Steve Irwin, known worldwide as the “Crocodile Hunter,” is being remembered for his fearless encounters with wild animals after his death Sept. 4. Irwin, 44, was struck by a stingray barb to the chest while filming a documentary on marine life on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Kairos Journal, which seeks to equip church leaders as they engage the culture for Christ and has several leading Southern Baptists on its editorial team, said Christians could learn a lesson from Irwin.
“One aspect of Irwin’s life stands out. He was unashamedly enthusiastic about the wonders of the natural world,” an article posted at www.kairosjournal.org stated. “Children adored him because he showed them what it might mean to love animals whether great or small.
“Tragically there is no indication that Irwin was a Christian, indeed, he and his wife welcomed their children into the world with Buddhist ceremonies,” the article said. “Yet his life is one long rebuke to Christians who take little delight in their Father’s world. If a man could love the creation this much and not know the Creator – how much more should those who love God take delight in the work of his hands?”