Harrison Butker, known for his impressive skills as a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently gave a remarkable commencement speech at Benedictine College. His words have sparked a lot of interest and support, especially from those who value the traditional principles he stands for. Michael Knowles, a conservative commentator, praised Butker’s speech as one of the best he has ever heard. Let’s dive into why this speech is getting so much attention.
Articulate and Insightful
Harrison Butker isn’t just a football player; he’s also emerging as a powerful speaker in public life. In his speech, he wasn’t afraid to express his deep Catholic faith and urged his audience to live authentically and unapologetically according to their beliefs. This kind of honesty is rare in public speeches today, which often avoid deep and potentially controversial topics.
Standing Up for Faith
Butker’s speech stood out because he spoke against the pressure to keep religious beliefs private. He referenced a movie called “Silence,” where a priest abandons his faith, to highlight how society often wants people of faith to remain quiet. Butker challenged this idea head-on, arguing that being a true believer involves being open and sometimes countercultural.
A Bold Comparison
Michael Knowles pointed out that Butker’s message is especially relevant because it goes against the modern push to make religious practice something private and hidden. Knowles highlighted how politicians have shifted from talking about “freedom of religion” to “freedom of worship.” This change in language might seem small, but it has a big impact on how people think about practicing their faith. Knowles agrees with Butker that faith should be a public affair, not something kept behind closed doors.
Cultural and Legal Challenges
Butker did not shy away from discussing recent legal changes that could affect religious expression. He talked about a bill in Congress that might make it illegal to quote certain parts of the Bible, showing how serious these issues are. Knowles supports Butker’s bravery in bringing these topics to light, emphasizing the need for public figures to speak out against such challenges.
Personal Insights
Adding a personal touch to his speech, Butker talked about his own life and how his faith and family have shaped him. He openly expressed gratitude for his wife and her role as a homemaker, which allowed him to pursue his career. Knowles found this part of the speech very moving and noted that it shows how important family and personal relationships are in shaping our lives.
Misunderstandings and Criticisms
Despite the positive message, Butker’s speech faced some criticism. Some people accused him of being old-fashioned or even misogynistic for praising traditional family roles. However, Knowles argues that these critics are missing the point. Butker was simply expressing his appreciation for his wife and the choices they made together, which is something to be celebrated, not criticized.
Final Thoughts
Harrison Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College was more than just a talk; it was a bold declaration of faith and traditional values in a world that often seems to oppose them. Michael Knowles commends Butker for his articulate and insightful remarks and for standing up for what he believes in. This speech is a reminder that being true to one’s beliefs and values is important, even if it means going against the current cultural trends. As we move forward, let’s remember the courage it takes to speak openly about our faith and the impact it can have on the world around us.