The Main Event

[Oh8ch]

We live in a world that would be much better off if all religions and demonitiaions would search for some common ground. While I wont argue that many are doing that well, I would submit that in general agnostics and atheists actively fight against it more than any other group.

I went off in the direction of "being my own God" some time ago (you are all welcome to follow Me if you like). And I will admit that there was a period of time where not being a main stream Christian left me feeling that I was somehow by default in opposition to those that were. I was wrong.

It is just two different ways of thinking and believing and living. I no longer understand how some are threatened by the mere act of Christians getting together and professing their faith and sharing their message. I enjoy the activity of discussing philosophy, but do not feel compelled to share any particular message of my own. As a result I am not jealous of the Main Event. I do recall from my own days at OSU that campus facilities were made available to all sorts of political and religious groups to pursue their agendas. Faculty did not abstain (Cincibuck has more to say about this topic in a thread titled "Why I Love OSU" in the Open Discussion forum.)

If JT were to surprise the devil out of everyone by standing and professing his atheism at the Main Event there would be an interesting reaction to say the least. But I doubt anyone would argue had no right to do so because he was an employee of the University.

 

[OH10]

You'd think a "journalism" major could do the minimal amount of research it would take to realize the OSU AD is self-sustaining: JT is not paid with any tax dollars.

If I've said it once, I've said it a million damn times: The Lantern sucks! And I look forward to reading more crappy sports articles from Scott Woods in Suburban News in the years to come...

The athletic program is not self-sustaining. It is nothing without the university name, colors, and tax-payer supported tradition.

Being a former Lantern sports writer myself, I would also take offense to your statement "The Lantern sucks!" Apparently columnists aren't allowed to have an opinion you disagree with or the whole newspaper sucks.

Other than that, I don't really agree with the column as written or the premise behind what the student is saying. But I do find it rather ridiculous how much God is brought into sports, as if that's something God should care about. If that was his only point, I'd agree with him.

But Tressel is entitled to his faith and to encourage his players to embrace their faith. I don't like the bible quote on the flier though, as I believe it is a quote of judgment passed on.

 

[HabaneroBuck]

But I do find it rather ridiculous how much God is brought into sports, as if that's something God should care about. If that was his only point, I'd agree with him.

By and large, I agree that the many displays of faith in sports are awkward and pointless. However, when it comes to something like this, the purpose is to illustrate that these individuals do not like being worshipped, and that their popularity gained through accolades and media attention are quite insignificant compared to the weightier matters of life.

From the perspective of an unbeliever, the mixing of faith and athletics is unwarranted and unnecessary. Superfluous. From the perspective of the believer involved in athletics, it is necessary to give proper attribution of renown to the higher power than the individual. The believer finds it necessary to deflect behavior that could border on idolatry towards a worthier recipient, that recipient oftentimes being Jesus Christ.

 

[Jaxbuck]

What's the saying?

If your not a liberal before 30 you're a coward and if you are still a liberal after 30 your an idiot?

Something like that, anyway...good for the kid who wrote it.

 

[Kueller]

We live in a world that would be much better off if all religions and demonitiaions would search for some common ground. While I wont argue that many are doing that well, I would submit that in general agnostics and atheists actively fight against it more than any other group.

I went off in the direction of "being my own God" some time ago (you are all welcome to follow Me if you like). And I will admit that there was a period of time where not being a main stream Christian left me feeling that I was somehow by default in opposition to those that were. I was wrong.

It is just two different ways of thinking and believing and living. I no longer understand how some are threatened by the mere act of Christians getting together and professing their faith and sharing their message. I enjoy the activity of discussing philosophy, but do not feel compelled to share any particular message of my own. As a result I am not jealous of the Main Event. I do recall from my own days at OSU that campus facilities were made available to all sorts of political and religious groups to pursue their agendas. Faculty did not abstain (Cincibuck has more to say about this topic in a thread titled "Why I Love OSU" in the Open Discussion forum.)

I agree with you for the most part, freedom means people can believe in who and what they choose, and talk about it with whomever is willing to listen.

I can also see certain instances where religious beliefs could threaten those who don't believe in the same things. Case in point: Stem cell research. No scientific reason not to proceed down this path of exploration. But religious concerns have stopped our progress, and funding into this area. One of my mother's friends suffers from MS, and is less than pleased that someone else's religion is blocking research that could lead to very real benefits for her and her family.

 

[fourteenandoh]

i thought it was "...you have no heart. if you are still a liberal after 30 you have no brain"

whatever, the kid is writing an editorial opinion. he can say whatever he wants. personally, i do find it a bit rediculous that so many athletes thank JC after every game. (eg T.O. last night) It's almost like they do it just becuase everyone else does. Question for some of the elder members of BP. Has it been like this in sports for a long time or did it start later as these guys started making so much money?

 

[buck1973]

The athletic program is not self-sustaining. It is nothing without the university name, colors, and tax-payer supported tradition.

Being a former Lantern sports writer myself, I would also take offense to your statement "The Lantern sucks!" Apparently columnists aren't allowed to have an opinion you disagree with or the whole newspaper sucks.

Other than that, I don't really agree with the column as written or the premise behind what the student is saying. But I do find it rather ridiculous how much God is brought into sports, as if that's something God should care about. If that was his only point, I'd agree with him.

But Tressel is entitled to his faith and to encourage his players to embrace their faith. I don't like the bible quote on the flier though, as I believe it is a quote of judgment passed on.

While I don't really agree with the writer's opinion, he is entitled to it. What I do take issue with in the article are the two following lines:

especially at OSU, a public institution that spends tax dollars to pay our Jesus-preaching coach.

Why are our football players and our paid-by-tax dollars coach

A senior in journalism should be able to do better research. It took me no more than two minutes to find that the athletic department doesn't take any tax dollars. It's on the athletic department's website:

http://ohiostatebuckeyes.cstv.com/genrel/smith_gene00.html

At Ohio State, Smith oversees a program that features 36 varsity sports, has more than 900 student-athletes on its rosters and has an operating budget of $92 million. It is the nation's largest Division 1-A athletics program and is completely self sufficient, receiving no tax dollars, university money or student fees.

 

[OH10]

While I don't really agree with the writer's opinion, he is entitled to it. What I do take issue with in the article are the two following lines:

A senior in journalism should be able to do better research. It took me no more than two minutes to find that the athletic department doesn't take any tax dollars. It's on the athletic department's website:

http://ohiostatebuckeyes.cstv.com/genrel/smith_gene00.html

And again, I would state that the athletic deparment makes money through its reputation, name recognition and tradition. That was developed through years of taxpayer investment.

 

[DaytonBuck]

And again, I would state that the athletic deparment makes money through its reputation, name recognition and tradition. That was developed through years of taxpayer investment.

That still doesn't make him paid by tax dollars

 

[BuckeyeRyn]

Is it really our job to judge/question whether the athletes have a genuine belief in God and Jesus when they offer thanks to either/or in their interviews. I think it's great if they have a strong enough belief to get on National TV and thank God. Some people are too affraid of being judged to be so vocal with their beliefs. If they don't believe in their sentiment then shame on them for saying it....

 

[Oh8ch]

I still don't understand why it makes a difference whether JT is paid with tax dollars. Would it be a problem for a member of the faculty to address the Main Event on their own time?

I can also see certain instances where religious beliefs could threaten those who don't believe in the same things. Case in point: Stem cell research. No scientific reason not to proceed down this path of exploration. But religious concerns have stopped our progress, and funding into this area. One of my mother's friends suffers from MS, and is less than pleased that someone else's religion is blocking research that could lead to very real benefits for her and her family.

We are in agreement and I think this is an important distinction. It is one thing to practice your beliefs and another too pursue legislation to enact laws based on those beliefs. There is nothing wrong with doing so, but depending on the legislation I may very well stand in opposition.

In that regard if the Main Even turns into something where folks are asking for support to oppose stem cell research I would in fact be opposed to what they are doing. But I am still not sure I could argue they should not be allowed to do it provided other students could come in the next night and stump in favor of stem cell research.

 

[tradition7]

The main goal of a "believer" is suppose to be "to spread the good word of God" so therefore in "believers'" eyes you cannot leave religion out of sports...or anything for that matter. I know it's a very sensitive subject these days which I find rediculous. However, I am not here to argue just to shed some light as to why the players and Tressel feel this is ok. Again, it was privately funded, free to go to, and nobody had to go if they didn't want to. I say good for them for sticking up for what they believe in.

I forget the name of the song but I like the quote..."You got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything"

 

[kyle.davis]

here is a link to a video that i made that was played at the main event. its called "meet roy hall" and is pretty funny

http://reallifeosu.com/videos/meetroy.mov

 

[BuckeyeTillIDie]

Scott Woods is a douche bag. Just shows you how much the Latern sucks.

 

[OH10]

Scott Woods is a douche bag. Just shows you how much the Latern sucks.

If you're going to say the newspaper sucks, you should at least spell it right.

That still doesn't make him paid by tax dollars

Sure, he's not. But is he where he is without the tax payer investment? Absolutely Not. That said, I agree with others who have stated that it doesn't matter what they do on their on time.

The only problem I have is the denigration of those who don't believe. It's as bad as criticism as those who do believe. I think once these fliers were put out there, they opened themselves up to the criticism. This columnist obviously went to far (probably by choice to get a rise out of people), but as a non-believer, I can tell you that I can't stand being told I'm damned because I don't share the faith.