Butker is on the board of the Regina Caeli Academy in Nashville, he spoke at their annual Courage Under Fire Gala on Friday night (5/24/2024). Rick Santorum, Matt Walsh, and Candace Owens were also in attendance.
[quote]“If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,”
[…]
[quote]“Over the past few days, my beliefs, or what people think I believe, have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe,”
[quote]“At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate. But as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion,”
[quote]Butker reaffirmed his commitment to his Catholic faith, saying, “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.”
[quote]During his speech, Butker referred to Saint Daniel, the biblical prophet who was thrown into a lion’s den for committing to prayer to God, despite a law that condemned worshipers to death.
[quote]”I can’t help but tremble at the thought of the courage many saints have shown in their lives,” Butker said.
[quote]Daniel was spared by God due to his commitment to faith, according to the Old Testament.
[quote]“Would I be so bold if the repercussion was what Daniel faced in being fed to lions? In reality, any courage I’ve shown will lead to some small suffering. And it will lead to some people maybe never liking me, but that could be God’s will,”
*Butker has previously mentioned his desire to be a saint.
I don’t begrudge anyone their right to freedom of speech, but Butker’s words echo Project 2025. His holding company, MDKeller, is associated with the Heritage Foundation, the Federalist Society, the Alliance Defending Freedom, the Leonine Forum, and the Claremont Institute.