Dr. Tim Murphy, a former congressman and author of "The Christ Cure: Ten Biblical Ways to Heal From Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD," told Newsmax on Sunday that faith and open dialogue are essential for Americans who are struggling, including in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination.
"The bottom line of that is really to have a strong faith," Murphy said on Newsmax's "Sunday Report." "The apostle Paul told us to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, but faithful in prayer. And that's what a lot of people are looking at today."
Murphy, a psychologist who served in Congress as a Pennsylvania Republican, said the nation has endured a long period of division and hostility.
"We've had cancel culture. We've not had so much in terms of debates of words, but too much violence. I draw upon a statement made by John Morley, who said, 'You have not converted a man just because you have silenced him,'" he said. "At a time like this, by drawing upon our own faith, our own prayer, our own patience, it's going to be an important part of our healing."
Newsmax and Newsmax2 will provide special live coverage this Sunday of the "Building a Legacy: Remembering Charlie Kirk" memorial service from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
When to Watch:
Noon ET Charlie Kirk Memorial Service
Sunday on Newsmax – Find It Here
The memorial officially starts at 2 p.m. Eastern time.
The outpouring of vigils and memorials for Kirk, where tens of thousands have gathered in Arizona to honor his life and legacy, reflects an emerging unity, Murphy said.
"I think this is where they also feel an empowerment to come forth and feel a unity for their cause of what our country was founded for, to be a republic, to be a democracy where we could converse in those things," he said. "So that is a place where, regardless of one's position, that unity of purpose, to redirect ourselves for the focus of the greatness of our nation that comes from being able to debate, not hurt, but debate the diversity of opinions ... it's a turning point for our nation. At least that's what I pray for."
Murphy stressed the importance of continuing conversations even among those who disagree. "Look at college campuses where any students who spoke out against one side or the other were silenced. They were ridiculed, and that's not a good part of it. That's what dictatorial governments try to do," he said. "Bring back discussions, welcome diversity of opinion. Don't cancel speakers just because some students demonstrate against them. The college authorities ... should say no. We're going to have real discussions on this, real debates."
"The Christ Cure" serves as a handbook for victims of trauma and their families. It retails for $25, is available wherever books are sold, and may also be obtained through a special Newsmax offer.
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Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
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