Public schools are not allowed to teach religion to their students. Government cannot involve religion in any of their day to day activities. The laws of this country cannot be based on religious beliefs. It is the foundation of this country to separate religion from our schools, our government, and our law. The separation of church and state is a foundation of this country.
Freedom of religion is also a foundation of our country. People have the right to worship their god and practice any form of religion they choose. Whether it’s Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, or even L. Ron Hubbard, our country gives its citizens the right to have any faith that gives them comfort.
Last month I was watching the Heisman trophy presentation and I was impressed when Tim Tebow approached the podium to give his acceptance speech without a piece of paper. I have spoken in front of large crowds before and never have I been able to complete the task without notes in front of me. I was on the edge of my seat to hear what this young man had to say. Then the words came out….those words spoken so often in sport….. “I just want to thank God.” Those words got me to thinking.
Why do athletes have to thank God for everything? What number does our lord and savior Jesus Christ wear? When was the last time God threw a block? When was last time Jesus Christ made a game winning field goal?
I am a sports dude and as a sports dude I watch sports for entertainment. I appreciate the talent that is put forth in competition. I like to hear what athletes and coaches have to say after they perform at their highest level. But anymore it seems like all athletes and coaches have to say after a game is that they performed to their highest power. I don’t care to hear that God is responsible for a 400 yard passing performance or that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was a part of the game winning play.
I have two arguments to support my position. One….Sport is a billion dollar industry and it is taxed heavily. Religion is a billion dollar industry and is tax exempt. Until all sport gets a free pass on those taxes I feel that religion has no place in it. Two….The federal government has indicted Barry Bonds. The Mitchell Report, put forth by a U.S. Senator, has tainted the reputation of 90 baseball players. Government can reach into sports whenever it deems necessary. Therefore I feel there is a need to call for a separation of church and sport.
Counter arguments to my view would be freedom of religion and freedom of speech. While valid arguments that support the freedom of athletes to thank whatever higher power they wish after a big win or a championship we can pose the question to Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Andy Pettitte….. “Where was God on that one?”
How do you have 209 total yards, 32 yards rushing, convert 1 of 14 third downs and have a chance to win a football game? Easy, play in the talent diluted NFL.
Last night’s football game between the Vikings and the Bears was tough to watch. It was two teams on a mission to lose a game despite their defenses best efforts.
The game got me to thinking. I don’t understand how the NFL has reached this point. It used to be that it seemed like there were only 33 punters and 33 kickers that could play at the NFL level. You would see a kicker or punter get cut and then picked up the next week. It seemed like there was only one punter or kicker that would be out of football at a time and they were next on the list to take over for the next cut. Very little new blood was brought into these two positions.
Now it seems that the NFL quarterback position has fallen into this same pattern. When Tavaris Jackson and Kyle Orton are the starting quarterbacks in a late season NFL game that has playoff implications for not only the two teams playing but for four other teams I think it’s a sign that the NFL is lacking talent at QB.
