“We Must Not Be Enemies”: Reflecting on the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

✨ This Is Not the Way — The Tragedy of the Assassination of Charlie Kirk and What It Means for Our Country

In this episode, we take time to reflect on the shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down while speaking at a college campus. Instead of political posturing, let's have humane, constructive dialogue—and reject dehumanization, resist scapegoating, and reclaim our shared humanity.

Marking this tragedy on the anniversary of 9/11, we'll look at Lincoln’s words and the bipartisan statements of former presidents to remind us: "We are not enemies, but friends." This is not a moment for tribal rage or performative outrage—this is a moment to mourn, reflect, and reach across divides.

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🧭 What We Explore:

• The perils of partisan dehumanization and scapegoating in times of tragedy

• Why collective blame poisons public discourse and corrodes democracy

• A powerful call to introspection: “What has hatred done to you?”

• Reflections on the assassination’s timing—on 9/11—and what that means for national unity

• Historical and moral guidance from Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights: Time Segment [00:00:00] Intro: “This is not the way” — a call for humanity over tribalism [00:01:30] Learning about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and initial reactions [00:03:30] Reflections on a contentious figure and respecting the humanity beneath disagreement [00:06:30] Mourning the death of a father, husband, speaker—what Charlie stood for [00:08:00] Predictable partisan responses—from gloating to vilification—and resisting them [00:10:00] The current president's divisive speech and what should have been said [00:11:00] Statements from living former Presidents—compassion, unity, dignity 🕊️ [00:12:30] Addressing those who rejoice: “Get the word ‘them’ out of your mouth.” [00:14:00] A personal memory from 9/11: national unity without needing a tragedy [00:15:00] A stirring reading from Lincoln: “We must not be enemies…” 🇺🇸 [00:17:30] Final call to action: Talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect 🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Hatred dehumanizes the hater. Scapegoating “the other side” after tragedy only feeds the fire of division.

• Individual acts of violence must not be ascribed to entire communities or ideologies.

• Healing begins inwardly. Reclaim your humanity before trying to change others.

• True leadership requires moral courage, not performative outrage or culture war posturing.

• “We must not be enemies.” The words of Abraham Lincoln are more needed than ever.

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Thanks for tuning in! Now go talk politics and religion—with gentleness and respect. 🎙️✨