Free Republic

On Sunday, Christian baseball fans will stream into Dodger Stadium for what is becoming more common fare at professional ballparks across the country -- "faith day." Following the Dodgers vs. Rockies game, fans with special tickets will gather in a corner of the parking lot for a concert by the Christian rock band Hawk Nelson, an appearance by characters from the "Veggie Tales" Christian television program and testimonials by several devout Dodgers. The purpose, according to event organizer Brent High, is to promote the Gospel of Jesus. ...Critics of the Christianizing of pro sports -- including interfaith groups, Jewish leaders...

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves will mix baseball with the gospel when they hold another “Faith Day” this weekend. But one of the country’s most prominent Christian organizations has been tossed out of the game. Focus on the Family, a group founded by James Dobson, was barred from participating in Sunday’s postgame activities after sponsoring the first such event at Turner Field last month. While the team wouldn’t provide a reason for its decision, several gay rights groups on the Web bristled with speculation that Focus on the Family was given the boot for promoting its belief that homosexuality is...

Faith and baseball are inseparable. Without hope in the unseen, no one would hit a 95 mph fastball, steal home or cheer on the erratic Atlanta Braves this season. This week, belief comes out of the dugout when the Braves host the first of three "Faith Day" promotions. After the 1 p.m. game Thursday against the Florida Marlins, star pitcher John Smoltz will talk about his faith and Christian bands will perform for those with a $10 ticket for the event, separate from game admission. The blend of big-tent evangelism and the national pastime is expected to draw thousands of...