[2] After graduating from Austin High School in 1944, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and saw duty in the Pacific theater and in Japan during the occupation.

He left journalism for politics, serving as press secretary first for Governors Price Daniel, and then for John B. Connally Jr. Christian relocated to Washington, D.C., to join the staff of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

"[3][4] After serving as White House Press Secretary, Christian began a career in the private sector in Austin, working in public relations, consulting, and at a lobbying firm.

In 1986, Christian founded the Texas Civil Justice League, an organization dedicated to judicial reform, which he operated until his death.

In 1978, his son John, then thirteen years of age, shot his English teacher, Wilbur Grayson, to death in front of his classmates with his father's .22 Long Rifle.