Cam Newton, Commitment, and the Illusion of Fear

Recently, I watched an episode of Cam Newton’s podcast featuring Jason Wilson, a man known for his calm wisdom and biblical grounding. Their conversation revolved around marriage, specifically Cam’s reluctance to marry despite being surrounded by strong examples of it.

Cam openly shared that his parents have been happily married for forty years. His brothers, too, are both married with families of their own. Yet, Cam called himself “the black sheep” of his family, expressing fear of marriage because of divorce.

At first, that sounded reasonable, considering his profession, until I realized how ironic it was. How can a man who has witnessed only successful marriages up close be more "afraid" of marriage than of the lifestyle that destroys it? His “fear” of divorce doesn’t seem rooted in experience; it sounds more like a shield against accountability.

The Fear That Isn’t Fear, It’s Avoidance

When people say they fear failure, it’s often not the failure itself that frightens them, it’s the discipline and change that success would require. In Cam’s case, I don’t believe he’s truly afraid of divorce. I believe he’s afraid of commitment.

Marriage demands faithfulness, consistency, and sacrifice, all things that require spiritual maturity. If Cam truly feared divorce, he’d pursue purity and preparation now, not promiscuity and excuses. The man who says, “I’m afraid to fail at marriage,” but continues living in sin, isn’t cautious, he’s comfortable.

The “I’m Like Jesus” Argument

The moment that truly caught my attention was when Cam said, “I’m trying to be like Jesus… and Jesus didn’t get married.”

That statement was as misguided as it was ironic. Yes, Jesus didn’t take an earthly bride, but He created marriage itself and not just in a natural sense. The union between a man and a woman was God’s design from the beginning:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” — Genesis 2:24

Marriage is a divine reflection, a living symbol of Christ and His Church. Jesus’ “bride” is the Church itself, and His earthly mission was to redeem and prepare that bride for eternal union with Him.

So when Cam uses Jesus’ singleness as an excuse for his own avoidance, he misses the point entirely. Christ didn’t avoid commitment, He embodied it to perfection. He was faithful even unto death.

Living Opposite of What He Claims

Cam Newton is not being “like Jesus.” He’s fornicating, fathering children out of wedlock, and living contrary to what Christ taught about purity and responsibility. Jesus lived a life of obedience, self-control, and sacrifice; not self-indulgence, lust, and pride.

It’s not judgment to call this what it is; it’s discernment. The truth is, Cam’s lifestyle doesn’t reflect fear of divorce, it reflects love of freedom without accountability. That’s not godliness; that’s rebellion masked as wisdom.

The Rich Young Ruler All Over Again

Cam reminds me of the Rich Young Ruler in the Gospels, the man who came to Jesus asking how to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow Him, the man went away sorrowful. Not because he didn’t understand, but because he didn’t want to let go.

Cam seems to be in that same spiritual dilemma; full of potential, full of influence, yet unwilling to surrender his will to God’s design. He praises his parents’ marriage, but refuses to follow their example. He quotes Scripture, but only when it fits his narrative.

Final Thoughts: The Hope and the Warning

Jason Wilson handled the conversation with grace, gently challenging Cam’s reasoning without ridicule. I pray Cam takes those words to heart. He has the platform, influence, and charisma to be a mighty man of God but pride will always stand in the way of purpose.

Cam doesn’t need to fear marriage. He needs to fear disobedience. Because the true tragedy isn’t a failed marriage, it’s a wasted calling.

And having to stand before God at the end of it all, giving an account for every word, action, and influence. For as Scripture reminds us, the Lord shows no partiality. And as Jason Wilson rightly said, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Cam Newton has been given much influence, opportunity, and a voice that reaches millions. And with that, comes responsibility before the One who gave it.

Because in the end, it won’t be the applause of men that matters, but the answer he and all of us will have to give before God.