Living in a Post-God World

Shocking. Shameful. Offensive. Demeaning.

These and many other words we can’t print were used to describe a recent graduation speech by Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker at Benedictine College.

The speech has caused such controversy that over 216,600 people have signed a petition calling for the NFL and the Chiefs to release Butker

So, what did Butker say which was so offensive that every major news network reported it?

Speaking to the female graduates here is what Butker said.

“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you,” Butker said. “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.”

Yep, that’s what’s causing such an uproar.

Sounds strangely like a Bible command I read from the apostle Paul where older women were commanded to teach younger women to love their husbands and their children (Titus 2:3-5). And for younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their household (1 Tim. 5:14).

However, such Biblical exhortations ought not to be publicly uttered in our politically correct world, according to the far leaning left. So, the NFL issued a statement through their Chief Diversity Officer, Jonathan Beane, saying Butkner “gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization.”

To be fair, the kicker also spoke against abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, and dangerous gender ideologies which he described as “degenerate cultural values.” He further challenged the men in the audience to embrace their masculinity and the role God has given them in the home and in society.

For these remarks Harrison Butker has been labeled as “sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion and racist.”

While ThePreachersWord does not agree with all of Butker’s theology he did urge his audience to draw closer to God in their daily lives. He even criticized bishops in the Catholic church for their lack of leadership, for keeping silent when they should speak, and for becoming politicians instead of Shepherds. He said spiritual leaders need to be more vocal, “instead of fitting in the world by going along to get along, they too need to stay in their lane and lead.”

Not all of the response has been negative. Gracie Hunt, the daughter of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said, “I really respect Harrison and his Christian faith and what he’s accomplished on and off the field.” She further shared her own positive experiences growing up with a stay-at home mom.

One gage of the general public’s support of Butker is the surge in sales of his No. 7 jersey since the speech. In fact, it has been the top seller among Chiefs merchandise, out selling superstar teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.

Reflecting on the controversy this 20 minute speech incited, it’s telling that this wouldn’t even be an issue when I was a kid growing up in the 1950’s. So, what’s changed? Has the Bible been revised? Has God given a new revelation? Is morality relative? Did God leave matters of morals, marriage, and human sexuality to our own discretion and changing views?

What has changed is our culture. Our values. Our morals. Our standards, or the lack thereof.

It’s ironic that the DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) crowd projects a big open tent for every kind of behavior, belief, and lifestyle, no matter how ridiculous, outlandish, bizarre, or unnatural except….except those who hold to and espouse Christian values–Basic moral values that have been a part of the Judeo-Christian heritage for some 5,000 years. Suddenly, there is no tolerance for Bible based beliefs and Christian faith.

In this chaotic, Christ-less, culture, we need to shine as lights in a sin darkened world. Speak the Truth. Speak it in love. But speak it. And refuse to be silenced or intimated by the DEI forces in our culture.

As Butker told the graduates, if you’re a Christian, “Make no mistake, you’re entering into mission territory in a post-God world.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman