In the sad aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, leftists continue their absurd overheated rhetoric fomenting ANTIFA violence around the country. Having no shame and learning nothing, Democrats are doubling down on smearing conservatives as fascists and exhorting their followers as Kamala Harris put it to “fight fire with fire.” Political turmoil seems to persist in the echo chambers of media studios and Washington, but most Americans are ignoring the nonsense and turning to Kirk’s message. They are embracing his commitment to civil discourse, his defense of free speech, and the most interest is mounting for his Gospel message. But as Americans seek the light, darkness is descending on Europe.

From presidents to average folks around the country and indeed the world, Charlie Kirk was widely honored and mourned as a defender of free speech for all but more so as a champion for Christ. In his short but dynamic and impactful public career, Kirk reached millions teaching conservative principles and also preaching the Gospel. Faith leaders are reporting a 15% increase in church attendance since Kirk’s tragic murder. Many knew him, but many more are now asking to learn more after watching his myriad videos. Turning Point USA reports over 60,000 requests to start new chapters across the nation.

While there is still a vocal vociferous minority attacking Christians and Jews, revival appears to be rising in America, but in Europe, Christians and Jews are under full assault by an immoral pop culture and worse by European governments. Europe has all but abandoned its Judeo-Christian roots. European church attendance is less than 10% and empty churches are being turned into Mosques. Public expressions of faith are very few and barely tolerated. European society wholly embraces secularism and shuns the sacred.

European governments will quickly censor Christians and Jews for any political statements but give Muslims a pass. England and France allow Sharia Courts. England turns a blind eye to migrant grooming gangs raping and sex trafficking young girls. Their cowardice was cemented when England, France, and Spain recognized a Palestinian state at the moment Hamas is about to be vanquished. They generally oppose Israel, but they are more afraid of their growing violent extremist Muslim minorities conquering their cities. Since Europeans have largely forsaken the Christian faith, they cannot stand against a rushing Islamic tide.

To protect abortion, Scotland passed the Safe Access Zones Act which prohibits any protests within 200 meters (656 feet) of an abortion clinic. A 75-year-old grandmother standing silently holding a sign that read “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want” was arrested. Anti-abortion activist, Rose Docherty, claims she did not violate the statute because she did not approach anyone, only made herself available to chat. Getting an abortion is a soul wrenching decision and deserves soul searching consideration, but European governments are committed to preserving infanticide, which is lunacy considering European birth rates are so low that Europeans are flirting with extinction. This only makes sense when one realizes radical leftists are promoting societal suicide to make their totalitarian takeover complete.

Anyone that doubts Europe’s abject animosity toward Christianity need only consider soccer player, Felix Nmecha’s plight after posting a Christian message condemning celebrations of Kirk’s assassination on social media. He posted: “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Celebrating the murder of a father, a husband, and a man who peacefully defends his beliefs and values is truly evil and shows how much more we need Christ. May God have mercy and open our eyes and hearts in the name of Jesus.”

That Christian message earned swift rebuke from his German team, Borussia Dortmund. They immediately made him delete it and apologize; and then directed that any further posts by him must be approved by the team. WOW! A public profession of faith cannot and will not be tolerated. European culture has become so profane that a German sports team felt comfortable and compelled to censor a Christian message. Sadder still, there was no public backlash.

Darkness is truly descending on Europe, but they are so far from their foundational faith they can barely see any glimmer of light. With churches so weakened, there are few to shine the light of Christ and obviously anyone who tries will have their light promptly snuffed out.

Despite their condescending and haughty attitude towards the United States, Europeans tacitly envy the spiritual strength of the United States because they know they are headed toward calamity. They are ashamed of their historic cultures and have forfeited their heritage and traditional values, so their churches and institutions are hollow vestiges of former glory and goodness – they are weak and vulnerable.

The ongoing war in Ukraine is certainly a problem, but the greater danger to Europe is the impending collapse of their decaying societies. Unless they find the spiritual turning point Charlie Kirk advocated soon, it may well be too late for Europe for a generation or more. Europe’s woes and lack of faith, however, are a grave warning for America.

Without trust in God and obedience to His commandants, a nation will fall, and its people lost. America’s best days are not behind us if we seek the light and pray for revival.

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).

Pete Riehm is a Navy Veteran, conservative activist, and columnist in south Alabama. Email him at peteriehm@bellsouth.net or read all his columns at http://www.renewamerica.com/.