What Does It Mean to Be a Martyr?

Last updated on: September 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm by Rick Rice

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What Does It Mean to Be a Martyr? 2025-09-22T13:00:39-04:00 Rick Rice

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At Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, several people referred to him as a “martyr.” But what exactly does that mean?

The word “martyr” comes from the Greek word for “witness.” In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses [martures] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Unfortunately, in the early Church, that “witness” often took place through the death of the witness. That’s why the word “martyr” has come to mean “a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce their religion” (see Dictionary.com).

As is often the case, though, the meaning of words changes over time. Thus, in modern usage, people often use “martyr” simply to refer to someone who is willing to suffer and die for any cause, not simply for religious belief. That’s understandable; many people do not hold any “religious” belief. Their “religion” is political or philosophical, rather than theological. And that fact was on display at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.

Now, let me acknowledge a couple of factors. First – and probably unsurprisingly – I did not know Charlie Kirk. I knew who he was, knew about his organization and what his work was, but I did not know him. Second, I did not watch his memorial service. However, if you watch television or spend any time online, you have heard or read about his service since it took place. So my comments are made in that vein: not as someone who knew Charlie Kirk, but as someone who is reflecting on what the speakers said about him.

In that regard, let’s think about Charlie Kirk as a “martyr.” Several speakers referred to him that way. However, they didn’t all mean the same thing. Some people (like Vice President Vance) referred to Charlie as a martyr for his faith. President Trump, though, called him a “martyr for “American freedom.”

Well, so what? What difference does it make? To me, it makes a huge difference. As a Christian, I have no desire to be a martyr for “American freedom,” or for any other political platform or position. If God calls me to be a martyr for Christ, I trust He will give me the strength to do so, but God has not called me to give my life for anything other than His kingdom. As reflected in John 18:36, Jesus told Pontius Pilate that “My kingdom is not of this world.”

That does not mean that God doesn’t call people to do political work. However, it does mean that the political NEVER overrides the spiritual. Christians who work in any administration must never forget that their ultimate allegiance is to God, not to any politician. While we are called to “honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17), we do not view the “emperor” as God. If a human leader ever tries to claim God’s place – as Nero did in Peter’s day, and as many modern leaders do today – Christians must draw the line.

The difference between the human mindset and the Christlike mindset stood out to me in two quotes from the memorial service. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, said that she forgives the man who shot her husband. That’s the Christlike mindset. Jesus taught us to pray that God would forgive us as we have forgiven those who sin against us (Matthew 6:12). Jesus also modeled that mindset. As He was crucified, He said: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

President Trump, in his remarks, noted that Charlie did not hate those who opposed him; he loved them and wanted the best for them. Trump then said, “That’s where I disagree with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don’t want what’s best for them.” That’s not the Christlike mindset; that’s the human mindset.

Thankfully, Erika Kirk understands the difference. “The answer to hate is not hate.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls His followers to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). That’s the kind of witness that Jesus calls His followers to be!

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Politics and Religion

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Charlie Kirk

Forgive as you have been forgiven

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