You sound a bit insecure with what you're teaching your son to be that upset over one time things at voluntary events. It's not like he's locked in a building owned by a cult and being brainwashed.
quote:
If this discussion gets ugly, I am closing it.
TPM, I'm with you 100%.....I'll do it as well...
What I find interesting is that I don't think that RJM ever mentioned anywhere here that he was jewish?
What I think that he was arguing was that some feel that god should be practiced their way, as might be the case of this coach who may be trying to persuade others.
Bas3balldad, obviously you can see this is a sensitive topic, you seem not to have a real serious problem with it. Is it immediately after practice or at someone's home? I think there might lie the difference as to what is allowed and what is not as far as public school policy. Isn't there a difference in prayer before the game in public schools and colleges (non denominational)?
For those that think this is ok, just a question, if your son came home and told you that one of his coachs (a practicing muslim) was going to have Koran studies after practice (voluntary of course), what would you do?
What I think that he was arguing was that some feel that god should be practiced their way, as might be the case of this coach who may be trying to persuade others.
Bas3balldad, obviously you can see this is a sensitive topic, you seem not to have a real serious problem with it. Is it immediately after practice or at someone's home? I think there might lie the difference as to what is allowed and what is not as far as public school policy. Isn't there a difference in prayer before the game in public schools and colleges (non denominational)?
For those that think this is ok, just a question, if your son came home and told you that one of his coachs (a practicing muslim) was going to have Koran studies after practice (voluntary of course), what would you do?
quote:Originally posted by piaa_ump:quote:
If this discussion gets ugly, I am closing it.
TPM, I'm with you 100%.....I'll do it as well...
Discussion is ok, getting nasty is not, thanks for the support.
quote:For those that think this is ok, just a question, if your son came home and told you that one of his coachs (a practicing muslim) was going to have Koran studies after practice (voluntary of course), what would you do?
I actually don't think it's a good idea at a public school when led by a coach at the field (his location of authority). But, to answer your question, I would ask him if he was going to go. If he said yes, I would be shocked and ask why. If he said no, I would ask why and make sure he had his thoughts together to explain his actions if asked. Then I would forget about it...other than to watch the games and make sure it seemed the coaches behavior toward him remained the same.
I find it rather ironic, that when it comes to questions on parents attending practices and all the discussion on when junior gets to high school that many people on here say let the kid take care of his own business with the coach.
And then when it comes to bible study that all of a sudden the "young men" become "children, child, etc." that cannot take care of it themselves.
If those that feel that kids are old enough to handle the playing time politics, talking to the coach on his own, getting himself home, etc., then I think they can handle something like bible study.
I have been to many a religious studies over my many years including Islamic, Jewish and several Christian and have never attended ONE that could do physical damage to me. I did do many after practice/game activities in high school with friends drinking and partying that could have killed me and others because of it.
I schooled with all faiths through public school and college and I work with and for all types of religious individuals. One thing that I have found is that because of the strong religous upbringing I had from my parents that I am able to interact with people of all faiths.
Of course 30 or 40 years ago when I was being raised we were still allowed to pray in school, so my opinion may be so outdated that I may be totally wrong, but I can live with that, it is just my opinion.
And then when it comes to bible study that all of a sudden the "young men" become "children, child, etc." that cannot take care of it themselves.
If those that feel that kids are old enough to handle the playing time politics, talking to the coach on his own, getting himself home, etc., then I think they can handle something like bible study.
I have been to many a religious studies over my many years including Islamic, Jewish and several Christian and have never attended ONE that could do physical damage to me. I did do many after practice/game activities in high school with friends drinking and partying that could have killed me and others because of it.
I schooled with all faiths through public school and college and I work with and for all types of religious individuals. One thing that I have found is that because of the strong religous upbringing I had from my parents that I am able to interact with people of all faiths.
Of course 30 or 40 years ago when I was being raised we were still allowed to pray in school, so my opinion may be so outdated that I may be totally wrong, but I can live with that, it is just my opinion.
quote:Originally posted by Kokomojo:
I find it rather ironic, that when it comes to questions on parents attending practices and all the discussion on when junior gets to high school that many people on here say let the kid take care of his own business with the coach.
And then when it comes to bible study that all of a sudden the "young men" become "children, child, etc." that cannot take care of it themselves.
If those that feel that kids are old enough to handle the playing time politics, talking to the coach on his own, getting himself home, etc., then I think they can handle something like bible study.
I have been to many a religious studies over my many years including Islamic, Jewish and several Christian and have never attended ONE that could do physical damage to me. I did do many after practice/game activities in high school with friends drinking and partying that could have killed me and others because of it.
I schooled with all faiths through public school and college and I work with and for all types of religious individuals. One thing that I have found is that because of the strong religous upbringing I had from my parents that I am able to interact with people of all faiths.
Of course 30 or 40 years ago when I was being raised we were still allowed to pray in school, so my opinion may be so outdated that I may be totally wrong, but I can live with that, it is just my opinion.
Holy Mackeral - was that a thought-provoking and well-written post!
Other than one or two, I have enjoyed every post in this thread.
TPM,
The Koran happens to be one of the most beautiful pieces of writing in the world. I have no problem with the Koran being taught, in fact more should pick it up and take a peek at what is in there. I would have a problem if they were being taught terrorism based on twisting parts of the Koran or Torah or Bible. Those are two entirely different courses.
The Koran happens to be one of the most beautiful pieces of writing in the world. I have no problem with the Koran being taught, in fact more should pick it up and take a peek at what is in there. I would have a problem if they were being taught terrorism based on twisting parts of the Koran or Torah or Bible. Those are two entirely different courses.
My son went to a private Southern Baptist college. He had never been in a church as we are atheists. I asked him how he felt about so much emphasis on religion at the college. He told me he would do what it takes. He didn't like it but he dealt with it including having to take a class in religion.
I have had friends of all religions including Muslims. I may not agree with religious views and in fact see religious differences as the main cause of wars etc, but I always try to be tolerant.
I have had friends of all religions including Muslims. I may not agree with religious views and in fact see religious differences as the main cause of wars etc, but I always try to be tolerant.
quote:if your son came home and told you that one of his coachs (a practicing Muslim) was going to have Koran studies after practice (voluntary of course), what would you do?
I would let him knowing it would be educational.
We Would you all have an issue if it was a part of a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter?
I attended a public high school. We always prayed before we headed out to the field to start the game.
Last year I spent the semester working at a Catholic high school. Every one of their sports began and ended a game with prayer. For a basketball game, they said a prayer over the PA before the national anthem. It was interesting the night that the local Lutheran school played at the Catholic school. The entire gym was in prayer at that point..
I'm not super religious, but I really don't see much issue with it. It just has to be very clear that it is truly optional.
I attended a public high school. We always prayed before we headed out to the field to start the game.
Last year I spent the semester working at a Catholic high school. Every one of their sports began and ended a game with prayer. For a basketball game, they said a prayer over the PA before the national anthem. It was interesting the night that the local Lutheran school played at the Catholic school. The entire gym was in prayer at that point..
I'm not super religious, but I really don't see much issue with it. It just has to be very clear that it is truly optional.
quote:Originally posted by Kokomojo:
TPM,
The Koran happens to be one of the most beautiful pieces of writing in the world. I have no problem with the Koran being taught, in fact more should pick it up and take a peek at what is in there. I would have a problem if they were being taught terrorism based on twisting parts of the Koran or Torah or Bible. Those are two entirely different courses.
You are correct, and you seem to be schooled in other faiths and tolerant. Others aren't. I was just trying to make a point.
I asked what are the circumstances, is it in the locker room or somewhere else. Of course going to the coaches house may raise some issues as well.
There is nothing wrong with prayer before a game, but I do have problem with it being specific in religious content. Has nothing to do with my beliefs, that's just how I feel.
It's good to have different opinions, mine is that no matter which bible the coach is going to have bible study from, I see no place for it at public school.
quote:Originally posted by Kokomojo:
I find it rather ironic, that when it comes to questions on parents attending practices and all the discussion on when junior gets to high school that many people on here say let the kid take care of his own business with the coach.
And then when it comes to bible study that all of a sudden the "young men" become "children, child, etc." that cannot take care of it themselves.
I think inadvertently, you have struck at the heart of the problem.
On all athletic issues, it should absolutely be the relationship between the player and the coach. This however, has nothing to do with religion, it has to do with extracurricular activities of a totally divergent nature from athletics.
I would have the same thing to say, if the coach were running a group that wore their jock straps on their heads and made sounds like foraging elephants. It is inappropriate to provide this as a direct attachment to a sporting event and the fact that a number of players are participating in a coach led event makes it a peer/coach pressure and can no longer be considered elective, but quasi mandatory.
To me the religion aspect is circumstantial to the real problem.
My concern isn't someone showing my son a different faith or anything. I've let my son attend other churches or church functions with friends or girlfriend. I don't think it's a bad thing if he chooses to do these things.
I guess my concern is having a choice. If I sent him to a catholic school I would expect prayer or bible study. At a public school I don't expect it. I've been telling my son to be the first on and last one off the field. By having it right after practice at the field it seems like you can't help but feel pressure to stay.
If my son truly feels no pressure to attend and if the kids are treated the same if they attend or not. I guess I don't have an issue but I will be looking for that sort of thing.
I guess my concern is having a choice. If I sent him to a catholic school I would expect prayer or bible study. At a public school I don't expect it. I've been telling my son to be the first on and last one off the field. By having it right after practice at the field it seems like you can't help but feel pressure to stay.
If my son truly feels no pressure to attend and if the kids are treated the same if they attend or not. I guess I don't have an issue but I will be looking for that sort of thing.
Learning about other religions is one thing. It's another issue if the Bible study includes prayer. It's where a non Christian could be forced or feel pressured to pray to a savior his religion doesn't believe in. There's also the issue (and pardon me for saying this) of a possible accusation of praying to a false god if you don't accept Jesus Christ as your savior. There are Christians (and I'll say this politely) who feel the need to spread the word, sometimes against the wishes of those on the receiving end.
As for the question regarding the Methodist private school: It was a boarding school with short services three nights a week and a regular service on Sunday. Attendance was mandatory unless away for the weekend.
Aside from the philosophical debate, the bottom line is I don't believe the bible study attached to another extra curricular event and held on school property is acceptible by the laws of the state.
As for the question regarding the Methodist private school: It was a boarding school with short services three nights a week and a regular service on Sunday. Attendance was mandatory unless away for the weekend.
My son happens to be Christian. I married a Christian. But if he was Jewish or just chose not to attend I would be concerned there would be judgement that affects playing time. It wouldn't be something I intervene. I'd tell my son to talk to the AD or the principal. I've had my kids fighting their own fights on grades since middle school.quote:And then when it comes to bible study that all of a sudden the "young men" become "children, child, etc." that cannot take care of it themselves.
Aside from the philosophical debate, the bottom line is I don't believe the bible study attached to another extra curricular event and held on school property is acceptible by the laws of the state.
This isn't really a baseball question, is it?
What an interesting discussion! Why would we want to close this thread? I think everyone has discussed this in a very respectful way.
My take on the OP: I wouldn't like this any more than I would like an assistant coach holding optional "environmental studies" after baseball.
I'm totally on board with my son's baseball coaches teaching him all the baseball stuff they want, even if some of it I disagree with.
But let's just leave it at that.
My take on the OP: I wouldn't like this any more than I would like an assistant coach holding optional "environmental studies" after baseball.
I'm totally on board with my son's baseball coaches teaching him all the baseball stuff they want, even if some of it I disagree with.
But let's just leave it at that.
quote:Originally posted by Tx-Husker:
You sound a bit insecure with what you're teaching your son to be that upset over one time things at voluntary events. It's not like he's locked in a building owned by a cult and being brainwashed.
I'll ignore the "insecure" comment as that feels like bait and I agree with others that this has been a largely respectful and helpful conversation.
You touch on one of the key pieces of this discussion. No, my son hasn't been locked in a building, but the instances I have noted that upset me were times when he felt no choice but to participate in a religious ritual/event that he did not agree with or feel comfortable with. He felt little freedom to walk away as he feared that would ostracize him from the team.
When it comes to matters of faith, choice and freedom of conscience are essential elements. The coach/player relationship is one with such authority invested in it that a player doesn't always feel much freedom to say no when he disagrees with the way a coach is conducting himself.
I don't have much to add - lots of good stuff already stated. I will say, however, that parents need not be fearful that their kids will be vulnerable to indoctrination even if they are required or pressured to be involved in some type of religious activity, be it at a religious or secular institution.
My son plays ball at a Baptist university and is required to attend chapel twice a week. I have attended chapel a couple of times and I have never seen so many kids texting during the singing or presentations in all my life!
Have you ever noticed how disinterested many baseball players seem when the National Anthem is being played? Nothing -- not even required participation -- can force you to be loyal to a cause if your heart is not in it.
Nuff said.
My son plays ball at a Baptist university and is required to attend chapel twice a week. I have attended chapel a couple of times and I have never seen so many kids texting during the singing or presentations in all my life!
Have you ever noticed how disinterested many baseball players seem when the National Anthem is being played? Nothing -- not even required participation -- can force you to be loyal to a cause if your heart is not in it.
Nuff said.
Hot Corner, I didn't say insecure to bait or take a shot at you. So, sorry if it came across that way. The point I was trying to make, poorly I guess, was that simple exposure to things doesn't mean you have to agree with it or accept it as your own. You can enter those situations simply as a learning experience to understand how others think/believe. That's it. If you're held against your will, that's obviously a different matter. But when it's your choice, you can use the situation to make a choice on believing what you hear..if you want. Or, you can simply make a choice to learn what other think. Or, like Infield said, you can take it as an opportunity to tune out and catch up on texting. 
Let the kids pray. It is not hard to simply not pay attention. And, from what I read originally, I do not view it as anything other than voluntary. It just does not strike me as a big deal either way.
My problem is when religion starts to filter into all facets of society. An example is the recent attempt of Muslims trying to set Sharia laws above the laws in Canada. They tried to say that all Muslims should be governed by Sharia Laws and actually tried to pass legislation giving Sharia law legal standing governing Muslims and allowing them to by pass Canadian laws.
As the immigration of Muslims into Canada accelerates you are seeing more and more influence exerted by these immigrants. Note the explosion of s****r.
These things concern me .
As the immigration of Muslims into Canada accelerates you are seeing more and more influence exerted by these immigrants. Note the explosion of s****r.
These things concern me .
There is a time and a place for religion but one of them is not a baseball field
Our high school just got thru a few years of litigation with school prayer. All it did was cost us taxpayers millions for that fight. The coach had good intentions and runs an excellent program but the bottom line is the coach has no business conducting school prayer in the public school system. There are parochial schools they can coach at to do this. If the players want to do this and it's all voluntary, then that's their business.
All these posts are the reason 22's dad doesnt argue politics or religion. Not worth it. Play Ball!!!!
quote:Originally posted by Kokomojo:
I find it rather ironic, that when it comes to questions on parents attending practices and all the discussion on when junior gets to high school that many people on here say let the kid take care of his own business with the coach.
And then when it comes to bible study that all of a sudden the "young men" become "children, child, etc." that cannot take care of it themselves.
If those that feel that kids are old enough to handle the playing time politics, talking to the coach on his own, getting himself home, etc., then I think they can handle something like bible study.
AMEN! (sorry, I couldn't resist that) I guess I should be PC and say "I agree 100%".
Wow, what a bunch of angst, supposition, and stereotyping from people about a voluntary, once a week bible study hosted by an assistant coach. Maybe the guy is actually a rational adult who won't let whether a player participates or not influence how he perceives them as a baseball player. Nah, I guess a Christian could never do that.
WAG!
I believe there were kids cut from our high school's baseball program for not attending optional offseason workouts. My son was cut from basketball soph year after being the starting point guard on the freshman team for not attending optional workouts. If a coach has this much passion for his sport I can imagine how much passion a coach would have for religion should be implement optional bible study. I would be concerned a player is cut for not attending optional bible study. He could be judged not being complete person or a team player if most players are attending. It could be a tie breaker for positions or a roster spot between two players.
I'm going to ask a question and hopefully don't start a firestorm. This is for the very devout born agains and Baptists. Let's say the coach is Jewish. Jews do Bible study. The Old Testament is part of the Jewish religion. Let's say the coach is Jewish and runs a bible study from a Jewish point of view. Would you allow your son to attend? Afterall, the coach prays to a false god by denying Jesus as his savior. What if the coach is Mormon? an Islamic? a Hindu? a Buddist? a Sethian gnostic? What if he's a Scientologist?
This is not a set up to be judged. I'll respect an honest answer. The point I'm trying to make is these situations are usually only looked at from the non Christians on the outside looking in. What if it's you and your kids put in this position?
I'm going to ask a question and hopefully don't start a firestorm. This is for the very devout born agains and Baptists. Let's say the coach is Jewish. Jews do Bible study. The Old Testament is part of the Jewish religion. Let's say the coach is Jewish and runs a bible study from a Jewish point of view. Would you allow your son to attend? Afterall, the coach prays to a false god by denying Jesus as his savior. What if the coach is Mormon? an Islamic? a Hindu? a Buddist? a Sethian gnostic? What if he's a Scientologist?
This is not a set up to be judged. I'll respect an honest answer. The point I'm trying to make is these situations are usually only looked at from the non Christians on the outside looking in. What if it's you and your kids put in this position?
Thank you. What are everyone's thoughts on abortion? Just kidding..Play ball!!!!
quote:Originally posted by RJM:
I believe there were kids cut from our high school's baseball program for not attending optional offseason workouts. My son was cut from basketball soph year after being the starting point guard on the freshman team for not attending optional workouts. If a coach has this much passion for his sport I can imagine how much passion a coach would have for religion should be implement optional bible study. I would be concerned a player is cut for not attending optional bible study. He could be judged not being complete person or a team player if most players are attending. It could be a tie breaker for positions or a roster spot between two players.
I'm going to ask a question and hopefully don't start a firestorm. This is for the very devout born agains and Baptists. Let's say the coach is Jewish. Jews do Bible study. The Old Testament is part of the Jewish religion. Let's say the coach is Jewish and runs a bible study from a Jewish point of view. Would you allow your son to attend? Afterall, the coach prays to a false god by denying Jesus as his savior. What if the coach is Mormon? an Islamic? a Hindu? a Buddist? a Sethian gnostic? What if he's a Scientologist?
This is not a set up to be judged. I'll respect an honest answer. The point I'm trying to make is these situations are usually only looked at from the non Christians on the outside looking in. What if it's you and your kids put in this position?
RJM - You might have just offended some Baptists by not including them as very devout born agains.
I'll answer your question, since I qualify as to who you were asking it to. If he absolutely wanted to, I guess I would. I would first have a conversation with him about the differences between our beliefs and the coach's beliefs and why we believe the way we do. I would also advise him not to go because of the differences, but if he absolutely wanted to I would allow him. Our family beliefs have to become his beliefs at some point, and maybe this would cement them for him.
My problem is your supposition that the real-life assistant coach in the original post can't separate the two. The facts are that there's absolutely no indication that the bible study is nothing more than voluntary.
WAG!
Son's HS team has a team huddle before games (no coaches) and then a player says a quick prayer. No big deal as the prayer is always about protection from injury for all players from both teams and fully utilizing the athletic gifts bestowed upon them. Pretty much a bland vanilla prayer. See many schools have similar player huddles before games.
As far as I know, our coaches could be Druids; I just don't know and haven't ever considered asking. Based on the practices and some of the language used, I seriously doubt religion affliation is on their minds when they speak to the team or individual players.
Do I think coaches should have "team meetings" that are religious based? No. Just too much opportunity for problems to arise from misperception and perceived favortism. I do like what Kokomojo said in his post.
Now, if the coaches were to have a prayer session with the umps before the game...nahhh, the animal sacrifices would have PETA up in arms. Guess we'll just leave the umps to their pagan ways. LOL.
As far as I know, our coaches could be Druids; I just don't know and haven't ever considered asking. Based on the practices and some of the language used, I seriously doubt religion affliation is on their minds when they speak to the team or individual players.
Do I think coaches should have "team meetings" that are religious based? No. Just too much opportunity for problems to arise from misperception and perceived favortism. I do like what Kokomojo said in his post.
Now, if the coaches were to have a prayer session with the umps before the game...nahhh, the animal sacrifices would have PETA up in arms. Guess we'll just leave the umps to their pagan ways. LOL.
quote:I find it rather ironic, that when it comes to questions on parents attending practices and all the discussion on when junior gets to high school that many people on here say let the kid take care of his own business with the coach.
No. It's apples and oranges. If a coach from a public school system is found to be practicing religion and leading in the excercises, he's breaking the law. As harmless as it may seem, it's wrong and if the players themselves choose to voluntarily conduct some sort of religious or prayer exercise, then that's different.
As for going to a kid's baseball practice, a parent has no need to be a fence hanger. Players give kids the business when they see mom and dad hanging at the schoolyard eyeing down practice so it's best to just leave them be.
By devout born agains I meant the non denominiational fundamentalists and evangelicals.
Nothing wrong with it.
We need more of it in our schools systems, maybe thru the sports team is an avenue to get it back.
When I played Legion baseball during early-mid 80's, our coach always told us that we play for the best manager in the world, which was not our Head Coach but the good LORD above us as he always pointed upward to the sky. We allowed the good LORD to celebrate our success as we were playing through him.
ALL of the guys who played for our Legion coach had the utmost respect for him as he taught us just not baseball, but life long lessons.
We need more of it in our schools systems, maybe thru the sports team is an avenue to get it back.
When I played Legion baseball during early-mid 80's, our coach always told us that we play for the best manager in the world, which was not our Head Coach but the good LORD above us as he always pointed upward to the sky. We allowed the good LORD to celebrate our success as we were playing through him.
ALL of the guys who played for our Legion coach had the utmost respect for him as he taught us just not baseball, but life long lessons.
quote:Nothing wrong with it.
We need more of it in our schools systems, maybe thru the sports team is an avenue to get it back.
Sorry, but if the prayer meeting takes place on public school grounds, is led by a school-authorized coach, and does not have a distinct temporal and spatial separation from the game/practice (a school sanctioned activity), it is blantantly wrong!
That said, I'm glad that you, your teamates, and your coach were uplifted by the notion of playing for a higher entity. More power to you. Perhaps 20-30 years ago, such an approach was acceptable, but remember, 20-30 years before that, some persons were considered inferior just because of their appearance. Because it was once acceptable is not a justification to continue.
I'm not even going to read through this thread. This is ridiculous. I read wraggarm's first post and that's it for me. I tought this thread might actually have a chance to lead to a nice tempered discussion. Did you you really need to call someone out before any hint of an argument or dispute? I hate to be so judgemental, but seriously, that's the kind of stuff I learned was wrong in the third grade.
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Chances are it's illegal. Those who feel it's right lack respect for people not like themselves.quote:Sorry, but if the prayer meeting takes place on public school grounds, is led by a school-authorized coach, and does not have a distinct temporal and spatial separation from the game/practice (a school sanctioned activity), it is blantantly wrong!
[/QUOTE]Chances are it's illegal. Those who feel it's right lack respect for people not like themselves.[/QUOTE]
Based on the few facts that any of us know about this situation (in the original post) and your lack of knowledge about me and who I am as a person; I believe that is the most judgemental statement I've seen in a long time.
WAG!
Based on the few facts that any of us know about this situation (in the original post) and your lack of knowledge about me and who I am as a person; I believe that is the most judgemental statement I've seen in a long time.
WAG!
As a person in an authority position over a student, it would be inappropriate for a coach or teacher to invite the student to a Bible study. It very well may be optional, but the perception will always exist that it is expected.
The coach should know better and no student or parent should feel that they have to compromise their principles or beliefs to deal with this.
The coach should know better and no student or parent should feel that they have to compromise their principles or beliefs to deal with this.
You have my apology. How about if I change it to lack of respect for other people's religious beliefs? The reason being it's forcing people in a public environment (public school is a public environment) to pray to a god other than their own.
Started this at lunch, but it did not post. Well said WAG!
The whole premise in the OP is that attendance was voluntery. I would hope that a good majority of our ballplayers (young men & women), whatever their faith, could be able to study others faiths & be able able to understand the differences in respects to their own faith.
My youngest was asked to attend a Bible study this school year (before school) & eventually has become a regular attendee often helping lead the study. I'm very proud of his willingness to get up early & contribute in a group setting as he furthers his & others walk with the Lord. Many firmly believe it is because of his strong faith that he is known as a leader on & off the field, I only see the same kid. Before transferring from private Christian education, his Mother & I had a lot of questions, & prayed that his journey through public school would not be one into darkness but one full of opportunites. We prayed it would be one filled with the light, one filled with many other followers, & positive role models. Our own parenting is merely following several of the tenents of our own Christian faith: to nurture, to teach, to build up, & to send out. We can do nothing more as parents. My only regret is we did not do the same with our oldest son. He received a great Christian education, but missed out on a lot of opportunities to make even more friends, to lead by example, & to share his faith.
The whole premise in the OP is that attendance was voluntery. I would hope that a good majority of our ballplayers (young men & women), whatever their faith, could be able to study others faiths & be able able to understand the differences in respects to their own faith.
My youngest was asked to attend a Bible study this school year (before school) & eventually has become a regular attendee often helping lead the study. I'm very proud of his willingness to get up early & contribute in a group setting as he furthers his & others walk with the Lord. Many firmly believe it is because of his strong faith that he is known as a leader on & off the field, I only see the same kid. Before transferring from private Christian education, his Mother & I had a lot of questions, & prayed that his journey through public school would not be one into darkness but one full of opportunites. We prayed it would be one filled with the light, one filled with many other followers, & positive role models. Our own parenting is merely following several of the tenents of our own Christian faith: to nurture, to teach, to build up, & to send out. We can do nothing more as parents. My only regret is we did not do the same with our oldest son. He received a great Christian education, but missed out on a lot of opportunities to make even more friends, to lead by example, & to share his faith.