(The Lion) — Charlie Kirk’s assassination shocked the nation and sparked intense debate, but a new survey suggests its impact may lead to positive change – not only spiritually but politically, too.
A Barna Group survey found that U.S. adults, by a more than 2-to-1 margin, believe Kirk’s death will positively influence Christianity among young Americans, with practicing Christians even more confident that it could spark meaningful spiritual renewal.
Overall, 47% of Americans say it will have a positive effect on faith among young people, while 19% expect a negative one. Among practicing Christians, 71% believe it will help inspire renewed spiritual interest in the next generation.
In fact, the poll found that this shift is already taking place: 18% of Americans say Kirk’s assassination sparked a spiritual renewal in their own lives – a number that rises to 22% among Gen Z and 23% among Millennials, but drops to 12% among Gen X and 10% among Boomers.
Americans are also far more likely – by roughly a 3-to-1 margin – to report experiencing spiritual renewal than to say they have taken political action after Kirk’s death, though 5% of all adults, including 7% of Gen Z and 6% of Millennials report taking political steps.
“It is remarkable to see the impact of a widely known public figure, and the fact [is] that tens of millions of Americans were inspired to take action as a result of his death,” said David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group.
Kirk’s death came amid an already-rising movement of God in America.
A survey released in April reported that 66% of American adults said they had made a personal commitment to Jesus that remains meaningful to them today – an increase of 12 percentage points since 2021. The data also showed significant gains among younger men: commitment among Gen Z men rose 15 points between 2019 and 2025, while Millennial men recorded a 19-point jump. Women in those age groups saw upward movement, too.
In the latest Barna survey, Americans were divided on whether Kirk’s death might lead to positive political change.
Respondents were split almost evenly on its potential to spark civil political conversations (34 % said it would, 33% said it would not) and to help end gun violence (28% to 24%). They were more skeptical about its broader political impact: only 33% said it could improve politics in America overall, while 39% disagreed. Similarly, just 28% believed it could foster greater cooperation between conservatives and liberals, compared to 35% who did not.
Significantly, though, practicing Christians expressed far greater optimism than the general population about the tragedy’s political impact.
A majority or strong plurality of believers say it will improve political conversations (53% to 22%), strengthen politics in America (49% to 28%), help lower gun violence (42% to 18%) and improve dialogue between conservatives and liberals (44% to 24%).
The survey was based on interviews with 5,003 U.S. adults in the latter half of October. Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10.
