Je Suis Charlie
Je Suis Charlie
By Pastor John Dawson
Ten years ago, the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo was attacked by 2 Muslim men, killing 12 before going on to kill and wound many others. The attack was a response to the magazine publishing a cartoon—a doodle really—of the prophet Mohamed. The response to this attack was condemnation of the murders and defense of free speech. Even those who did not know the magazine or particularly appreciate its contents showed their solidarity with the phrase Je suis Charlie (French for I am Charlie). Of course, not everyone responded in this way. The ISIS group that claimed responsibility celebrated the horrific act as a victory over their enemies.
Now—ten years later, we have seen another horrific murder against one who believed in free speech and dialogue as the only thing we have to bring our society together and keep us from the chaos of conflict. Charlie Kirk was an extraordinary young man who debated those who held views that differed from his traditional and conservative values. He went to college campuses especially because he felt that his views were most absent there. And it was at a rally on a campus in Utah that he was shot and killed by a young man with a rifle.
Je suis Charlie. Once again, many stand with the one who was violently attacked and stand against the forces that would silence speech. Demonstrations of grief and solidarity were held across the country and around the world. Over 100 million people watched his memorial service online. It was a tribute to Charlie, but it was more than that. Front and center in Charlie’s life was his faith in Jesus Christ. This was front and center in the service as well. The bottom line is that while free markets are a better way to have prosperity for all, it is only new life in Jesus Christ that gives eternal life. It is Charlie’s faith in Christ that enabled the gathering to be a celebration of his life and a reminder for us to focus on the power of Christ in our own lives.
Not everyone mourned Charlie’s murder. Some celebrated. Some even took responsibility for the act, chanting, “We shot Charlie Kirk in the neck.” Many who celebrated lost jobs. While we have the right to speech free from government retaliation, our speech has consequences. Employers have a right to distance themselves from those who celebrate assassinations. I remember the celebrations on the streets of Cairo, Egypt back on 9-11-01. Those celebrating Charlie’s death reminded me of those. It is sickening, but revealing. How are we to respond to such hatred? First, our Lord directs that we are to love our enemies. Take that very seriously. When anger would push you to hatred, resist. But second, realize that those who so delighted in Charlie’s death would feel the same about anyone who held similar views. I am aware that they don’t just have a difference of opinion with me, but they would rather I did not continue to exist. Love your enemy, but also know your enemy. Know what their heart would have them do.
Je suis Charlie. I am Charlie. I say this not merely to stand in solidarity with free speech. I stand in solidarity with Christian witness. This tragic event may be a turning point in the USA (no pun intended) as it exposes the hearts of those who celebrate the murder of those who oppose them. There are those on the political left who see this as revolting and are questioning who they should be joined with. Bill Maher, who agrees very little with Charlie, sat down for a conversation with him 5 months ago. He was visibly upset by Charlie’s death and even more upset with those who celebrated his death. May there be more people on his side of the aisle that distance themselves from those who celebrated Charlie’s death. And may there be more who hear of Charlie’s faith and give genuine ear to the gospel of Christ.
Je suis Charlie. I am Charlie. But even more important is nous somme Kirk. We are Kirk. (please excuse my mixing of languages). Kirk is a Scots word familiar to Presbyterians. It means Church. We are the Church of Jesus Christ. We stand in solidarity with the Church around the world. We rejoice at those who in this tragic event turn to Jesus for comfort and strength. We turn to Jesus who is our hope. Our lives rest in Christ. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ who face earthly dangers because we are joined in Christ. As Christians, we do not shrink back from the gospel of Jesus in all that it represents. We proclaim the truth of God’s word. We proclaim the forgiveness and new life of the gospel of Jesus. And we continue to be anchored in our Hope, the Lord Jesus himself. Remember that Christian Church will be victorious because Christ is the Victor. Jesus said that the gates of Hell could not withstand the assault of his Church. Do not be afraid of the forces of darkness. The forces of darkness have reason to be afraid of us.
Ever victorious in Jesus,
Pastor John