NFL star and Super Bowl champion Harrison Butker says he has no regrets about his now-controversial graduation speech because he’s “trying to please Christ, not people.” The Kansas City Chiefs placekicker and three-time Super Bowl champion made his latest remarks at an event for Regina Caeli Academy, where he serves as a board member.
“If it wasn’t clear before, it is now clear that our timeless Catholic values are disliked by many,” Butker said. “Over the past few days, there have been countless discussions around the world about my beliefs, or what people think I believe.”
The controversy over Butker’s beliefs began last month when she delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine University in which she criticized the “dangerous gender ideology” that was allegedly being “imposed on America’s youth.” In her speech, she said one of the most “important titles” in the world was that of housewife. She called on her male audience to “oppose the cultural emasculation of men.”
“The more I speak about what I hold most dear – my Catholic faith – the more divisive I become,” Butker said in a recent statement. “This is a conscious decision I have made and one I do not regret at all. If there is truth in charity, then we must trust in the Lord’s providence and let the Holy Spirit do the rest of the work.”
Bhatkar said people of faith must submit to God’s will no matter the cost.
“Our love for Jesus and our desire to speak out must never be overtaken by our fallen nature’s desire to be loved by the world,” Butker said. “No matter what opposition or support we face, our motivation should always be to glorify God and not ourselves. I look to those closest to me for guidance, but I never forget that it is Jesus Christ I am trying to please, not people.”
He urged Christians to “never be afraid to speak out for the truth, even when it goes against the loudest voices.” Butker said the criticism he has received pales in comparison to the persecution others have suffered, both past and present.
“When I think of the courage shown by many saints in their lives, I cannot help but tremble,” he said. “Would I be so bold if I were to be repaid like Daniel when he became prey for the lions? In reality, the courage I show may lead to small sufferings and some people may never like me. But maybe that is God’s will. When I constantly remind myself of the hardships the saints went through, especially the martyrs and their persecutions, everything seems not so bad. If heaven is our goal, we should accept the cross, no matter how big or small, and live our lives with joy to be bold witnesses for Christ.”
Related:
NFL star denounces ‘dangerous gender ideology’ in graduation speech
Chiefs CEO’s family defends Harrison Butker: Motherhood affirmation ‘not prejudice’
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Chris Unger/Stringer
Michael Faust He has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years, and his work has appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star and Knoxville News Sentinel.
