“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)

On May 11, 2024, Harrison Butker, placekicker for the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, was the commencement speaker at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Benedictine College refers to itself as a “Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts, residential college.” You would think it to be a comfortable fit for Butker, a practicing Roman Catholic. Not quite.

Butker’s criticism of abortion rights and veneration of his wife serving her vocation as a wife and mother brought criticism from liberals, the leadership of his football team, and even the Benedictine Nuns. The cultural infection of “anything goes” takes no prisoners. Even advocates of free speech only like free speech when it is their flavor of free speech.

The “pro-choice” generation never believed in choice but in marketing slogans that sounded like a choice. It reminds me of Henry Ford when pressed to offer automobiles in different colors. He said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” (“My Life and Work,” by Henry Ford)

Differing ideologies typically manifest themselves in debates. Progressive ideology, however, demands that even theology be conformed to fit the new ethic. Because the nature of progressivism is that there are no moral absolutes, they have no logic to appeal to. Therefore, the tool of choice is bullying. They shout down contrary thoughts, petition against contrary voices, and blackmail to bring about change.

It is no wonder that John, who recorded the words of Christ about being hated, would remind us a few decades later,

Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. (1 John 3:13)

It is a consistent theme in the New Testament. Jesus said the world’s committed love to others grows cold (Matthew 24:12), yet we are to love our enemies, turn the cheek, and walk the extra mile (Matthew 5:39-44).

Doing and saying the right is increasingly difficult. Persevere. The world is not your friend, and it will remind you of that more and more as time passes. Stay the course and continue to live and share the truth.