Posted by Pastor Steven on January 16, 2000 at 07:28:03:
In Reply to: Identify thyself posted by aboriginal SKINrubber on January 16, 2000 at 05:22:04:
: : : I know this is sort of preaching to the choir, but I needed a forum to vent my observations and this will serve. There is something wrong with a society that so glorifies a game and a group of men who play that game. Tampa has turned this Bucs thing into a mass circus "that people can rally behind". Who wants to rally behind such an insignificant cause? Without regard to eternal significance, there is not even any real worldly significance to the game. Those who claim economic benefit only seek to justify their enthusiasm. Those same people would not recognize the economic benefit of efficient public works or solutions to the homeless/poor problem, or public healthcare... no instead they run out the man in rags who froze all night on Franklin street so he doesn't dirty up the news coverage of the city wide pep rally! This is sickening! Also, the top story of the news today? What else, the Bucs, 20 minutes of the program was dedicated to it, only followed by a group of people who are donating and "rallying behind" a bunch of grey hounds with no homes... again with no thought of human life that deserves rallying behind!
: : : How can a mayor justify an exorbitant bet between city officials over this stupid game! Will Tax payers pay for the bet? I imagine so with such intense stakes. I don't support it.
: : : Most of you know that i am not a social crusader, but I can't stomach any more of this idiocy. How can this be in a world that claims to be so enlightened?
: : : ...I can tell you how. It is bread and circuses guys. Control the masses by keeping them fat and happy. This same thing was practiced in Rome just prior to it's fall. People get complacent and concerned about things that account for nil, then it hits and no one expected a thing because they were "rallying behind" their team.
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: :
: : And on that note...................
: : BUCS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
: : BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
: : WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
: : : I don't hate sports, or any entertainment for that matter. They have their place and supporting them is fine, but it must be kept in perspective. There are so many more important things that could be supported with such zeal... but alas my words will not be headed and so i resign myself to watch and wait and sing for joy when the crash comes... Flush it away Father!! and drown me with it! Maranatha!
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: Buc Fan-Identify thyself! Bill
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He is 'G'.
He did identify himself in an earlier post by using his I_M_G@FARTS.COM address. Get it? (I am G)
He later opened a different email address which he used above: Buc_Fan_2000@yahoo.com
And on that note...
BUCS WIN!!!!!!
I guess I'm just as spiritually flawed as the other pastors who watched the game and rooted for the team. The posted criticism could easily be construed as rebuking those of us who did root for the team. I am glad that G apparently wasn't offended by it.
One of the Bucs is personally getting involved in a fund raising effort for our church Crossover, as well as a local pro baseball player. Apparently these Christians are able to also be enthusiastic about God as well as sports; they are excited about the many inner city youth who have found Christ through our church. In fact, quite a few of the Bucs are Christians, including the coach Tony Dungee. For the record (just in case any of them should read this), the above post is NOT the opinion of the Crossover leadership.
In Paul's day, he used many sports/olympic analogies in his epistles to illustrate how we should run the race for Christ. Apparently there must be good things to be learned in the example of sports enthusiasm. Yet as many times as Paul used that word picture, he never went into any kind of a rebuke towards those who were excited about sports; he only related it to spiritual enthusiasm and perseverence.
The answer is clear: If the sports frenzy personally offends you, don't watch it. But you should also take care not to offend those who are involved. We are, as Paul said, called to be all things to all men, that we may save some.
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