The Charlie Kirk Show:

"What Is Life and Why Protecting It Is An Ideological Hill Worth Dying On"
Date: July 7, 2021
Host: Charlie Kirk
Location: Speech at Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic, Los Angeles, CA

Episode Overview

In this episode, Charlie Kirk delivers a keynote speech at the Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic—a pro-life, faith-based organization near Los Angeles. Kirk explores the philosophical, theological, and cultural foundations of the pro-life movement, emphasizing why the protection of life is a core, non-negotiable ideological stance. He offers moral arguments, addresses criticisms of the movement, and provides actionable encouragement for supporters to become active advocates for life. The episode is a blend of personal testimony, apologetics, and a call to cultural engagement, delivered in Kirk's signature unapologetic, conversational style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Sacredness and Definition of Life

[12:33-18:40]

• Kirk frames life as a divine gift, rooted in the belief that humans are made in the image of God.
• He asserts the debate about life is inherently theological:
  • "When we protect life... we're really trying to articulate that there is a transcendent order" (14:25).
• Critiques modern society's drift from eternal truths—arguing morality is not changed by technological advancement or academic sophistication.

2. Contrasting Worldviews: Theism vs. Secularism

[19:00–25:30]

• Kirk draws a line between the worldview that acknowledges God and the secular postmodernism prevalent in academia.
• Discusses atheism as a kind of "religion" with its own dogmas and evangelists.
• Posits that a lack of divine reference inevitably leads to utilitarianism and justifies practices like abortion.

“Without God, there would be no atheists... They are fervent about their belief in nothingness.” (20:40)

• Emphasizes wisdom as knowledge of things that do not change, which he claims is disregarded by contemporary education.

3. The Role of Christian Belief in Pro-Life Work

[25:50–31:45]

• Notes that nearly all crisis pregnancy centers are operated by Christians, highlighting the connection between faith and the willingness to make personal sacrifices for others.
• Argues that Christian experience of grace and rebirth naturally grows into service—"If I could just save one life, I then can give back to what I've already been given" (30:15).
• Challenges the audience: Why are there no large atheist families or atheist-run crisis centers?

4. Cultural and Educational Critique

[34:00–46:20]

• Kirk laments the outcomes of the "self-esteem movement," calling instead for a "self-control movement."
• Suggests modern education focuses on inflating self-importance rather than instilling humility or gratitude.

“We need a self-control movement like right now.” (35:15)

• Critiques contemporary university culture for denying objective truth, morality, and beauty.

5. The Moral Argument and Strategy in the Pro-Life Debate

[47:00–57:50]

• Highlights the central question: "When does life begin?" and affirms the scientific and moral answer as "at conception."
• Warns winning this factual point is not enough; must also win the moral argument as pro-choice advocates may admit the unborn are human but still justify abortion for utilitarian or environmental reasons.

“Don’t assume just because you can win people over that that’s a human being, that that is actually going to be applicable in this kind of new morality that we live in.” (54:45)

• Advocates for changing the culture—citing seatbelt and smoking laws as an example of large-scale value shifts.

6. Practical Achievements and Call to Action

[58:00–1:05:00]

• Shares statistics demonstrating the tangible impact the Open Arms Clinic has had (number of clients, ultrasounds, gospel conversations, etc.).
• Urges the pro-life movement to think bigger in its vision, modeling after cultural shifts in American history.

“Things can change; they can change for the worse, they can change for the better. That is determined by us.” (1:03:40)

• Encourages audience to be "individual ambassadors for life"—to engage tough conversations with relatives and friends, not just donate or post on social media.

7. Memorable Story: Wisdom from a Child

[1:06:00–1:08:10]

• Shares about a March for Life attendee, an 8-year-old with a standout sign:

  “If it’s not your DNA, it’s not your choice.” (1:07:50)

• Kirk heralds this as the essence of the pro-life argument.

8. Closing Reflections: Faith, Perseverance, and American Values

[1:12:00–End]

• Extends a simple explanation of grace (justice, mercy, and grace—using legal metaphors).
• Urges non-believers to consider Christianity, praising the Bible as the "most powerful book ever."
• Offers historical encouragement via the story of Winston Churchill’s reaction to Pearl Harbor, paralleling perseverance in World War II with the cultural and moral fight for life today.

“When we awaken and we contest for truth, the war is won. It is a matter of how bad we want it.” (1:19:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of wisdom:

  “Wisdom is the knowledge of things that are eternal.” (22:10)

• On the secular humanist challenge:

  “If you want to turn people into little Neros... you’re going to have them believe they’re the most important thing ever.” (35:50)

• On the pro-life message:

  “If I could just save one life, I then can give back to what I’ve already been given.” (30:15)

• On pro-life apologetics:

  “The pro-life movement has to do a much better job of having grace and compassion, healing and openness for women that are pregnant or have had abortions… We are all sinners.” (53:10)

• March for Life sign (from an 8-year-old):

  “If it’s not your DNA, it’s not your choice.” (1:07:50)

• Winston Churchill story:

  “I know the Americans. Once they awaken, it is over. We have won the war.” (1:18:43)

Important Timestamps

• 12:33: Kirk begins speech at Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic—sets the stage for a theological and cultural defense of life.
• 19:00: Addresses college campus worldview struggles; theism vs. atheism.
• 25:50: The uniquely Christian foundation of crisis pregnancy centers.
• 34:00: Critique of the self-esteem movement and modern educational philosophy.
• 47:00: Central arguments in the abortion debate—when does life begin?
• 53:10: Criticism and improvement of pro-life movement’s approach to women.
• 1:03:40: Vision casting for a "culture of life."
• 1:07:50: “If it’s not your DNA, it’s not your choice.”
• 1:12:00: Closing thoughts on faith and American resilience.
• 1:18:43: Churchill anecdote as analogy for cultural awakening.

Flow and Tone

Kirk’s tone is assertive, conversational, and direct, often weaving humor and anecdotes into sweeping cultural commentary. He speaks in a motivational, sometimes pastoral cadence, frequently appealing to shared values and faith. The episode is both apologetic and rallying—aimed at equipping pro-life supporters with arguments, a sense of historical purpose, and actionable steps.

Takeaways

• Pro-life advocacy is rooted in theology, not just politics or science.
• Winning the culture requires both factual arguments and persuasive moral vision.
• Grassroots engagement—conversation, education, and personal commitment—is necessary for long-term change.
• The American spirit and historical resilience are invoked as reasons for hope and perseverance in the cultural struggle.
• Supporting pregnancy centers and having honest conversations are presented as practical steps everyone can take.