The Kinder, Gentler Side of the Television and Movie Tough Guy: Chuck Norris

What do you think of when you hear the name, Chuck Norris? Does his popular television show, Walker, Texas Ranger, come to mind? Maybe you remember some of his action movies. Maybe you might think of a tough guy, a leading man. Because he was famous for his karate moves in his television show, and he won the World Professional Karate Championship and retired, undefeated in 1974 and was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as a fighter and an instructor, you might think of the martial arts. You may think of those things, but none of those are how Chuck Norris wants to be remembered personally, according to his website, www.chucknorris.com. Chuck Norris wants to be remembered as a humanitarian and a Christian, more than for any of his other achievements.

Norris may have a lot of reasons to be remembered as a humanitarian and a Christian, and his website lists some of them: being a spokesman for the United Way; being a spokesman for the Veterans Administration and visiting veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War in 12 hospitals; being a motivational speaker for various Christian ministries, including T.D. Jakes Ministry, Trinity Broadcasting, and the Bill Glass Crusade; winning an award for the best Christian television program; and being actively involved with the Make a Wish Foundation for 20 years-to name just a few of his accomplishments.

Chuck Norris is most proud of his Kick Start Foundation. President Bush helped him implement a program teaching the martial arts to 150 high-risk students at M C Williams Middle School in Houston, Texas, as a part of the school curriculum. The program was so successful that it is now in 30 schools, and 4,200 boys and girls are involved. According to his official website, young people have learned discipline, respect, self-esteem, and have gotten out of gangs.

According to the website, http://jcsuperstars.wordpress.com, Chuck Norris was respected enough as a Christian and humanitarian that he was scheduled to speak this year at the graduation for students of the Christian college, Liberty University. The late Liberty University Chancellor, Jerry Falwell, said he was impressed with Norris as a thoughtful and intelligent person and a conservative Christian. Falwell said there are so few conservative Christians in Hollywood that those who do go against the grain need to be honored.

According to the website, http://en.wikipedia.org, Chuck Norris has demonstrated his Christian faith by being in commercials to promote Bible reading and prayer in public schools, his efforts to reduce drug use in schools, and by writing several Christian books, including, The Justice. He has also written a column for the conservative news site, WorldNetDaily.com. He also has written columns urging troubled people to turn to Jesus Christ, Whom Norris believes is God's Son, Who died on the cross and rose again so that people can believe and have a home in heaven. Norris serves on the board of an organization, the NCBCPS that promotes using the Bible in public schools.

Chuck Norris, the dedicated Christian and humanitarian is not only conservative in his faith, but also on other issues.

Many may remember Chuck Norris for all his tough guy roles or his karate, but he wants to be remembered for a lot more than just that.