Podcast Summary

"Why Didn’t God Save Charlie Kirk? Plus More Q&A"

Podcast: I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an ATHEIST
Host: Dr. Frank Turek
Date: October 21, 2025
Episode Theme: Wrestling with Suffering, Divine Purpose, and Carrying on the Legacy of Charlie Kirk

Episode Overview

Dr. Frank Turek opens this emotionally charged episode by reflecting on his recent archaeology trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel, but the primary theme quickly shifts to grappling with the recent murder of Charlie Kirk. Dr. Turek addresses heartfelt listener questions about why God allowed this tragedy, explores the nature of suffering from a Christian perspective, and encourages believers to transform grief into renewed commitment for cultural engagement and evangelism. He also shares practical ways to honor Charlie’s legacy and strengthen one’s faith.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gratitude and Perspective after Foreign Travel

Time: 00:00–09:33

• Dr. Turek details his archaeological tour, remarking on the poverty he witnessed in Egypt as compared to the prosperity and freedom in America.
• He draws a connection between economic systems, prosperity, and the temptation to take blessings for granted.
  • “If you’re going to complain about America, you ought to go over to Egypt and try and live there for a year or two...” (03:20)
  • Discusses how wealth is not the global norm and how poverty prevails where government overreach stifles individual enterprise.
  • Challenges the myth of socialism: “A rising tide lifts all boats... A cure for leftism is to actually witness poverty under governmental control firsthand.” (08:15)
  • Notes the biblical teaching: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (09:06)

2. Processing Grief: Why Did God Allow Charlie Kirk’s Death?

Time: 09:33–39:15

• Dr. Turek candidly discusses his ongoing grief and insomnia following Charlie’s murder:
  • “The first thing I think about when I wake up is Charlie...The last thing I think about when I go to bed is Charlie.” (12:55)
• Reads a question from Kristen (UK): If Charlie’s death brought people to Christ, isn’t that what Jesus died for? Couldn’t God have spared him and achieved the same result?
• Scriptural response: Cites 1 Peter 4's teaching on suffering, encouraging Christians not to be surprised by “fiery ordeals.”
  • “Every New Testament book talks about suffering... The Bible promises trouble. In fact, Kristen had mentioned that in the verse she just alluded to: ‘In this life, you will have trouble.’” (15:10)
• Refutes prosperity gospel ideas:
  • “Were Jesus and the apostles healthy and wealthy? No! They were brutalized. They became martyrs. And don’t tell me they didn’t have enough faith.” (21:31)
• The problem of evil does not disprove God:
  • “Evil does not disprove God. Evil proves that God does exist. There would be no such thing as evil unless there was good, and there would be no such thing as good unless God existed.” (24:19)
  • Quotes C.S. Lewis: “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line...” (25:03)

Philosophical and Theological Points

• Evil presupposes a moral standard, and only God can ground that standard.
• “Why did God allow this to happen?”—the question itself assumes a moral universe that atheism cannot supply.
  • “If there is no purpose to life, then what happened to Charlie wasn’t good or bad. It was just someone’s opinion.” (28:51)
• God’s purposes may be inscrutable due to our finite perspective.
  • “If God were to stop all the evil choices... we really wouldn’t be creatures that could affect reality. It would be a morally trivial world.” (33:39)
  • “If God were to stop evil at midnight tonight, would you still be alive at 12:01? I wouldn’t be.” (37:09)
• God quarantines evil—not by abolishing free will, but by ultimately segregating those who persist in rebellion (“hell”).

3. The Ripple Effect and the Greater Good

Time: 39:15–46:02

• Dr. Turek considers the “ripple effect” of suffering—how God can use even evil for greater good in ways we can’t foresee.
  • “Why did God allow Charlie to die? It could be because of the good ripples that will come forward because of it. And we’re already seeing so many of them.” (40:50)
• Massive positive impact:
  • “At least 100 million people watched that (memorial service) and heard the gospel repeatedly from politicians, not just from me...” (41:25)
  • Reports global responses—emails from Sweden and Denmark of erstwhile atheists now coming to faith.

4. Listener Letters: Call to Action for the Church

Time: 46:02–49:07

• Dr. Turek reads a moving letter from Jason, a Ph.D. in theology, who feels convicted and ashamed for not engaging culture more fully for Christ.
  • “A 31-year-old man was murdered because the church has for too long been asleep in the light and refused to authentically care about a culture in desperate need of Christian truth.” (47:12, Jason’s letter)
• Dr. Turek challenges pastors and theologians to move beyond academic Christianity and to equip believers for culture-wide influence.
  • “Why do you even need a Charlie Kirk if pastors and people with the proper credentials had been following Jesus, using their skills, engaging the culture...?” (48:33)
• Urges all listeners: Now is the time to get involved—make disciples, not just believers.
  • “If you’re not making disciples, you’re not doing church. Jesus didn’t say make believers, he said make disciples. True followers.” (50:47)

5. Practical Next Steps: Equipping Believers and Carrying Forward Charlie’s Legacy

Time: 49:07–54:41

• Suggests practical actions for growth:
  • Volunteer at your church to equip others.
  • Take apologetics courses (recommends CrossExamined and Turning Point Academy programs).
  • Read foundational books (“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist,” “Stealing from God,” etc.).
  • Use and recommend children’s resources (e.g., Brave Books).
  • “You can’t give what you don’t have. You can’t teach what you don’t know.” (52:13)
• Reports explosive demand for Turning Point curriculum:
  • “Since Charlie’s assassination...over 1.6 million orders for our curriculum. To put some perspective... before Charlie was shot, they had 20,000 orders.” (53:55)

6. Charlie Kirk’s Last Message: The Prep Year Vision

Time: 42:29–46:02
(Audio clip of Charlie Kirk speaking)

• Charlie advocates for a “prep year” classical, biblically based education as an alternative to secular college.
  • “Why don’t we develop a biblically based prep year where we are able to bring students through a masterclass year of the Western canon of biblical Scriptures, of what it means to think…” (43:14, Charlie Kirk)
  • “The nation needs more young game changers like your son and your daughter that is going through prep year to really dive into these ideas, see what the Lord wants for them.” (44:35, Charlie Kirk)
  • Stresses individualized, rigorous formation for future biblical leaders.

7. On Suffering, Legacy, and Worldview

Time: 46:02–49:07

• Dr. Turek likens Charlie Kirk’s vibrant life and intellect to that of atheist Christopher Hitchens, arguing both require divine causality.
  • “I don’t have enough faith to believe that a vibrant personality had no cause, no intelligent cause... If Christopher Hitchens or Charlie Kirk or you or me... is an effect that requires intelligence, what must be the cause?” (47:12)
• Emphasizes natural theology—the necessity of an uncaused First Cause (God).

8. Continued Outreach and Urgent Need

Time: 49:07–End

• Dr. Turek details upcoming campus events and the increased cost/danger of ministering in the current climate.
  • “Now our costs have tripled to 15 grand for every university. It’s not just for my safety, it’s for the safety of the audience.” (58:53)
• Appeals for prayer and support:
  • “We’re going to need your help to keep going... you are the ones who are bringing us to college campuses, and you're reaching these kids through us.” (60:17)
• Shares moving testimonies of students coming to Christ through apologetics outreach.
  • “I came to Christianity, and thank you for coming because you were also one of the reasons that influenced me.” (61:43)
  • “I was an atheist for the first 16 years of my life, and then I converted over...after actually watching your ‘I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist’ online thing...” (62:04)
• Concludes with a call for spiritual resolve, prayer for specific people affected by recent violence, and a final encouragement to seize the current moment of openness to the gospel.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Dr. Turek on Suffering and God’s Perspective
  “Don’t expect life to be easy when you’re a Christian, or even a non-Christian. But certainly as a Christian, Charlie was not guaranteed 80 carefree years. None of us are.” (18:50)

• On the Problem of Evil and God’s Existence
  “Evil does not disprove God. Evil proves that God does exist. There would be no such thing as evil unless there was good, and there would be no such thing as good unless God existed.” (24:19)

• Addressing Church Apathy (Letter from Jason)
  “A 31-year-old man was murdered because the church has for too long been asleep in the light and refused to authentically care about a culture in desperate need of Christian truth.” (47:12)

• Charlie Kirk on Education and Legacy
  “...Raise up biblical patriots that love this nation, but most importantly love God and love Jesus and want to serve for his purposes here on Earth. This is a year that will form you for the rest of your life.” (44:52)

• Ripple Effect of Good from Tragedy
  “Bible sales are up, church attendance is up...people are becoming Christians. I got a lady from Sweden—atheist, ‘I’m a Christian now because of Charlie.’ Someone else from Denmark, same thing.” (41:58)

Main Takeaways

• Suffering and evil in the world do not contradict God’s existence; rather, the outrage we feel at evil presupposes a transcendent moral standard.
• God does not promise Christians an easy, trouble-free life. Instead, we are called to trust in God’s unseen purposes and the ultimate redemption of suffering.
• The impact of Charlie Kirk’s death is already producing visible good, inspiring new believers and spurring others—including seasoned theologians—to deeper cultural engagement.
• Now is a “window of opportunity” for Christian witness; Dr. Turek urges listeners to equip themselves and act while hearts are open.
• Charlie Kirk’s legacy will be honored through continued formation of disciples, especially “game-changers” among young and future leaders.

Suggested Actions & Resources

1. Equip Yourself:

   • Take online apologetics courses via CrossExamined.org or enroll in Turning Point Academy’s prep year.
   • Read foundational apologetics books recommended on the show.
   • Start early with children: get faith-based resources for kids.

2. Engage Your Church:

   • Volunteer and use your gifts to help equip other believers for ministry.
   • Advocate for discipleship over mere “seeker” models within congregations.

3. Support the Mission:

   • Pray for those directly affected by Charlie’s death and for the ongoing campus outreach.
   • Consider financial giving to offset increased security and event costs.

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – Reflections on Egypt trip and the contrast with America
• 09:33 – Listener question: Why did God let Charlie Kirk die?
• 15:10 – Scriptural perspective on suffering (1 Peter 4)
• 24:19 – The problem of evil & God’s existence
• 33:39 – Why God doesn’t prevent all evil
• 40:50 – The "ripple effect" of tragedy
• 42:29 – Charlie Kirk’s prep year message
• 47:12 – Letter from Jason about church apathy
• 58:53 – Mission costs and increased dangers on campuses
• 61:43 – Student testimonies of conversion through apologetics

This summary captures the heart, questions, and scriptural answers that animate Dr. Turek's episode, inviting listeners both to grieve and to act with renewed purpose.