David French Voices Concern Over Emerging Christian Revival in America

David French, an opinion writer at The New York Times, has expressed unease regarding the recent surge of Christian sentiment in the United States, following the death of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk’s murder has sparked discussions about a potential revival within American Christianity, leading many to return to church and engage in biblical readings. French’s commentary, titled “Something Is Stirring in Christian America, and It’s Making Me Nervous,” highlights his concerns about the implications of this revival.

In his piece, French acknowledges the decline of church attendance in the U.S. and suggests that he should feel optimistic about the recent developments. Instead, he articulates a sense of anxiety, warning against what he describes as a “sin of empathy.” He critiques the tendency among some Christians to prioritize emotional responses over truth, which he believes can lead to the endorsement of morally questionable actions in the name of love and kindness. French specifically cautions against Christians overly identifying with marginalized groups, including undocumented immigrants and individuals seeking abortions.

French’s apprehensions extend to the political discourse surrounding Kirk’s memorial service, where Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, vowed to combat leftist extremism. Although the service featured several prominent officials openly proclaiming their faith, French did not highlight these affirmations, focusing instead on the potential dangers of politically charged religious expressions.

The reaction to French’s article within conservative Christian circles has been mixed. William Wolfe, Executive Director of the Center for Baptist Leadership, remarked on social media, “David French is nervous. Good.” This sentiment suggests a critique of French’s cautious stance toward what many view as a necessary revival. Similarly, fellow commentator Megan Basham posted a screenshot of French’s headline, implying that his anxiety might indicate deeper issues within the current discourse.

The discourse surrounding the revival raises critical questions about its authenticity. For many Christians, a genuine revival would involve a collective repentance for national sins, including issues such as abortion and moral degradation. As the revival progresses, the community will be closely observing whether it fosters a sincere change in behavior and belief.

French’s concern reflects a broader tension within the Christian community regarding the intersection of faith and politics. As religious sentiments become more pronounced in public life, the implications for social and political engagement will likely continue to evolve.

The ongoing dialogue around these developments highlights the complexities of faith in contemporary America, particularly as individuals navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by a potential revival.