“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.”
These words were spoken in a commencement speech by Harrison Butker, placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs. Many people took offense to his words. They felt Butker was diminishing the role of women. Even a group of nuns at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, where the address was delivered, issued a statement of disapproval, saying that prioritizing marriage and motherhood as he did was insulting to them as women who have chosen to remain unmarried.
Butker’s words about women have received significant media attention. He also denounced President Biden, leaders during the pandemic, and the LGBTQ+ movement, among other things.
I read the full text of the speech and was struck by the fact that some of his harshest words were directed at his own church body, the Catholic Church. He criticized the hierarchy and the priorities of individual priests.
Many people have expressed outrage over Butker’s remarks. Others have commended him for taking a courageous stance, especially in his words about women. In some circles, Butker has become very popular: On the NFL’s online shop, his jersey was listed as the most popular for the Kansas City Chiefs, outselling teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
What are we to think about Butker’s speech? Some of my thoughts:
1) He’s entitled to his viewpoints and First Amendment right to free speech.
2) Those who have shared their reactions – positive and negative – are also entitled to their viewpoints.
3) Much of what he says is consistent with the teachings of his church body. Much of what he says aligns with the Bible’s teachings.
4) Being a wife and mother is a high calling worthy of praise. After all, we recently celebrated Mother’s Day! Thank God for all of the wives and moms who embrace their roles and serve their families with grace and love. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:28)
5) Elevating marriage and motherhood does not automatically diminish other noble callings that a woman may have.
6) Having read the full text of the speech, I believe it could have been improved by having a less critical tone and more focus on a positive vision for the graduates.
For me, Butker’s speech and the reaction to it are a reminder of the power of words to incite strong feelings – good and bad. Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh words stirs up anger.” Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
You can read the full text of Travis Butker’s speech and form your own opinion:
https://www.ncregister.com/news/harrison-butker-speech-at-benedictine
Pastor Chris Kennedy 
Pastor Chris makes some good points about our Christian witness and scripture’s admonition to “Speak the truth in love.” Maybe the real issue is not so much what Harrison Butker said as how he said it. Was HB sometimes harsh in his criticism of the popular culture and their attempts to alter what was once the nuclear family? Possibly. But it’s hard to disagree with most of his (IMO) gentle reproofs:
*Abortion and euthanasia are examples of bad policies.
*Degenerate cultural values stem from disorder.
*It’s ok, even good, to put being a mom or dad ahead of a career.
*When fathers aren’t present at home, we get disorder, dysfunction and chaos.
*Men should not be apologetic of their God-given masculinity.
I was personally encouraged when I first heard HB’s speech excerpts. Yes, I’m not surprised that some became enraged upon hearing his conservative message. And he certainly could have shown more compassion for those single moms or families who don’t have the option of staying home with the kids. But I can’t help but appreciate those who are willing to speak up for truth. Thanks, Pastor, for the encouragement to let our speech be “Gracious and Seasoned With Salt.”
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Thank you, Tom, for your thoughtfully written comment!
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Hello Pastor Chris,
I would not expect you to know a lot about Catholic teachings, and so I have a different take than your comments. You may share this with anyone you so choose.
Take care, Robert Luedecke
I grew up in the Catholic Church and attended mass regularly until I was about 30 years old. I think it is only fair to point out that only a small group of Catholics around the world attend mass in Latin (like Harrison). Pope Francis has said he opposes the Latin Mass because it is dividing and used by Catholics opposed to the Second Vatican Council (an official church organization) to modernize the liturgy. Since a main teaching of the Catholic Church is that in matters of the church, the Pope is infallible (cannot make a mistake), it is a very big deal that Harrison disagrees with major tenets of the Catholic Church. One cannot get an idea of from where Harrison speaks if you are not aware that he is criticizing any part of the Catholic Church that he does not agree with, including the Pope. A group of nuns associated with the college said “Instead of promoting unity in our church, our nation, and the world, his comments seem to have fostered division.”
Harrison said “From the man behind the COVID lockdowns to the people pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America.” It is very interesting that Harrison is criticizing the actions of Catholics and says they are responsible for doing many bad things, including trying to normalize gay people. Even Pope Francis said when asked if being gay is a sin, “who am I to judge?”
Harrison said “you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.” He was referring to them being told of various titles and jobs they might hold. By presenting his idea this way, he is saying many have lied to these women. He doesn’t say who the liars are that have told these women they could have valuable roles outside the house, but these probably include parents, professors, clergy, and trusted friends. This view fits in with his refusal to recognize the good of change in the Church as regards the Latin Mass.
Harrison said, “But let’s be honest, there is nothing good about playing God with having children — whether that be your ideal number or the perfect time to conceive. No matter how you spin it, there is nothing natural about Catholic birth control.” It is commonly known by the medical community that those who have small incomes are much better able to take care of their children if they plan to have a child and are prepared to have a child. Possibly he doesn’t know anyone who is greatly financially struggling to care for their children. I can tell you from 38 years of caring for patients that many women who are Catholic see the value of using birth control and IVF. Some of these have explained to me that the Catholic Church takes care of their religious life, but real life is complicated and messy.
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Thank you for your readership and comments, Robert!
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