With the understanding that discussions of faith in any form make some uncomfortable (see the use of the terms "deity" and "supreme being"), I will try to respond to some of the posters' points...hopefully without being too irritating.
BULLFIGHTER...
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I agree with the fact
...what you stated was not "fact".
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As if God really cares about something so insignificant as a sporting event.
God may not care about a particular sporting event's outcome, but he does care about His people, who are participating in a very significant event in their life...their career and passion.
ORLANDO...
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'in God's plan' for his contract to be somewhat richer. That sort of thing, as well as tantrums, trash talking, and/or headhunting by players who choose to advertise their status with God certainly does lead some of us to questions
God does have a plan for people's lives...some desire to find it and seek it more readily than others, and some do make mistakes in the way they vocalize their revelations. Human nature is still a mighty powerful force in one's everyday decision making.
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Feeling uncomfortable with or questioning the practice of athletes' being publically demonstrative about their faith in no way implies that faith is less important to the questioner.
It does imply that! It may not be true but, by the definition of the word "imply", it does give that appearance.
CHILL...
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I agree...You don't have to talk the talk if you are walking the walk.
If a player can hit - He will show us!
If a player can pitch - He will show us!
Likewise about faith.
Players hit/pitch an inanimate baseball...faith is an "unseen" personal relationship. Just because I show proper respect, use manners, treat her kindly, should I then be excluded (or even prevented) from telling my wife that I love her...even in front of other people?
Believe this or not, but a Christian's first love is (or at least should be) Jesus Christ. To expect one not to express that love in a public forum is not realistic.
PAMOM...
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I did not imply that SCHILLING is insincere or hypocritical.
Maybe you did not intend to imply but, by the placement of your initial post immediately after the "Schill a Christian" reference...and by the definition of "imply", you did.
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proselytizing in their moment of glorious victory.
Proselytizing is the act of trying to convert...this, in almost all cases, is not what is going on.
An act of gratitude is being displayed...usually simple as that (no Crusades).
ITSINTHEGAME...
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How about Curt talks about baseball and the Red Sox. How about he talks about playing through injury - and his teammates.
I believe that his faith might be a big part of all those things you mentioned.
If he talks of any length on any of those issues, he would probably want to express his faith in regards to how it has helped him...as he is asked often. I think that faith among some of his other teammates is probably a contributing factor to the great team chemistry that has been talked about so much...and for your personal benefit, I believe that was also a factor in some of the immediate past Yankee championship teams.
TRHIT...
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Do the losers give the same testimony when they lose or are they just not "favored sons"?
Who do they credit for their losing if the winners credit the Lord for winning?
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Isn't it also a funny that Schilling did not have this same "image" whule winning in Arizona ! Was he utilizing the media in a great moment , 1e this season in Boston?
Again, most cases, gratitude to God is being given for "giving me this opportunity", "helping me to perform"...the "thanks for giving us this victory" is a little bit of misspeak, as addressed earlier. Christian "losers" should, and do, give thanks for being in that position (all of life is a learning experience)...but the positive emotions always get more air time.
Regarding Arizona...not quite sure about that one but one explanation could be that spritual growth, like physical growth, is a maturing process...and Schill is "relatively young" as a Christian. Because of this, he may not have been as outspoken...and because of this, he may make some mistakes when speaking (like many 7 yr-olds).
Well, that was fun but, in conclusion...I understand that many do not understand exactly what different people's faiths might entail (I know I don't). We all go to sporting events yelling, making idiots of ourselves sometimes, over our allegiances...yet Christians are expected to keep quiet about the most important relationship we have? Please do not be offended that this will never happen.