Posted on 02/03/2013 7:29:33 AM PST by CHRISTIAN DIARIST
The decidedly secularist Sports Illustrated – evidenced by the busty swimsuit models it teasingly features on the home page of its web site (alongside the latest sports news, which is what “SI” is supposed to be about) – thought the occasion of the Super Bowl would be the perfect time to weigh in on the subject of Christianity and football.
The cover of its February 4 issue, still available on newsstands, has a picture of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, under the headline: “Does God Care Who Wins the Super Bowl?”
In the cover shot, Lewis is up to his shoulders in water, hands folded as in prayer. It seems obvious the image is meant to suggest the baptism of Christ; as if Lewis, who was at least indirectly involved in the murders of two people the last time his NFL team made the Super Bowl, is some sort of Messianic figure.
SI’s cover story asserts, “The sport with the biggest Christian presence, most famous Christian athletes and most religious leaders affiliated with teams features a culture that seemingly goes against the values of Christianity.”
So whom did SI assign to write about “the values of Christianity” as they relate to “big-time football?” Mark Oppenheimer – yes, he’s Jewish – religion columnist for The New York Times.
Is it any wonder that a writer who disbelieves the divinity of Christ, who thinks he knows better than the 80 percent of us who identify ourselves as Christ followers, would sneer at footballers who publicly profess their Christ followers?
In his cover story, Oppenheimer mocks what he says has become customary for many NFL players: They point to heaven, pray on their knees and thank Jesus in post-game interviews.
The SI writer’s sarcastic prediction for today’s Super Bowl: Ray Lewis will wear his customary black T-shirt under his uniform that says PSALMS 91 and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, if successful on a big play, will kiss either his tattoo of the words GOD TO GLORY or the one that reads FAITH.
Well, as a Christ follower who is also a football fan, I see absolutely nothing wrong with NFL players honoring God, giving glory to their Lord and Savior.
In fact, I root for those who are not ashamed to publicly profess their Christian faith – be it Lewis or Kaepernick, one of which will win the Super Bowl, or such past Super Bowl MVPs as Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Kurt Warner.
As to whether God cares whether the Ravens or 49ers win today’s Super Bowl, I think not.
But I do believe He delights in athletes who make full use of the talent with which He has blessed them; who pursue their craft as unto the Lord and not to men; who glorify Him when they achieve success; and who evince His peace, which surpasses all understanding, even when they fall short of victory.
Last I checked, God could care less about games. He is into souls.
Of course, but since RG3 hurt his knee we all have to wait until next year.
The good news is that, the more football is attacked, the more popular it becomes.
Tell that to this Red Soxs fan when in 2004 the long World Series drought had ended when the Red Soxs won the World Series. Prayers were heard.
God has no favorites, according to the word- but he does reward obedience.
It won’t be after they wussify it! That was my point!
That will not happen believe me, I am confident. Besides, how popular is soccer in this country anyways? Not much.
Wake up. Once they wussify the game, which is what this is all about, they will push soccer, because more people in the world community watch soccer. Football is American, that is why it has to go.
Think NWO, that is what is happening at a lightning pace now.
God’s a Saints fan, of course.
Your opinion, not mine. You wake up. Plus I do not believe anyways.
Yet the SB gets more “eyeballs” than soccer anyways via tv. So you lost the argument. Move along.
It was comforting to see that Jim and John Harbaugh are active members of their Catholic parishes in California and Maryland.Their parents did a good job.
Maybe he just tunes in for the commercials. There’s no denying he’s a fan though; why else would he have put wings on a buffalo?
Yes
The Saints
LOL, I lost no argument. You watch, in the next few years our football is going to be under attack. Football is no more popular than it was years ago. Geesh!
What are you? Naive?
Well the SB is broadcasted around the world so it PROVES that it is STILL POPULAR. I stand by my argument. Case closed
Case is not closed anywhere but in your head.
yes, He does...
Consider the Ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them.
Luke 12:24
Pro football is commercial driven. Proof is in that of the ads that are shown during the SB. Other sports just do not have that type of power to attract commericial ads.
Other sports will when football is ruined.
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