Editor’s note: The editors of America pray for the repose of the soul of Charlie Kirk and for the consolation of his family. With political and religious leaders across the country and the world, we reject any legitimation of political violence and recognize the need for common dedication to improving civil discourse. As Sam Sawyer, S.J., our editor in chief, wrote in 2023: “We commit ourselves—and we will exhort our contributors—to both imagine and acknowledge the best motives of those with whom we may disagree, especially within the life of the church.” 

In an online piece titled “Who is being served by making Charlie Kirk a saint: God or Caesar?,” Father Sawyer wrestled with the political and spiritual remembrances of Mr. Kirk in the wake of his assassination. He questioned the evangelical effectiveness of attempting to convert people to Christ through politics and wrote: “I fear that whatever the best intentions of Mr. Kirk or his pastor or others connected to his Turning Point USA organization, the approach they take to politics results in treating the Gospel more as a means than an end.” Our readers had much to say in response.

If politics were an “on-ramp” to Jesus, we would have politicians who would promote policies that help feed the poor (not deny them food), promote health care for all, stand up for equality and justice, welcome and support our neighbors at home and throughout the world, and promote systems of taxation where the rich pay their fare share. Our political leaders would promote “love for neighbor,” not “hate your neighbor.” Clearly, our political leaders need to decide if they are truly aligned with Jesus or Cesar.

Kathleen Zippilli

With all due respect, “Caesar” was not given the last word, even chronologically, at the memorial for Charlie Kirk. The immortal, eternal, living words of Jesus from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” is the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the “pivot” of all history, and “the (only) turning point” there is. Since the president did not confess his love for his enemies at the end of his speech but only his openness to being convinced, Jesus’ last words await a definitive response from all of us.

Frederick Close

Barring the political speeches, the testimonies drawing attention to Jesus was quite moving. That Mr. Kirk was a supporter of Mr. Trump seems to have caused some to dismiss the magnificent Gospel message displayed. But thousands of young people across the globe are now willing to take a peek at the Gospel. Lifting young souls out of the darkness of social media is worthy of praise.

Ann Marie Amideo

I think what’s happening with Christians today reveals a huge gap in solid spiritual discernment: that most Christians cannot or will not do the work of digging deeper and seeking not what is popular or self-serving, but what is truly of God and what might best align with the will of God and with the example lived by Jesus. It’s so easy for me to see through the theater of that political rally disguised as a memorial, as well as all those who speak on behalf of Christ who don’t seem to really know the Christ of the Gospels. As a Franciscan priest and pastor, observing all of this just gives me greater resolve to be more outspoken about discernment of spirits in my preaching and pastoral ministry. Jesus never asked to be worshiped; he asked to be followed, and there is such a dearth of that today among Christians and, sadly, even from some Catholic leaders.

Daniel Barica

Mr. Kirk espoused the family values that the church defends, upholds, protects and promotes (marriage, children, providing for one’s family, etc.). This is what Cardinal Dolan was talking about. This is what St. Paul espoused. Father Sam asks who is being served. Hopefully, all people of good will who want their nation to be a moral place where kids can be kids and men and women can be who God wants them to be. Simple.

Elizabeth Weber

More and more I find myself being drawn to Peter’s response to Jesus asking the Apostles if they will leave him too (after the Bread of Life discourse): “Lord, to whom shall we go?” (Jn 6:68). The “way” being proclaimed by political leaders is not the true way if it is not grounded in the Gospels. President Trump made that clear by his comments at Charlie Kirk’s funeral. In the spirit of the Ignatian way of placing yourself in the Gospel readings, I imagine Jesus taking Mr. Trump aside and saying, “You still don’t get it.”

Russell Wyborski

This article appears in November 2025.