Did the Assassination of Charlie Kirk Kickstart a Religious Revolution?
Teh text discusses the concept of critically important “movements” in the history of ideas and culture,describing how periods of relative stability are disrupted by waves of new thinking that bring change and direction. examples include major intellectual and religious movements such as Humanism, Rationalism, and Existentialism, as well as key Christian movements like the spread of early Christianity, the Protestant Reformation, and various Great Awakenings. Each major movement often begins with a pivotal individual-sometimes a thinker, reformer, or martyr-whose ideas inspire widespread change. The article suggests that we may currently be witnessing the emergence of a new “movement of God,” marked by renewed faith and increased church engagement, especially in America. Historically, such movements have led to revived spirituality, cultural reform, and mission expansion, though they sometimes also caused division. the piece ends by inviting readers to consider whether they are passive observers of history or active participants in these transformative movements.
The history of the world records an interesting phenomenon that I would label “major movements of thoughts and ideas.”
It looks like this: “Life becomes rather static until a wave of change or thinking breaks through the status quo.” It seems that every culture and time period has these breakthroughs.
A better term, however, is “movement.” It captures the idea of motion and direction. Some might be familiar with these: Humanism — Petrarch (1304–1374). Focus on human dignity, classical learning. Rationalism — René Descartes, “I think, therefore I am.” Existentialism – Søren Kierkegaard (Christian). Later Friedrich Nietzsche (atheistic): Meaning, freedom, authenticity.
The history of Christianity can also be accurately described as a “movement.” Starting with Jesus Christ, and later the Apostle Paul, the message of the resurrection spread throughout the known world.
Christian movements continued. Protestant Reformation — Martin Luther (1517). Sparked by the 95 Theses, the emphasis was on justification by faith. First Great Awakening — Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, John Wesley (1730s–40s). Preaching revival in England and America. Second Great Awakening — Charles Finney (early 1800s). Revivals, altar calls, social reform.
You may notice that every great movement started with a person — sometimes a great, innovative thinker, sometimes persecuted, sometimes martyred. We may be witnessing the beginning of another “movement of God” in our world today.
With the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, even the skeptic will admit “there’s something stirring faith in America and around the world.” Churches are full, young men and women are more engaged in Christianity, and there is a palpable sense of movement toward God.
Whenever God moved, the results were revived hearts, renewed churches, multiplied missions, and cultural reform — though some movements also brought division or other struggles.
So, where are you? Watching history or being part of it?
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
