Boyd Tuttle on Charlie Kirk as a Slain Latter-day Prophet
Shared with permission.
Since the tragic events of last week, the whole world seems to have been thrown into a tailspin in many respects, at least it has for me. As one of Charlie Kirk’s admirers, I feel like I have lost a close friend, even though I never met him in person. I am struggling to make sense of the emotions that come in waves. Disbelief, sorrow, anger, despair and hope all seem to crash together at random intervals, and I, doubtless, am not alone in these feelings.
In this state of deep introspection, I saw in my mind’s eye the Savior as He sat upon the Mount of Olives looking down upon the Holy city and I seemed to hear his mournful voice crying out, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matt 23:37)
And then I seemed to hear His voice again more urgently, “O America, America, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”
Are we, in 2025, as a nation and as individuals, any better than ancient Israel was in 33AD? It is something we must each look in the mirror and ask ourselves.
In Latter-day Saint theology, prophet (lowercase “p”) denotes any person who bears testimony of Jesus Christ under Divine inspiration. In Greek, the term “prophet” means “spokesman” or “divine teacher.”
The Savior taught: “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).
Elder John A. Widtsoe, affirmed:
“Every man who has a testimony of Jesus Christ and seeks to live it may be considered a prophet in a lesser sense.”
Likewise, Elder Bruce R. McConkie reminded us that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” and that it is a gift of the Holy Spirit (D&C 76:79).
A righteous person who lives and speaks from that testimony participates in prophetic ministry—even without holding formal ecclesiastical office.
Was Charlie Kirk a Prophetic Witness?
Charlie Kirk consistently spoke publicly—not merely as a political commentator—but as a man anchored in spiritual conviction. His consistent theme was faith in Christ, moral courage, and testimony.
Consider these representative statements:
- “My hope is always that every person who hears my voice might come to a closer walk with Jesus Christ.”
- “When you see evil, you stand. When you see truth, you speak it. And you are fueled by faith in Christ, not by fear.”
- “I believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most healing, uniting, uplifting force on earth. And I want people to experience—and proclaim—that power.”
- “My trust is not in man, policy, or opinion polls—it’s in the Savior, which means I will go forward in truth, even if it costs me everything.”
- “Testimony is not just a voice in a meeting; testimony is a life lived, a life willing to sacrifice for the Lord.”
I could list dozens more. By every scriptural, LDS and Christian standard, Charlie Kirk functioned “prophetically” in the broadest sense: a public witness for Christ whose voice called others to faith, courage, righteousness, and testified of the Savior. He was a righteous husband and father who set an example for all.
As members of the Communications Council in the area in which we live, my wife and I attend two Evangelical services, a Catholic parish and our own Sacrament meeting every Sunday.
The numbers of people that were in attendance at all these congregations seemed to set new records (especially among the Evangelicals). The pastors soberly and sorrowfully acknowledged that the events of the prior week were doubtless the cause of the sudden surge. Where it will go from here remains to be seen…
Sealed With His Blood
Charlie’s tragic death places him in the lineage of martyrs whose testimony was sealed with their blood. Scripture and biblical history give many examples:
- Zechariah son of Jehoiada, murdered for declaring Jehovah’s word (and the many other unnamed prophets who were sent to Jerusalem who were “stoned” according to Jesus.)
- John the Baptist (beheaded by his enemies).
- Stephen, who saw Christ even as stones rained down on him.
- Thousands of early Christian martyrs at the hands of Rome.
- William Tyndale, who died trying to bring God’s word to the masses in their own languages.
- Joseph Smith Jr.—martyred at 38, while running for the Presidency of the United States, by a vile mob along with his brother Hyrum, both of whom would not be moved from their testimonies of angelic visitations and the “Restoration” of Christ’s Gospel.
- Countless unnamed Christian martyrs in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, S.E. Asia, China, Africa, and other countries.
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Charlie Kirk (Sept 10, 2025)
His life of public service and ultimate sacrifice align him with this prophet-martyr tradition: a man who bore witness of Christ in life, and sealed that witness and testimony by his own blood.
Can we recognize him as a “prophet” today?
Let us summarize why, by scriptural and theological definition, Charlie Kirk may have fulfilled the role of (lower case “p”) prophet in our day:
Criteria
Public Testimony of Christ
Moved by principle, not power
Call to righteousness
Sealing with sacrifice
How Charlie Kirk Fulfilled It
Nearly every major speech, interview, and podcast drew the listener back to Jesus, faith, and moral courage
His statements and life choices often emphasized faith over popularity or political expedience
He persistently exhorted listeners to stand up for Christian principles—even when unpopular
His death crystallized a life lived in testimony of Christ and gave permanent witness to his faith
In short: Charlie Kirk lived as a modern-day prophet—a.k.a. “righteous teacher” a man moved by the Spirit to testify, teach, exhort, and sacrifice. He sealed his witness with his life and his death.
A Final Word
I invite anyone who has not taken time to listen to Charlie’s many podcasts, debates or public speeches and observe for yourself how he indeed he is and was a witness for Christ as the central theme of his life and message. In so doing, you will discover that he was and is a singular figure in this day and age.
May we honor Charlie Kirk for the man that he was, and who, while not perfect, was nevertheless, an exemplary husband, father, patriot, and true Christian. May his example embolden us all to bear our own testimonies of Christ more boldly and courageously, love our neighbors more unconditionally, and find our voice in speaking truth—even when the cost is high.
May God bless his legacy that it may continue to light the way for countless souls seeking to know our Lord Jesus Christ.
Boyd Tuttle
Publisher
Digital Legend Press
