Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

It's hard to ignore, if you're pulled into a prayer group -- as I once was, in a completely secular situation. It almost happened another time, but I recognized the signs and pulled back physically and vocally. People just looked at me funny and left me alone.

how were you pulled into a prayer group?

People around you started to pray, and their prayers surrounded you like a force field and you were compelled bodily into a prayer? your lips started to move beyond your control?

Pulled into the group physically, not realizing they were about to pray. Did not pray with them. Kept my lips still. was stunned that this happened in a public place.

I’ve never seen a group of Christians grab a bystander and physically pull them into a group prayer. What are you leaving out or making up?

I am stunned an adult American doesn’t know that their fellow Americans are more than welcome to pray in public. Did you graduate from high school at least? Your parents and teachers failed you, because you don’t have a clue about what freedoms we as Americans enjoy vs the rest of the world.

I really don’t believe a person or persons physically pulled you into a prayer without your knowledge. You aren’t telling the entire story.

Alert - another nasty Christian post. It's a free country, though, so people can be as nasty as they want, within the confines of US law.

Also, assuming that this message board is a privately owned space, its owner can ban posters at any time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

It's hard to ignore, if you're pulled into a prayer group -- as I once was, in a completely secular situation. It almost happened another time, but I recognized the signs and pulled back physically and vocally. People just looked at me funny and left me alone.

how were you pulled into a prayer group?

People around you started to pray, and their prayers surrounded you like a force field and you were compelled bodily into a prayer? your lips started to move beyond your control?

Pulled into the group physically, not realizing they were about to pray. Did not pray with them. Kept my lips still. was stunned that this happened in a public place.

I’ve never seen a group of Christians grab a bystander and physically pull them into a group prayer. What are you leaving out or making up?

I am stunned an adult American doesn’t know that their fellow Americans are more than welcome to pray in public. Did you graduate from high school at least? Your parents and teachers failed you, because you don’t have a clue about what freedoms we as Americans enjoy vs the rest of the world.

I really don’t believe a person or persons physically pulled you into a prayer without your knowledge. You aren’t telling the entire story.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

How does one ignore the behavior of your coach or leader? Nice way to set up a Constantine situation where people fake-pray because they think they have to.

One says: one, I live in America. In America, we are extremely lucky to have freedom of religion and speech. My coach/leader is expressing their freedom of religion and speech. I don’t have the same religious beliefs as my leader, but I respect their beliefs. I don’t need to participate in their beliefs. I can maintain respectful silence, and wait quietly while others exercise their freedom of religion and speech. I am glad I live in a time and place where we all can live and co-exist in a society of peace and freedom. I am going to exercise my freedom of speech to be free from saying a prayer I don’t believe will help me today.

That's a tall order. Doesn't seem like kids can achieve this level of enlightenment. For that reason, should prayer be removed from youth sports?

No. And it’s not enlightenment. It’s the values Americans hold dear.

We have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Are you an American? You don’t like those freedoms?

I'm a Christian. I use discretion when exercising freedoms.

I'm a Christian. I use discretion when exercising freedoms
^^^ when they affect other people. We are mandated to think about others.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone else cringe at blatant evangelism in sports?

Prayer circles, coaches proselytizing, etc?

It’s at all levels — youth, college, pro.

I get praying for the safety of participants but why do these people thing God cares about sports, much less has a preference for a victor? Specifically, why do some winners insinuate that God helped them win?

don't know -- maybe they're really dumb. or think that God cares about sports, or like to think they are so special that God would bless them with a win.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

It's hard to ignore, if you're pulled into a prayer group -- as I once was, in a completely secular situation. It almost happened another time, but I recognized the signs and pulled back physically and vocally. People just looked at me funny and left me alone.

how were you pulled into a prayer group?

People around you started to pray, and their prayers surrounded you like a force field and you were compelled bodily into a prayer? your lips started to move beyond your control?

Pulled into the group physically, not realizing they were about to pray. Did not pray with them. Kept my lips still. was stunned that this happened in a public place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

I mean, America leads the world in the proportion of people who think angels are real.

We truly are a stupid lot.

We don’t know if angels are real, scientists can’t prove or disprove anything about what lies beyond the natural world. Having religious beliefs may seem stupid to you, but having respect for the beliefs of others is a sign of emotional maturity. You don’t have to be threatened by things you don’t understand. Other people have thoughts and feelings that are different from yours. You can respectfully co-exist and not feel threatened or upset by the way others live their lives.

I don’t know why fellow American citizens exercising their freedom of religion and speech is so threatening to people? Especially since those two things are not easily come by in this world- we are lucky to have those rights.

Calling others stupid is not necessary or nice.

Display this maturity then and pray privately.

No, neither I nor anyone else in America has to pray privately. We have the rights of freedom of speech and religion.

There are atheists and anti-theists in this thread that do not like those rights.

One plainly states that they want to stop prayer in sports.

Why do atheists and anti-theists like taking freedom of speech and religion away from people?

I know you are just talking crap because nobody making out in public wants you to join in, either. Neither people praying nor making out are doing so to make you take notice and lure you in.

You just have main character syndrome and make yourself the center of the universe in every moment. Other people are making out or praying and you can’t stand it! How about realizing not everything is about you, mind your own business, and let people live? Unclench, how insufferable is it going about watching and critiquing everyone and trying to insert yourself and your pwecious fee-fees into their lives?

Alert! Christian talking above -- but a mean one. Not the good kind, who also exist. hopefully in greater number.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

How does one ignore the behavior of your coach or leader? Nice way to set up a Constantine situation where people fake-pray because they think they have to.

One says: one, I live in America. In America, we are extremely lucky to have freedom of religion and speech. My coach/leader is expressing their freedom of religion and speech. I don’t have the same religious beliefs as my leader, but I respect their beliefs. I don’t need to participate in their beliefs. I can maintain respectful silence, and wait quietly while others exercise their freedom of religion and speech. I am glad I live in a time and place where we all can live and co-exist in a society of peace and freedom. I am going to exercise my freedom of speech to be free from saying a prayer I don’t believe will help me today.

That's a tall order. Doesn't seem like kids can achieve this level of enlightenment. For that reason, should prayer be removed from youth sports?

No. And it’s not enlightenment. It’s the values Americans hold dear.

We have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Are you an American? You don’t like those freedoms?

I'm a Christian. I use discretion when exercising freedoms.

I'm a Christian. I use discretion when exercising freedoms
^^^ when they affect other people. We are mandated to think about others.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

How does one ignore the behavior of your coach or leader? Nice way to set up a Constantine situation where people fake-pray because they think they have to.

One says: one, I live in America. In America, we are extremely lucky to have freedom of religion and speech. My coach/leader is expressing their freedom of religion and speech. I don’t have the same religious beliefs as my leader, but I respect their beliefs. I don’t need to participate in their beliefs. I can maintain respectful silence, and wait quietly while others exercise their freedom of religion and speech. I am glad I live in a time and place where we all can live and co-exist in a society of peace and freedom. I am going to exercise my freedom of speech to be free from saying a prayer I don’t believe will help me today.

That's a tall order. Doesn't seem like kids can achieve this level of enlightenment. For that reason, should prayer be removed from youth sports?

No. And it’s not enlightenment. It’s the values Americans hold dear.

We have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Are you an American? You don’t like those freedoms?

I'm a Christian. I use discretion when exercising freedoms.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

I mean, America leads the world in the proportion of people who think angels are real.

We truly are a stupid lot.

We don’t know if angels are real, scientists can’t prove or disprove anything about what lies beyond the natural world. Having religious beliefs may seem stupid to you, but having respect for the beliefs of others is a sign of emotional maturity. You don’t have to be threatened by things you don’t understand. Other people have thoughts and feelings that are different from yours. You can respectfully co-exist and not feel threatened or upset by the way others live their lives.

I don’t know why fellow American citizens exercising their freedom of religion and speech is so threatening to people? Especially since those two things are not easily come by in this world- we are lucky to have those rights.

Calling others stupid is not necessary or nice.

Display this maturity then and pray privately.

No, neither I nor anyone else in America has to pray privately. We have the rights of freedom of speech and religion.

There are atheists and anti-theists in this thread that do not like those rights.

One plainly states that they want to stop prayer in sports.

Why do atheists and anti-theists like taking freedom of speech and religion away from people?

I know you are just talking crap because nobody making out in public wants you to join in, either. Neither people praying nor making out are doing so to make you take notice and lure you in.

You just have main character syndrome and make yourself the center of the universe in every moment. Other people are making out or praying and you can’t stand it! How about realizing not everything is about you, mind your own business, and let people live? Unclench, how insufferable is it going about watching and critiquing everyone and trying to insert yourself and your pwecious fee-fees into their lives?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

It's hard to ignore, if you're pulled into a prayer group -- as I once was, in a completely secular situation. It almost happened another time, but I recognized the signs and pulled back physically and vocally. People just looked at me funny and left me alone.

how were you pulled into a prayer group?

People around you started to pray, and their prayers surrounded you like a force field and you were compelled bodily into a prayer? your lips started to move beyond your control?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

How does one ignore the behavior of your coach or leader? Nice way to set up a Constantine situation where people fake-pray because they think they have to.

One says: one, I live in America. In America, we are extremely lucky to have freedom of religion and speech. My coach/leader is expressing their freedom of religion and speech. I don’t have the same religious beliefs as my leader, but I respect their beliefs. I don’t need to participate in their beliefs. I can maintain respectful silence, and wait quietly while others exercise their freedom of religion and speech. I am glad I live in a time and place where we all can live and co-exist in a society of peace and freedom. I am going to exercise my freedom of speech to be free from saying a prayer I don’t believe will help me today.

That's a tall order. Doesn't seem like kids can achieve this level of enlightenment. For that reason, should prayer be removed from youth sports?

No. And it’s not enlightenment. It’s the values Americans hold dear.

We have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Are you an American? You don’t like those freedoms?

I'm a Christian. I use discretion when exercising freedoms.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

Americans are most supportive of opposing teams praying together after games, with 55 percent of all Americans viewing it positively.

Most Americans don’t mind professional athletes expressing their faith on and off the field, according to a new study.

A poll conducted by Grey Matter Research and Consulting shows that 49 percent of Americans see athletes’ public expressions of faith favorably; 32 percent don’t care, and 19 percent take a more negative view.

Christians aren’t hurting anyone by publicly expressing their beliefs about their religion. It’s freedom of religion and speech. If you don’t like it, you are can ignore it. And it’s not proselytizing, fyi.




1 Timothy 2:8 ESV

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

James 5:16 ESV

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Matthew 5:44 ESV

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,


Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

These verses show that God desires prayers and that it is good and necessary for Christians to pray, but it is only your poll that says that coaches or people in positions of power should lead a group prayer with those who are not Christians.

1. It’s not my poll
2. People who are not Christian would not be in a group prayer.
3. Christians can pray publicly and if people who are not Christian are in public with praying Christians- they can ignore the Christians and the prayers.

How does one ignore the behavior of your coach or leader? Nice way to set up a Constantine situation where people fake-pray because they think they have to.

One says: one, I live in America. In America, we are extremely lucky to have freedom of religion and speech. My coach/leader is expressing their freedom of religion and speech. I don’t have the same religious beliefs as my leader, but I respect their beliefs. I don’t need to participate in their beliefs. I can maintain respectful silence, and wait quietly while others exercise their freedom of religion and speech. I am glad I live in a time and place where we all can live and co-exist in a society of peace and freedom. I am going to exercise my freedom of speech to be free from saying a prayer I don’t believe will help me today.

That's a tall order. Doesn't seem like kids can achieve this level of enlightenment. For that reason, should prayer be removed from youth sports?

No. And it’s not enlightenment. It’s the values Americans hold dear.

We have freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Are you an American? You don’t like those freedoms?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

I mean, America leads the world in the proportion of people who think angels are real.

We truly are a stupid lot.

We don’t know if angels are real, scientists can’t prove or disprove anything about what lies beyond the natural world. Having religious beliefs may seem stupid to you, but having respect for the beliefs of others is a sign of emotional maturity. You don’t have to be threatened by things you don’t understand. Other people have thoughts and feelings that are different from yours. You can respectfully co-exist and not feel threatened or upset by the way others live their lives.

I don’t know why fellow American citizens exercising their freedom of religion and speech is so threatening to people? Especially since those two things are not easily come by in this world- we are lucky to have those rights.

Calling others stupid is not necessary or nice.

Display this maturity then and pray privately.

No, neither I nor anyone else in America has to pray privately. We have the rights of freedom of speech and religion.

There are atheists and anti-theists in this thread that do not like those rights.

One plainly states that they want to stop prayer in sports.

Why do atheists and anti-theists like taking freedom of speech and religion away from people?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:September 29, 2022

More people approve than disapprove of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling to allow a public high school football coach to pray on the field. More than 6 in 10 think a coach leading a team in prayer, a player leading a team in prayer, or a coach praying on the field without asking the team to join in should all be allowed at public high school sporting events.

Few Americans are concerned that the Supreme Court ruling will make students feel pressure to participate in prayer or make students feel less welcome participating in high school sports. Most do not think the court’s ruling will lead to other public school officials praying with students during school hours. And just 30% of the public feels that religion has too much influence on what children are taught in school.

When it comes to professional sports, more people approve than disapprove of professional athletes praying on the field or expressing their faith publicly. Forty-five percent approve of professional athletes wearing religious symbols while on the field. However, only 30% approve of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem.

https://apnorc.org/projects/the-publics-opinion-on-religion-in-sports/

Proselytizing means forcing people to be religious. The coaches aren’t proselytizing when they are praying and expressing their religious beliefs. Prayers in public are not proselytizing.

Proselytism is attempting to convert people's religious or political beliefs.

If you look up the verb “proselytism” in most dictionaries, you’ll find it defined as any effort to persuade a person to give up one point of view in favor of another. Atheists and anti-theists constantly proselytize in this forum.

Yea! Fall back onto the the Supreme Court. Way to prove your point. /s

That you're quoting a poll of what Americans think (by the way, i know too much about polls to take that at face value) doesn't mean that Christians should do do in this instance. Isn't the Bible the higher authority? What is purely legal, may not be what is the best treatment a Christian should offer their neighbors' children.

I mean, America leads the world in the proportion of people who think angels are real.

We truly are a stupid lot.

We don’t know if angels are real, scientists can’t prove or disprove anything about what lies beyond the natural world. Having religious beliefs may seem stupid to you, but having respect for the beliefs of others is a sign of emotional maturity. You don’t have to be threatened by things you don’t understand. Other people have thoughts and feelings that are different from yours. You can respectfully co-exist and not feel threatened or upset by the way others live their lives.

I don’t know why fellow American citizens exercising their freedom of religion and speech is so threatening to people? Especially since those two things are not easily come by in this world- we are lucky to have those rights.

Calling others stupid is not necessary or nice.

Display this maturity then and pray privately.

+1 it isn’t about your beliefs. I don’t care about your supernatural beliefs or that you think Jesus was a zombie. I like zombie movies too (although I don’t actually think they’re *real* I just enjoy the stories and the fantasy). It’s more about the public displays of those beliefs and the pressure, dare I say challenge, to have any other reaction other than to join in. I judge it the same way I judge two people making out on the subway. That doesn’t make me immature. It makes me normal.