Farewell, Chuck Norris

On March 10, 1940, in Oklahoma, United States of America, a baby boy was born to a man who had fought in the Second World War and later dedicated his life to mechanics and truck driving. On March 19, 2026, that man, who had once been born into a world divided between the physical and the spiritual, passed away.

Who is this man born in 1940 and died in 2026? Perhaps you know him or have heard of him. He was devoted to martial arts, a film actor, an author, a soldier in the Air Force, and a follower of the Baptist faith. That man is none other than Carlos Chuck, widely known as Chuck Norris. Do you remember him? Yes, you are not mistaken. He is the same figure celebrated in a humorous Rwandan song that says: “Like Rambo in the sugarcane fields, or Chuck Norris eating a rat.”

When Norris passed away, many people expressed their sorrow on social media, also noting that he had brought joy during their childhood. Perhaps Christians were fewer among those who publicly expressed grief, possibly due to fear of being seen as people who watch movies, since some of their churches discourage film viewing as worldly entertainment. Indeed, “everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 6:12), and it is important to choose what is good (Job 34:4; Psalm 119:66).

I was bitten by a snake, and on the fifth day, it died.

One of the film scenes Chuck Norris acted in includes a man telling him, “I heard rumors that you died.” Norris replied, “I heard that too.” The man continued, “I also heard people call you a lone wolf.” Norris responded, “Yes, they do, though I’ve softened a bit—not too much.” The man then asked, “I also heard another story that you were bitten by a cobra snake.” Norris replied, “Yes, I was bitten by a snake, but after five days of intense pain… the snake died.”

That scene illustrates how Norris was portrayed as a legendary figure, someone who could endure extreme pain and still come out alive, almost like mythical heroes known for causing illness to medications and causing fear to fear.

Why did I write this story?

I did not write it for entertainment, but to ask believers a question: If Norris fulfilled his role well by bringing joy through films, are we fulfilling our calling as the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13), and are we leading people to God (Matthew 28:19)? Or has the salt lost its taste and the light gone out, causing people to doubt the Jesus we proclaim (Malachi 2:7–8)?

Conclusion

Although Norris was a Christian, the writings I have read show that he authored several books with Christian themes. He described his faith journey as a central force that transformed his life, shaping his priorities, including his understanding of family, responsibility, and moral conduct. He often stated that life is a gift from God found only through Jesus Christ.

While I do not claim the authority to judge, I am surprised when I hear some people within churches, even those known in the entertainment industry, say that believing in Jesus alone is enough, without concern for how that faith gives eternal life. If believing in Jesus does not give us direction and purpose for eternal life, then we are among those most in need of mercy.

Let me end by saying: “Farewell, Norris.”