Jeebus And Football In The Bible Belt

[Gamecock1973]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/16/clemson-football-religious_n_5159126.html

 

So the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) sent a complaint letter to Clemson university about the Xtian antics of their head football coach, Dabo Sweeney, as he is an employee of a public university using his position to make sure every one of his players has a chance to hear the gospel of Jeebus.

 

The FFRF is based in Wisconsin, where I grew up.  In my xtian childhood I always remembered Anne Gaylor and her organization spoken of pretty much as the devil himself, evil incarnate.  This story caught my attention as I am an alumni of the University of South Carolina, the in-state rival of Clemson.  

 

While I now agree with the FFRF in prinicple and belief, I still find their tactics a bit obnoxious and sometimes I wish they would choose their battles better.  However, in this case, I'm happy to see a coach called out who organizes buses for his players to his church on Sunday mornings, has coaches hand out Bibles to players "who want them," has coach-led Bible studies for players,  and sets up a cattle trough as a baptismal on the 50-yard line at the end of one of his practices, so all can see the testimony of one of his newly converted.  You can't tell me that even while these activities are "not-mandatory," players will not feel pressured to participate to garner the favor of the xtian coaches.  Spring practices are also "not mandatory," but everyone in a major college football program knows how long you will be on the team if you don't attend!

 

Having been out of the xtian world (and the bible belt!) for a decade, it was amazing to see the response of the local sports fans in South Carolina. I went to the Clemson sports message board...I should have known better.

 

http://www.tigernet.com/forums/category.jspa?categoryID=8&guest=true

 

While not surprised at the bile and disgusting comments about atheists (from those who are taught to love their enemies, no less), it was interesting to see their perspective on atheists and atheism.  Just the same ignorance thrown around the echo chambers of xtianity:

 

-Atheists hate god and really believe in him, but they just want to be sinful.  

-Atheists and the FFRF are really just a wing of the gay movement and their global conspiracy (or vice-versa).

-Anne Gaylor is the most hateful person in the world (even though half the comments from good church people are far more vile than anything she would EVER say...but they have never listened to her).

-FFRF is just trying to get money.  They really have no cause.  (I bet Anne Gaylor would love to hear how they are getting rich!).

-Every other religion and group has rights, but people are taking Xstian's rights away.

-FFRF and Atheists only hate Xtians but love Muslims and Buddhists. They would never confront them!

-Humanism is a religion. So why doesn't the FFRF try to take away their free speech!

-Teachers can preach other religions to kids in school and do it all the time! Public school teachers are devil-spawn.  Those who are Xtian teachers want to do good, but atheists have made laws to stop them!

-Separation of church and state is from DEMONIC liberal judges who have wrongly interpreted the law.

-Everything bad in America started with atheists/women's lib/taking prayer out of schools/blah blah blah...and Obama.

-Freedom of religion, i.e.: Evangelism and converting people is wonderful in ANY public arena, as long as it is Christianity (and the right version of  it) being preached.  Muslims and other heretics should just get the hell out of America.

-Atheists should just shut up and mind their own business.  (Of course, the whole point is that Xtians won't reciprocate).

 

I know that most of these people have never actually had a real conversation with an atheist, that we are just the evil "other." But it is disgusting the ignorance and logic that is relished in that cultural bubble.  It re-affirmed the fact to me that, like those who are violently anti-gay, it becomes much harder to hate someone whom you actually know, interact with, and care about.  This is what has convinced me that more and more of us need to come out of the closet and be seen and heard as rational, decent people.  I know the ignorance cannot be dispelled overnight...but step by step... 

[Blood]

I have a serious problem with the FFRF. Sending letters to people stating, "You better stop talking about Christianity or we will sue you" is the worst possible way to promote atheism that I can think of. It plays into the stereotype of atheists being control freaks and malcontents who live to litigate. This only makes the other side even crazier.

[Deidre]

I agree but unfortunately, the fear of losing money will motivate the school to take action. Losing money is a powerful motivator and the school might not do anything if not threatened with a lawsuit, sadly.

[florduh]

Public school teachers are devil-spawn.

 

I said that very thing when I was in third grade.

[BrotherJosh]

I have a serious problem with the FFRF. Sending letters to people stating, "You better stop talking about Christianity or we will sue you" is the worst possible way to promote atheism that I can think of. It plays into the stereotype of atheists being control freaks and malcontents who live to litigate. This only makes the other side even crazier.

 

I agree with you on the FFRF. I support the *idea* of the organization - they provide the legal and financial backbone for people to fight back against religious harassment...However, I really wish they would pick their battles more tactically. 

 

That said, the Clemson guy is obviously overstepping his bounds...but I think getting mired down in a culture war of attrition is not going to do atheists/non-religious folk any favors. 

[BlindersRemoved]

"It re-affirmed the fact to me that, like those who are violently anti-gay, it becomes much harder to hate someone whom you actually know, interact with, and care about.  This is what has convinced me that more and more of us need to come out of the closet and be seen and heard as rational, decent people.  I know the ignorance cannot be dispelled overnight...but step by step... "

 

 

I agree with this. Being from the bible belt, I was 30 years old before I had a friend that was openly atheist. I remember thinking, "he's not any different than I am." I have let many of my friends know that I am no longer a believer and try to impress upon them that I am still the same person I was as before. I didn't turn into a lying, cheating, immoral piece of shit.

 

I also have to deal with public prayer a great deal. I work for a city government, and every commission meeting or big event is led with prayer. At first I just went with the flow. However, I've started to notice recently I find myself thinking, "why should I have to listen to this shit?" I could complain, but I don't want to be known as "that guy."

[Vigile]

 

I have a serious problem with the FFRF. Sending letters to people stating, "You better stop talking about Christianity or we will sue you" is the worst possible way to promote atheism that I can think of. It plays into the stereotype of atheists being control freaks and malcontents who live to litigate. This only makes the other side even crazier.

 

I agree with you on the FFRF. I support the *idea* of the organization - they provide the legal and financial backbone for people to fight back against religious harassment...However, I really wish they would pick their battles more tactically. 

 

That said, the Clemson guy is obviously overstepping his bounds...but I think getting mired down in a culture war of attrition is not going to do atheists/non-religious folk any favors. 

 

 

Yeah, we're going to win this war with PR and going after football and god on money isn't going to win any PR points. 

[midniterider]

Thank the Lord that this head coach is making sure that his players all "know" about Jeebus. I bet it's hard to get the Good Word out down there in South Carolina!  lolz.

[francesco]

just wonder, do their team win the championship?

if not, what a great work of god

the coach make sure all members hear bible

risking getting sued

and still lost :troll: