America: From a Fallen Child Star to the Head of the University of the West

Chapter 93 Death is a Cool Summer Night

His answer was: "Mr. Kirk, you asked me what I think when I face death. To be honest, I don't know. Because I haven't really faced that moment yet."

"But I can tell you what I think about when I think about death."

"I think about the people I've loved, the people I've helped, and the people I've hurt. I think about the things I've done in my life, some of which I'm proud of, and some of which I'm ashamed of."

These words inevitably remind all onlookers of Sean Penn's pronouncements about redemption during his campaigns. He seemed genuinely unaware of the events at Avalon, yet also genuinely repentant.

But Charlie Kirk couldn't discern anything amiss, perhaps because Sean is an actor?

He continued, "I don't know what happens after death. Maybe nothing will happen, or maybe there will be things we can't even imagine. But whatever the case, I hope that when that moment comes, I can say with a clear conscience: I did my best. I tried my best to be a good person, and I tried my best to make this world a little better because of my existence."

Death is like a cool summer night, a time for peaceful, carefree sleep.

"This is my faith. It's not about hoping for the afterlife, but about cherishing this life. It's not about relying on God, but about trusting in people."

"Perhaps this isn't enough for you. But for me, it's enough."

These words were spoken with tenderness and deep emotion, touching the heart.

The auditorium was silent for a few seconds.

Then, applause broke out.

The final debate topic has begun: What role should faith play in public life?

This should have been Charlie Kirk's strongest area, but after the first two rounds of confrontation, the atmosphere has quietly changed.

Sean looked at the numbers above the heads of the people below the stage and found that most of them were stable in the positive range.

Even those who were initially most hostile to him have now reached a level close to zero.

After Catherine announced the rules, Sean was given the chance to speak first this time.

"Before I begin," Sean said, "I want to clarify one point. Today we're not discussing the value of faith itself, but rather the role of faith in public life. These are two different issues."

"I fully respect everyone's freedom of religion. Whether you believe in Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, or any other religion, that is your personal choice, and I have no right to judge."

"But when faith enters the public sphere, when it begins to influence laws, policies, and public decisions, the situation is different."

He walked to the front of the podium, facing the audience directly.

Let me give you a concrete example!

"Suppose someone really likes to eat pork or some other kind of meat, or suppose a couple needs to use contraception for health reasons. But now, some people oppose these things that are common in modern society for religious reasons, and believe that the law should also prohibit similar things."

The question is: In a modern society, is it fair to use the doctrines of a religion to formulate laws that apply to everyone?

"The person who likes to eat meat and that couple may not be Christians. Maybe they believe in the Flying Ramen God Cult, maybe they are atheists, maybe they follow a Christian sect that supports abortion. But by what right do we use Christian standards to restrict their rights?"

"This is the significance of the principle of separation of church and state. It is not about prohibiting religion, but about ensuring that the government does not favor any religion and does not use any doctrine to coerce all citizens."

"Religion should be a free choice, not a legal obligation."

After Sean finished speaking, he returned to his seat.

Charlie Kirk stood up, ready to deliver his final rebuttal.

Damn it, he hasn't even said that the law mandates this yet!

Although that's what he thinks!

But at that moment, his gaze swept over the audience below the stage, as if he had realized something.

Many of those young faces, those students who should have been his staunch supporters, now wore thoughtful expressions.

They wavered; his core group of young men seemed to falter amidst round after round of debates with their opponents. And indeed, that's how young people always are. But it didn't matter; he believed they would return to their side in a few days—

But when he saw the aura that Sean exuded from the inside out, he remained silent for two seconds. After thinking it over again, he finally opened his tightly closed lips.

"Mr. Pan, I must admit that you are a very skillful debater."

This opening remark took everyone by surprise.

Is Charlie Kirk about to admit defeat?

"But technique is not the same as truth."

Obviously not.

Charlie Kirk continued, "Many of what you say sounds reasonable, but it's based on a false premise: that you believe humans can attain true meaning and morality outside of God."

I disagree.

"But I also admit that today's debate made me realize one thing: we need more of this kind of dialogue."

It's not about proving who's right and who's wrong, but about understanding each other.

He simply lost, but that doesn't mean he was wrong.

He turned to the audience.

"No matter which side you're on today, I hope you continue to think about these issues. Because they concern each and every one of us, and the future of our country."

Applause erupted, and the atmosphere in the auditorium became subtle.

Catherine announced the end of the debate and thanked both sides for their participation.

Thirty minutes later, Sean was sitting in the car on his way back.

"You won." Kelly sat down next to him, her voice tinged with barely concealed satisfaction. "Not an overwhelming victory, but enough."

"Really?" Sean gazed at the palm trees rushing past the window. "I feel like nothing has changed."

"Change never happens overnight," Kelly said. "But you've planted a seed in those students' hearts. Maybe they won't change their minds today, but tomorrow, the day after, next year—who knows?"

"But we have to win this year, Kelly."

"This—you're very ambitious." Kelly finally gave an awkward laugh.

Sean remained silent, most likely because he was parched.

-

Then his phone vibrated. He glanced at it and saw it was a text message from Rachel.

I watched the live stream; you performed well.

A little while later, she sent another message:

But Sean, do you really believe those things?

Are you talking about religion, or something else? I'm not actually a complete atheist; I'm a follower of the Earth Cat Cult, and I'm not allowed to see anyone using cat territories!

【----Neuropathy】

After his outburst, Sean chuckled and put his phone back in his pocket. He had indeed been under considerable pressure these past few days, with various projects and plans on the agenda, not to mention the late-night reading of a series of monumental works, from the Bible to a young adult version of *The Brothers Karamazov*.

Outside the window, the California sky was already tinged with the colors of dusk. The gray-blue was gradually fading, replaced by a faint golden-red. He felt that only now did he truly feel like he had returned to California. Perhaps "Hotel California" should be playing here.

However, there are new battles to fight tomorrow.