Experts call it a unique moment of politics and religion intertwining – Spectrum News 1

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pastor Greg Farrington of Destiny Christian Church in the Sacramento area said since learning of Charlie Kirk’s death it has been a somber time and a time of reflection of a person he said was a man of God and a close friend who he always enjoyed talking to.
“We talked about the political arena,” Farrington said. “We talked about America. We talked about church. We talked about our families, our sporting teams. We watched football together.”
Kirk visited the church frequently to give talks.
He was a popular political figure who has been widely cited as helping President Donald Trump win back the presidency through the youth vote and conservative Christians.
Helping shape his political ideals and views, faith was central to that and everything in Kirk’s life, Farrington said.
“It was the core of his faith was the core of what he did,” Farrington said. “Now we see him in the political arena. President Trump probably doesn’t get elected without Charlie Kirk.”
Kirk spoke regularly about his belief that religion and Christianity are the path to liberty and without it, the country is worse off.
“As America becomes more secular and as the country becomes less godly, we become less free, more miserable, more depressed, more suicidal, more anxious, etc.,” remarked Kirk, on a video posted to one of his social media accounts.
The separation of church and state has long been a guiding principle.
The blurring between the two is extensive today, though said political science professor, who specializes in the intersection of politics and religion at Denison University, Paul Djupe.
“For me, I see the overlap as extensive, and perhaps unique in the history of the modern history of the United States,” Djupe said. “And one way we can see that is the very overt uses of religion, especially, among the Republican Party.”
In language such as: “The very idea of calling the president, and presidential candidate, anointed by God to hold that office is something new that we haven’t seen before.”
A recent Pew Research poll found a third of Americans believe last year’s election results were part of God’s plan, but overall, most didn’t believe God played a role.
Djupe said the involvement of religion in politics can be both troublesome, but also positive.
“Where it becomes troublesome is where you have explicit arguments that the other side is demonic and evil and sick,” Djupe said. “In some ways it can be good for democracy. And in one way, religion, just by dint of being involved in a voluntary association.”
The assassination of Charlie Kirk Farrington said, shows a nation divided and one that needs healing.
“As a nation divided the chaos, you know, the hatred,” Farrington said. “Even if we have a different perspective, we’re still Americans.”
And why he said he’ll continue to pray and honor his friend’s legacy of faith.

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