I had written a post about perception versus fact, etc. Faith was involved also along with Judeo-Christian principles, etc.
Absolute waste of time because this really isn't about faith or religion itself. It is about power and who wields it,their judgement and the potential for abuse.
Seperation of Church and State...noble concept in that the state shall not dictate or establish any religion, so that the state cannot abuse it's power as did England in the 1600-1700's (dates may be off). Caused the migration of English to the Americas in search of religious freedom. In this case the Coach is the State and the players are the Citizens (though captive as they cannot in most cases changes schools freely. Remember the Reserve Clause?).
The problem with the coach led Bible study isn't a problem with religion but rather the potential abuse of power.
Yes, it was voluntary in nature and nobody was pressured to attend as are the optional workouts and preseason conditioning players do. As Coach May said, he keeps track of those showing up at optional workouts...all coaches would keep track of this mentally. Does anyone really think a coach wouldn't know who shows up for his Bible studies that he is holding? Could those in attendance gain some favortism or positive perception from the coach?
Maybe...maybe not. Who knows if the coach is perfect and would never let his own opinion or perception overrule the facts or performance on the field. In reality his opinions could become self fulfilling as players opportunities may be predetermined based on the coaches opinion and perception of a player based on attendance of a Bible study. Far fetched; perhaps but to deny the possibility is naive as the coach is judge, jury and executioner of a captive audience that has no real alternative if they want to play baseball as they have no real choice on where they can play.
It is solely about power and the proper application of it's use.