Was Charlie Kirk Christian? Activist video wanting to be remembered for his faith goes viral following death

The loss of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has led to much reflection about his life, work and beliefs. Founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025.

He was 31 years old. In addition to his political influence, a video of Kirk resurfaced from late 2020, where he said he wanted to be remembered for his faith, which has gone viral, starting a renewed discourse about Kirk's legacy of faith.

Charlie Kirk publicly identified as a Christian and often described himself as a Christian who viewed the world through the Christian lens. In 2019, he started Turning Point Faith, a division of his organization that sought to empower Christians to live out their faith in public.

Charlie Kirk on how he wanted to be remembered.

Question: “How would you wanna be remembered?”

Charlie: “I wanna be remembered for courage for my faith. That that would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith in my life.” pic.twitter.com/fwBV9UVefc

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 11, 2025

Through events such as conferences, church partnerships and campus events, the division sought to marry politics with Christianity, a perspective that often received support and criticism.

In the middle of all the tributes, one part of Kirk’s old interviews has gone viral. In the interview, when Kirk was asked how he wanted to be remembered, he responded, saying:

"I wanna be remembered for courage for my faith. That that would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith in my life."

This video has resonated with supporters, serving as proof of Kirk’s continued prioritization of life and Christianity.

Charlie Kirk's controversial history

Charlie Kirk's Christian faith was undoubtedly a significant part of who he is, but Kirk's political project was often contested and produced controversy. As the leader of Turning Point USA, Kirk positioned himself as the leading voice for young conservatives, entangling nationalism, faith and vigorous critique of progressive causes.

He vocally endorsed Donald Trump, attempted to place an electoral stamp on immigration reform and diversity efforts and spoke out against what he termed "woke culture".

According to The Guardian, critics regularly criticized him for disinformation and inciting divisive rhetoric during the 2020 election and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, even adversaries noted he could mobilize young people into political movements and integrate political action with religious conviction.

Tonight, I spoke with Charlie Kirk’s pastor Rob McCoy about the assassination of his best friend. In the exclusive @FOXLA interview he tells me, “Those who couldn’t compete with logic and reason used a bullet”. pic.twitter.com/O6odugQ62S

— Matthew Seedorff (@MattSeedorff) September 11, 2025

In the days immediately following his passing, tributes came pouring in from pastors, colleagues and conservative commentators, many of whom emphasized Kirk's kindhearted devotion to Christianity. Texas pastor Robert Jeffress noted that Kirk was a man who "spoke truth in love" and urged Christians not to be "bullied" into silence by violence.

Pastor Rob McCoy, who co-chaired Turning Point Faith and had a close relationship with Charlie Kirk, said faith influenced every aspect of Kirk's life. Following the shooting, McCoy remembered Kirk not just as a fearless political leader but also as a guy who could not fear death because he had eternal life through Christ.