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We Do Not Seek Vengeance Upon Our Enemies

September 16th, 2025 | 5 min read

By James Wood

Charlie Kirk’s assassination marks a turning point in the culture wars. For many conservatives, Kirk was not just a movement leader but an icon. His tragic death has been interpreted by some as a form of martyrdom: a man who modeled charity in debate and generosity toward opponents, yet was met with violence in return. The temptation among his admirers is clear: he fought with grace, and look what it got him; now it’s time to take the gloves off.

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James Wood

James R. Wood is Associate Professor of Religion and Theology at Redeemer University (Ancaster, ON). He is also a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, co-host of the Civitas podcast produced by the Theopolis Institute, co-host Mere Fidelity with Mere Orthodoxy, and former associate editor at First Things.