Super Bowl XLI: OK, So I Cringed a Little Bit
Posted February 5th, 2007 by George Thomas
The Super Bowl is finally over and I have to admit that I'm glad it's over. The hype over the two African-American coaches is done. We should never have to address the issue of a coach's ethnicity again. By the way, anyone remember how much media coverage there was of Tom Flores, the first Hispanic head coach to win a Super Bowl, and his ethnicity when the Raiders beat the Eagles in the early '80s.
I was extremely happy to see Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning finally get what they richly deserved, but there was a moment that made me cringe. When Dungy was talking about being the first black coach to win a Super Bowl, he said that it was more important that he and his friendly adversary Lovie Smith were Christians and there were several mentions of the Almighty and the Lord.
Yes, I consider myself a Christian, but one thing I don't do is put that on display for everyone to see. I would never deny anyone the fundamental right to worship as they choose fit, but by the same token, I don't expect to have to listen to them testify about their beliefs either. Religion - like politics and sexual preferences - is a private matter.
Besides with the problems in this country and on this planet, I don't think God much cares about football.
February 5th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Politics is a private matter? You should tell that to John Cusack!
February 5th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Gee, Larry…I didn't notice John Cusack writing this blog.
February 5th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I hate it when people thank God for winning. Not because I don't believe in God–but because what the heck are the guys who lose supposed to think? That they're being punished? Cut it out already. And I find it particularly interesting when some off the biggest dregs of society (usually in entertainment) thank God for what they have. What hypocrites.
Great blog, George.
February 6th, 2007 at 6:14 am
Tony Dungy is known for his manner and morality as much as for his coaching expertise. He sees it as part of his job to help young men develop the same kind of moral compass that has lead to his success and happiness in life. It's really what makes him a special coach and his statement is just an extension of that. If he had said "we showed you can do it with class" (an overused term in sports that's rife with social and racial implications) no one would have minded at all.
I honestly don't mean to offend but I also wonder why those who criticize public figures for mentioning God often feel compelled to note that they themselves are Christians, or spiritual, or whatever? I don't count myself as spiritual but if someone wants to spread the word why should I care? If I did care, would my criticism count less if I'm not a Christian?
February 6th, 2007 at 11:31 am
George: If you are a true Christian, you should celebrate that a fellow brother in Christ is sharing his thankfulness to the Lord Almighty.
One of your jobs, if you will, should be wanting to share His word to others, believers or non-believers. And what greater a stage than on the podium at the Super Bowl?
Honestly, as a fellow Christian, I thought that it was awesome that both Tony Dungee and the Colts owner both mentioned God numerous times.
And for the record, I do not consider myself to be a "bible toting and yelling believers." As a reader of this blog, I enjoy reading your writings.
February 6th, 2007 at 11:45 am
No, Mr. Youngman,
That is where you and I part company. Religious beliefs are personal. If you want to share them with fellow Christians, go for it. But with an audience likely comprised of many different faiths, I don't think so. Had he been Muslim and thanked Allah the religious right would be up in arms. It would've been better served had he done that in his locker room. I don't want anyone else's religious beliefs tossed in my direction.
Secondly, I have a question for you. What is a "true" Christian?
February 6th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
A true Christian, to me, better defined in John 3: 3, which states "3 In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again' "
A Christian is someone that accepted Christ, and understands that one cannot get to Heaven without knowing Him.
I respect your stance, however, I disagree with a Christian denouncing a fellow Christian for thanking God. I do agree with your statement in the comment saying that about Allah. That I would have had a problem with, too.
Respectfully yours,
Mark Youngman
If you were not a Christian, I would have no problem with your post
February 6th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Again Mr. Youngman:
We'll part company because if there was a such thing as "true" Christianity, there wouldn't be different denominations. I don't disagree with him thanking God. However, I do take issue with the manner in which he did it. And you'd have a problem with a Muslim thanking Allah in such a way? If that is indeed the case, Mr. Youngman, that makes you a hypocrite.
February 6th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Religion isn't just personal, it has always been a social construct in which individuals or the group can help others deal with life's hardships and dilemmas. As long as there's no judgmentalism or coercion involved, what's the harm in acknowledging something you view as a lifeline that might also help others? What if he had thanked, say, the folks at the Betty Ford Center for helping him along his path? Or thanked an organ donor for a lifesaving kidney? Some people don't believe in that, either.
February 11th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
George, you're one of the most gifted writers the Beacon has ever seen, but I disagree with you on this one …
The goal of every Christian is to "put (their religion) on display for everyone to see." It's what Jesus did.
And when people see the type of wonderful role model Tony Dungy is, they may wonder what makes him a good person. So what's the harm in him saying he believes in somthing bigger than himself?
And would you be speaking out against his comments if he had said both he and Smith were Muslim? I really wonder about that.
As for your comment: "With the problems in this country and on this planet, I don’t think God much cares about football."
Maybe, maybe not. But how is your implying to know what God cares about any different than Dungy saying, I'm a Christian and it's important to me? They both are statements based on faith, on what you "think."
And that line was pointless, considering Dungy never SAID that God cared about football.
If we can't say, "I'm a Christian," or "I'm a Muslim" in this country without being criticized, then you are right. This country does have problems.
February 12th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Matt W.:
Interesting that you immediately assume that I'm a hypocrite. Thanks for your kind words, but if you sincerely believe that I'd have no problem with someone giving praise to Allah in that situation, you've not been reading me over the years.
Just so we are clear on this: yes, I would have a problem with that. For the very same reason I had a problem with Dungy saying what he did.
We could get into a long involved debate about the quote about "putting religion on display," but I don't see either one of us changing the other's mind. I respect your opinion; I just don't agree with it.
What Dungy did is no different than what any number of Hollywood stars have done on Oscar telecasts (and I got tons of calls about THAT when I was writing about film). That was inappropriate and so was Dungy's statement.