The Tragic Impact of a Recent Assassination

The shocking assassination of a young husband and father has sparked discussions across various public platforms. This act feels like a direct attack on fundamental American values, particularly freedom of speech and religious freedom.

It’s hard to comprehend the moral decay that some individuals seem to display in light of Charlie Kirk’s alleged murder. It troubles me deeply. I’ve found myself praying and shedding tears for his family and friends, almost as if they were my own.

The recent gatherings at Kirk’s memorial have caused President Donald Trump to highlight the urgency of reintroducing the Bible into public life. Erica Kirk, through her resilient spirit and motherhood, has shown a level of positivity and conviction that I haven’t witnessed in other public forums. It’s almost like a social media commentary waiting to happen—”Become Erika Kirk in the Kardashian world,” perhaps.

Yet I can’t help but wonder—how did we reach this point? Is it guns, the influence of social media, or maybe, just maybe, our approach to raising children? The erosion of educational standards and the constant cycle of news that often focuses on negativity certainly play a role.

I think the crux of the problem lies in the removal of God from public education.

A Foundation Undermined

Charlie Kirk has been labeled unfairly as a “militant hatred” while millions of young Americans have been groomed in schools to separate morality from their understanding of America’s founding principles and God.

Younger generations seem conditioned to reject truth and context, treating disagreements as personal attacks, claiming that “words are violence.” This has shifted the landscape of discourse.

In the past, parents and educators collaborated in fostering shared American values rooted in biblical teachings. Until the 1800s, the Bible was frequently used in classrooms. Our founders recognized that a moral foundation was crucial for a successful republic.

John Adams emphasized this in a statement back in 1798.

• Most fifth graders are unaware that a declaration of faith was required in the 13 colonies for holding office.
• Few eighth graders learn that our Declaration of Independence mentions God four times, and most of its 56 signers were believing Christians.
• The majority of high school students lack knowledge of government landmarks, including our Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, which feature biblical inscriptions.
• Basic concepts like nondenominational prayers and the Ten Commandments are often contested or outright banned from public forums.
• While biblical principles such as the Golden Rule were once taught to instill good character, now the education system operates on a concept of “restorative discipline,” blurring the lines between right and wrong.

Moral education begins at home, but what if that foundation is missing?

The Chaos We Face

The absence of reinforcement from schools leaves us with a generation of citizens who struggle to engage meaningfully in a republic. Charlie Kirk pointed out that our government system no longer aligns with a populace that has distanced itself from foundational beliefs. I find myself agreeing with that observation.

We’ve become complacent regarding the lack of parents’ involvement and the removal of time-honored wisdom from our education system.

Currently, students are taught that God was never a part of America’s founding and that they should fear those who hold differing views, interpreting language as violent. The rampant idolization of smartphones and the lack of respect for authority are symptoms of a deeper malady in our culture.

Despite our diverse religious beliefs, it’s essential to revisit what freedom and respect for one another truly mean. This could pave the way for a revival of biblical principles in our schools and legal frameworks.

Teaching students to understand our U.S. Constitution will be easier if they are acquainted with the biblical concepts that influenced it. The practical teachings found in the Bible, like the Golden Rule, would be beneficial even in a chaotic classroom setting.

Questioning Long-held Myths

But then there’s the issue of Thomas Jefferson’s notion of “Separation of Church and State.” Honestly, that idea has felt distorted over time, and I’ve often been embarrassed to admit how misguided my understanding once was.

Five years ago, I supported the protection of biblical references in public education. As a baptized Christian, having worked in church from a young age to now teaching Sunday school, I realize now I had been misled.

Historical Supreme Court decisions have illustrated a growing divide. In Everson v. Board of Education, it was ruled that government support for any religion, or lack thereof, couldn’t favor one over another. This marked a shift in the interpretation of the First Amendment.

In 1962, another ruling in Engel v. Vitale concluded that even a general prayer in schools violated these new standards. While the prayer echoed sentiments from the Declaration of Independence, it was still deemed unconstitutional.

This “separation of church and state” narrative has led to the exclusion of grateful acknowledgment for our foundational morals from educational contexts, and it begs the question: Are we seeing happier or more educated citizens as a result?

With rising test scores, school shootings, youth mental health crises, and waves of campus violence, the evidence suggests otherwise.

Reclaiming Our Values

Is it possible that these judicial interpretations are misguided for our society? This spiraling issue affects us all on a fundamental level, which is why initiatives like Prager’s Kids are so vital.

It’s time for both parents and educators to step forward and advocate for:

• Incorporation of the Bible in academic discussions.
• Nondenominational prayers during school events.
• The Ten Commandments, highlighting their connections to American foundational values.
• Encouraging the mention of God’s name in educational settings, even at the risk of irrational backlash.

Let’s not allow misunderstandings to frame this as hatred. The very life, freedom, and happiness of our republic hinge upon these discussions.

We appreciate initiatives like the White House’s national “America Pray,” which aims to reintegrate these discussions into public classrooms.

I’m not advocating for enforced belief systems, but rather, the inclusion of biblical principles and lessons that shaped our nation.

Just as children must learn that slavery is unacceptable, they should also understand the founders’ vision for a government rooted in justice and morality that thrives when citizens share mutual respect.

It’s high time we invite goodness, hope, virtues, and equality taught in the Bible back into our schools and communities. The clock is ticking.