A Generational Turning Point

How the Lines Today Are More Clear Than Ever

My wife held on a little longer today as we started our day. And I held my wife and kids a little longer too. The air in our home has felt heavier these past few days, like a fog you can't quite shake.

Last night, Ashley, my beautiful wife, sat in the bed, tears streaming as she watched the footage of Erika Kirk. Erika, standing tall amid unimaginable grief, leaning over to kiss the hand of her assassinated husband, Charlie.

The viewing of his body, the quiet dignity in that moment—it hit us all hard. This whole week, we've been glued to the screens, captivated by the funeral preparations for Charlie Kirk. A man who lived boldly, preached truth without apology, and now, even in death, is shaking the foundations of a generation.

For me, though? I do this every Sunday—preaching things people don't like to hear. So while Ashley wept with Erika, my heart burned with something else: A desire for justice. Anger, if I’m being honest.

While the hunt was ongoing, I'd refresh my social media every ten minutes or so, scouring for updates on the shooter. Who was he? What drove him to this evil act? Relief washed over me like a wave when I saw he'd been captured. But the questions lingered. What was his motive? Why pull the trigger on a man whose only "crime" was honest discourse? Why couldn't he just agree to disagree, like civilized people used to do?

The Motive Behind the Heinous Act

We know some details now—the shooter (taken in to custody yesterday) was steeped in radical leftist ideology, radicalized by years of echo chambers that painted conservatives as existential threats. He posted rants on social media and scribbled on his bullets about "fascists" taking over, equating free speech with oppression.

It's the kind of rhetoric that's been boiling over for years, fueled by media outlets and activists who turn disagreement into demonization. Why did he do it? Because in his world, violence isn't a last resort—it's the shortcut when words fail.

An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. — Proverbs 29:22

This wasn't just a lone wolf; it was the fruit of a culture that sows division and reaps bloodshed.

Cultural Lines Becoming Clear: Observations for a Generation

From these heartbreaking events, something profound is emerging: cultural lines are becoming crystal clear. Not just for me, but for an entire generation waking up to the divide. It's like the fog is lifting, and we can finally see the chasm between two visions of America. Here are a few key observations that have struck me deeply this week.

Observation 1: Responses to Tragedy — Riots vs. Prayer

Think back to George Floyd and the BLM riots. Cities burned, tear gas filled the streets, and chaos reigned. Protests turned to destruction, with businesses looted and lives upended. We were told this was an appropriate expectation because of a reaction to systemic racism, an almost cathartic necessity.

Now contrast that with the response to Charlie Kirk's assassination. People gathered not with rioting and looting, but in prayer vigils. Tears, yes—but also singing hymns, shared Bible verses, and quiet trust in God’s sovereign care. Churches have been holding prayer meetings, moments of encouragement.

The reactions between ideologies cannot be overlooked. They highlight a divide that declares, we are not the same when tragedy comes our way. One side erupts in rage and retribution; the other turns to God in sorrow.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. — Romans 12:18

Charlie Kirk’s supporters have chosen peace, even when it hurts.

Observation 2: Discourse vs. Violence

The difference in discourse has also been clearly seen. One movement thrives on silencing dissent. It desires echo chambers, dependent on rage when others disagree. And when the argument is lost, honest discourse gets tossed aside for shouts, cancellations, and now, tragically, bullets.

It's become so clear that one movement is the movement of violence and death—abortion on demand, euthanasia glorified, and now political assassinations excused as "understandable frustration."

This week, I watched videos of reporters interviewing students on college campuses like UCLA, Rutgers, and San Diego State about how they felt after Charlie Kirk was assassinated. I was horrified—absolutely gutted—that so many of them approved of his murder, justifying it as a response to his "hateful" speech. Some even celebrated it outright. Did you see the guy celebrating mere moments after Kirk was shot? That’s what demonic activity looks like, a seared conscience, and fully depraved heart.

On a recent episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, Ben Shapiro highlighted a poll from the Wall Street Journal showing that only 58% of Gen Z believe there's no excuse for violence in response to speech. That means a terrifying 42% think it could be acceptable in some cases.

What a strange world we're in, where the need for security has become so pronounced. Increased security represents a general concern for the upbringing of this next generation, raised on a steady diet of outrage, echo chambers, and intolerance, where disagreement isn't debated—it's destroyed.

Observation 3: Villainization and Media Bias

We're worlds apart in how we villainize each other. Words like "fascist" and "Nazi" get flung around like confetti—from South Park episodes mocking the right to CNN and MSNBC commentators labeling anyone right of center as a threat to democracy. Media outlets cannot use such demonizing language without expecting evil response—they’re pouring gas on the fire!

How many times have we heard it? Yet look at the reporting double standard. During the George Floyd incident, he was practically sainted—a hero, an icon, with murals and memorials everywhere. Even Christian outlets like Christianity Today joined the chorus, elevating the narrative while downplaying the riots' destruction. But for Charlie Kirk? Bare-bones facts, no hagiography. The bias screams from the rooftops.

And here's the kicker: the so-called moral majority keeps dictating how we should feel. "You're a bigot if you question this." "You're racist for not marching." "You're unloving for standing on biblical truth." Americans are exhausted by it. I'm exhausted by it. It's time we push back... Slavery to guilt-tripping narratives? No more.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. — Galatians 5:1

Observation 4: Hope in the Face of Death

But the clearest line of all? It's the hope shining through in the face of death. Charlie and Erika Kirk embodied remarkable resilience, rooted in the gospel.

Their witness was powerful—grief was there, raw and real, but overwhelming it all was hope. Charlie had preached on this often: he wanted to be known for his love of the Lord, even if his death amplified that message.

Erika's strength? It wasn't stoicism; it was hope-filled, declaring that even in death, Charlie's voice would grow louder. I chuckled a little when I saw someone post Charlie as Obi-Wan Kenobi (hat tip to the geeks out there), "If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine." A little humorous truth in the midst of such sadness was readily received.

Owen Strachan nailed it in his Substack piece: this tragedy is galvanizing a generation. Check it out—it's a must-read for anyone sensing this shift. I highly recommend this read. Find it here:

The Murder of Charlie Kirk and the Galvanizing of a Generation

That's the divide: one side despairs in darkness; we cling to the light of resurrection.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. — 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Calls to Action: What Now?

This turning point demands action. This isn't just a moment; it's a movement. A generation is awakening to these lines, and by God's grace, we'll cross them toward truth. Let's honor Charlie by living with the same unyielding faith.

Pray for Healing and Justice

First, pray. Pray for Erika and the Kirk family, for justice to prevail, and for our nation's healing. Set aside time today—grab your Bible, get on your knees, and intercede...

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. — James 5:16

Speak Up and Engage

Second, speak up. Don't let the silencers win. Become bold! Share this article, talk to your friends, post on social media. If Charlie's death teaches us anything, it's that truth can't be buried. Engage in those hard conversations with love and boldness. Share the gospel with your neighbors. None of us know the time that we have left.

Live Out the Gospel Daily

Third, live the gospel. In your homes, churches, and communities, embody the hope we've seen in the Kirks. Mentor the next generation—teach them Scripture, show them resilience. Support organizations like Turning Point USA that Charlie built; donate, volunteer, keep the mission alive.

Something is happening in the next generation. We sense an awakening happening in the student ministry and young adults at our church. Young people are coming to Christ and there’s so much excitement for the work of Christ to save! Volunteer. Celebrate. Support them.

Vote with Conviction

Finally, vote. November's coming, and this clarity should fuel us.

Choose leaders who value life, freedom, and discourse over division and death—leaders who refuse to call for violence upon those they disagree with.

If this resonates, hit that subscribe button below—join the conversation as we navigate these times together. Share your thoughts in the comments: How has this week clarified things for you? Share a thought and comment on this article.

Grace & peace,
Matt Shackelford
Lead Pastor, Central Church