David French Voices Concern Amid Surge in American Christianity

UPDATE: David French, a prominent opinion writer at The New York Times, has expressed deep concerns following a significant resurgence in American Christianity sparked by the recent death of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. This development comes as many Americans return to church and embrace their faith in the wake of Kirk’s murder.

Just hours ago, French published a thought-provoking article titled, “Something Is Stirring in Christian America, and It’s Making Me Nervous.” He admits that while he should be celebrating the uptick in church attendance, he instead feels apprehensive about the implications of this revival.

The aftermath of Kirk’s passing has led to a nationwide conversation about Christian values, prompting some to label this period as a potential national revival. However, French warns that the emotional fervor among Christians could lead to a “sin of empathy,” where compassion is misaligned with truth, allowing harmful ideologies to gain acceptance under the guise of love.

In his article, French critiques fellow believers who may overly identify with marginalized groups, including illegal immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals, expressing concern that this could dilute core Christian values. He also cites remarks from Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, made during Kirk’s memorial service, where he vowed to combat “leftist terrorism” in the name of national security.

Despite his worries, French overlooks significant moments from the memorial where federal officials openly proclaimed their faith in Jesus Christ, a broadcast that reached millions globally. His nervousness has not gone unnoticed; William Wolfe, Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Leadership, remarked on social media, “David French is nervous. Good,” echoing sentiments among conservative Christians who question French’s perspective.

Another conservative commentator, Megan Basham, added to the conversation with a sharp critique of French’s article, suggesting that fear in the face of revival may indicate deeper issues within his viewpoint. “When demons might say the same thing, maybe the problem is you…” she stated on social media.

This surge in Christian engagement raises critical questions about its authenticity. As believers across the nation grapple with the implications of this revival, many are calling for genuine repentance regarding national sins, including abortion and moral decay. The reaction from French, characterized by trepidation, invites scrutiny and discussion among those who hope for a true spiritual awakening.

As this story develops, observers will be watching closely to see how this wave of Christian sentiment unfolds and whether it leads to meaningful change in American society. The urgency of the moment cannot be overstated, as many are hoping for a revival that genuinely addresses the moral and spiritual challenges facing the nation.