? He turned a marathon of spiritual praise into a petty grievance rant.He did it again on Tuesday at the UN speech to the diplomats. So,now you understand why more than a few Americans will never support this President but we understand why he won and how Biden-Harris were shameful. And that Miranda Devine,NY Post and Fox News analyst? She got lucky with the Hunter Biden meltdown. She is anything but a special journalist. Not that John can tell the difference between Porky Pig and his Governor,these days. ouch!

    1. Kimmel is a Jackass. What he posted and what he said in TV were two different animals. I do not care what he posted, because very few people read that virtue signal. What he said on TV had more impact and showed exactly what a low life Jimm Kimmel has been, is, and will always be. Turning Point’s comment did not accept his feeble attempt at an apology. He cried phony crocodile tears and was totally shameless.

      Miranda Devine is a wonderful insightful reporter. She got lucky? She worked really hard on the Hunter Laptop story which the FBI knew was Hunter’s and not the Russian Disinformation piece. Biden lied, the FBI lied, 51 scum bag former so called intelligence agents lied and nearly all of mainstream media lied. Twitter and social media censored the NY Post, the White House sites and many conservative outlets. Now these Jackass left wingers are screaming about censorship. What a bunch of hypocritical jackals in sheep’s clothing.

      The President was attacked for 8 years with Schiff, the California Piece of Garbage Senator leading the charge. He lied and has NEVER produced a shred of evidence about Russia, Russia, Russia. Biden’s Justice Department orchestrated all of the cases against Trump. Just check the logs at the White House. Bragg, Willis, Jack Smith and Fani’s Boy Toy are all on the logs. They were not there to share ice cream with Brain Dead Joe.

      Two people tried to assassinate Trump. He as every right to call them for what they are. You and the left have done everything on your part to kill, incarcerate, fine and break him financially. He beat you on every turn and you cannot stand that he crushed you all. I hope he continues to go after all those low life’s that attacked him, killed Charlie, killed that beautiful couple in DC, (a Chicago democrat did it) and every other lefty scum bag.

  15. I’m trying my best to avoid the idea of “hate” when thinking of democrats. That would negate everything that stand as a lesson in this tragedy. But, I allow myself to think of the democrats as “despicable.”
    It’s a challenge but, as challenges go, it could be worse.

  16. I am mourning a man I didn’t know. Yes I have seen the videos of him at different schools.
    He was never angry, or condescending. I thought wow. Even when those who stood there and insulted him he kept his grace. He would ask the crowd to be respectful if someone stepped up with an opposing view.
    Ninety thousand plus people showed up. I would say that is a come to Jesus movement. Ninety thousand plus saying I’m a Christian. Then there are the states, and businesses who held their own vigils.
    One of my sayings when something is absolutely atrocious, or horrific is God is watching.
    In one of the videos I watched where Charlie was talking to one who opposed him he said “ take a breath” to the crowd who were reacting negatively.
    I think for me those words will become my creed.
    Thank you for your words.

  17. Great job as always, Mr. Kass- you continue to make your Greek ancestors proud.

    With regard to Mr. Kimmel, I’m still trying to figure out how someone who was involved in the high level educational programming of “The Man Show” can suddenly become a (sic) respected Social and Political Commentator? Maybe I should stay up later and watch this drivel to become better informed.

  18. Absolutely the best column of yours that I have seen, I be became a Trib. Subscriber to get your column. I left them when they left you and became a subscriber to your newsletter. THANK YOU FOR THIS.

    1. Thank you John for this beautiful article. I had just started listening to Charlie Kirk over the last few weeks after seeing him on TV and admired his knowledge and charisma. I was watching his speech at the Utah college on TV when I watched him get assassinated. So, I was also glued to the Memorial last Sunday and I continue to have admiration for his work with Christians and politics and our youth. I support Turning Point USA as our youth need to continue getting educated on issues Charlie gave his life.

  19. Thanks for your beautiful column John. Illinois was central to Charlie Kirk’s spiritual journey. From Wheeling HS to Harper College, his joyful life was a reflection of the work ethic he learned in the quiet suburbs. His optimism was infinite. West-suburban Lisle was also important to his crusade. It’s where he met his first donor, during an event at Benedictine University to encourage civic participation by students. Charlie respected everyone’s opinion. I wish we could see that virtue in Illinois elected officials.

  22. Thank you John. The memorial service was incredible. I have forwarded your writings to my 90 year old original Chicago/Orland Park favorite Father-in-law who now is widowed in Florida. I have shared your writings with my sister in Rhode Island. I have shared your writings with my friend in Washington state, whom I met when I was in the USN many years ago. God is in control, of this I am certain. Bless you and Betty, your family.

  23. I watched much of the memorial too and I’ve noted the contrast not only with the usual cable channels but also with the post Ferguson and post Floyd riots. I hope you’re right about another Great Awakening. We could use one.
    The history teacher in me; however, compels me to note that it would be the 4th or 5th Awakening, not the the 2nd [1st 1740s -reforms within protestant churches, 2nd 1790s – founding of schools/universities, 3rd 1850s – abolitionism/civil rights/charities, 4th {?, by some}1960s/70s non-denominationals/televangelism/ecuminism, and 2020s [[TBD]].

  25. Your column and Charlie’s service shined brightly on the love Erika shared with Charlie, and that both shared with Jesus Christ, the why and how. Evil brazenly marshalled all it commands in its world, a legion indeed.
    Hateful demons themselves don’t warrant forgiveness, but Christ taught us to pray their host’s redemption with his last breaths. The answer to hate of course is prayer. Evil hates even that.

  26. As soon as I heard about Charlie Kirk passing at the hands of assassin, I felt sick. Almost physically sick and sick at heart. I kept asking the assassin in my mind every day…How could you have done this? And then, I decided that God had set him upon this path and then took him home. His death may yet bring about some good in our troubled nation. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.

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