Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has been a much-talked about figure for the last two weeks. This is due to a commencement speech that he gave at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. The school is a private Catholic establishment, which is why Butker (a well-known Catholic) was invited to speak.
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There were numerous things that many people found wrong with his address, but the most-talked about topic was his view on women and what their ideal role (in his opinion) is in society. He said, in part:
“For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives. I want to speak directly to you briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.
“How many of you are sitting here now about to cross this stage and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.
“I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on the stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation.
“I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
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He also bemoaned not being able to state the anti-Semitic belief that the Jews killed Jesus because of fear of going to prison. Additionally, Butker referred to the LGBTQ lifestyle as a “deadly sin” with an entire month dedicated to it.
The speech itself was so polarizing that it drew responses from a wide variety of people condemning it.
Kansas City Chiefs Kick Harrison Butker Was Criticized by Musical Artists and Nuns
The responses to Butker’s speech have not really slowed down much as it continues to spark debate and conversation in many circles. It is notable, though, that people from extremely different walks of life have found common ground in their disagreement with him.
Among Butker’s critics are Pearl Jam leader singer Eddie Vedder and hip-hop artist Flavor Flav. Vedder made his comments condemning the speech’s message during a concert while Flav used social media to express his disagreement with it.
But perhaps the most interesting group that has come out with a statement against Butker’s speech is the Sisters of Mount Saint Scholastica. This is the group that originally founded Benedictine College and still sponsor it. Their statement on Butker’s speech reads in part:
“Our community has taught young women and men not just how to be ‘homemakers’ in a limited sense, but rather how to make a Gospel-centered, compassionate home within themselves where they can welcome others as Christ, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves.
“We are faithful members of the Catholic Church who embrace and promote the values of the Gospel, St. Benedict, and Vatican II and the teachings of Pope Francis. We want to be known as an inclusive, welcoming community, embracing Benedictine values that have endured for more than 1500 years and have spread through every continent and nation. We believe those values are the core of Benedictine College.”
Despite this rebuke from the nuns who founded the college at which he spoke, Butker doubled down on his comments on Friday night.
Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Stands by What He Said
On Friday, Butker spoke at the “Courage Under Fire Gala” in Nashville, Tennessee. The event was hosted by the Regina Caeli Academy, which markets itself as a “classical homeschool hybrid for Catholic families.” Butker is on the academy’s board of directors.
During the event, Butker stood by the comments he made in his commencement speech, saying:
“The theme for tonight’s gala, Courage Under Fire, was decided many months ago, but it now feels providential that this would be the theme after what we have all witnessed these last two weeks. If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now.
“Our love for Jesus, and thus, our desire to speak out, should never be outweighed by the longing of our fallen nature to be loved by the world. Glorifying God and not ourselves should always remain our motivation despite any pushback, or even support. I lean on those closest to me for guidance, but I can never forget that it is not people, but Jesus Christ who I’m trying to please.
“If I constantly remind myself of the hardships the saints went through, especially the martyrs in their persecution, it makes it all seem not so bad. For if Heaven is our goal, we should embrace our cross, however large or small it may be, and live our life with joy to be a bold witness to Christ.
“My hope is tonight’s theme and RCA’s mission will embolden others that many more will be unapologetic of their Catholic faith and never be afraid to speak out for truth, even when it goes against the loudest voices. In the end, being courageous starts with the small things. Being disliked and mischaracterized by some is nothing compared to finding yourself in a lion’s den.”
It will not be surprising if there are more Catholic organizations that reach out to Butker who has now become a household name due to his beliefs. It certainly does not sound like he will be holding anything back.
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