Religious freedom group targets Ga. high school coach
By David Purdum / For the AJC
A Georgia high school football coach is being targeted for his team’s religious practices by a non-profit organization that aims to protect the separation between state and church.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a complaint to Walker County Schools Tuesday, accusing Ridgeland High School coach Mark Mariakis of multiple violations of the First Amendment.
The allegations against Mariakis include:
–Holding pre-game meals at a local church, where a “preacher sermonizes to the players about the Christian religion.”
–Pressuring players to attend a Christian football camp that the players must pay for.
–Leading pre- and post-game prayers.
–Using bible verses on team gear and in motivational speeches.
–Taking the team to a Mormon church and afterwards making fun on the religion within the proximity of Mormon players.
The FFRH concludes the complaint by requesting Walker County Schools investigate and take immediate action to stop the violations. Read the entire complaint here.
Emails to Mariakis, Ridgeland principal Glen Brown and Walker County superintendent Damon Raines were not immediately returned. Walker County Schools confirmed reception of the complaint in released statement.
Mariakis, who survived brain cancer in 2008-2009, is entering his ninth season at Ridgeland. He is 52-36. The Panthers open their season Friday at No. 1 Calhoun.
Update: A Facebook page titled “Support Coach Mariakis” has been created and had nearly 1,400 likes as of Thursday afternoon.
Update: Walker County Schools Superintendent Danny Raines is attending a conference in Macon and will be out of the office until Monday, according to office administrator Janet Cobb. No other comment on the complaint against Mariakis is expected to be released today.
A message left on Mariakis’ cell phone Thursday afternoon was not immediately returned.
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241 comments Add your comment
sportsnut
August 23rd, 2012
10:37 am
This should not be an issue. It is time for people to stop trying to change us. When I was in school we had pregame prayers on a weekly basis and it never hurt anyone. We need more God in this world anyway.
Jammer
August 23rd, 2012
11:04 am
Agreed Sportsnut
I can remember when the powers that be in Fulton County Stoped all pre game invocations from the announcers. We as a team ran through the banner and all took a knee on the 50, and recited the lords prayer. The response from the crowd was to recite it with us. Another thing that that team did was offer an open invitation to the players to attend the various churches other players attended. Looking back we didn’t think anything of it, but ofcource in this day and time someone would get there panties in a wad and complain.
Oh yeah, we were a Public High School in East Point, which is now been consolidated into Tri-Cities
saldiven
August 23rd, 2012
11:09 am
Wow, they really call themselves the “Freedom From Religion Foundation.” That’s totally jumping the shark.
BigDave
August 23rd, 2012
11:16 am
I’m sick of Atheists trying to take Christianity out of all public life! I bet they wouldn’t try that if it were the Muslim religion
Ahmed
August 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
so when I become HC of a football team and start preaching about Islam and having pregame meals at the local mosque, y’all will be cool with that? didnt think so.
maybe football should be about football and not a couple peoples’ idea of religion.
John
August 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
So, are those of you responding saying we should teach children to disregard the Constitution and diobey the law?
anon1
August 23rd, 2012
11:29 am
Someone on the team is uncomfortable with the religious pressure from the coach. (Maybe more than one kid) They aren’t necessarily atheists, they might just have their own religious views. That’s what freedom of religion means.
Jim Mora, Sr
August 23rd, 2012
11:42 am
Separation of chuch and state was originally designed to keep government out of church. Our liberal courts have changed this, and most Americans don’t realize this. Hope ther school system sticks up for the coach. Ifr this were an Islam issue, they wouldn’t challenge it- not politically correct. It’s only okay to offend Chriastians, nobody else.
God Loves Football
August 23rd, 2012
11:42 am
Sometimes God’s attention gets diverted by football. He was undecided which team to pull for during the Alabama vs Auburn and a 7.5 eartquake errupted killing thousands with tidal waves. Sometimes on Sunday NASCAR events he’ll drop debris on the track to bunch ‘em up on a restart.
Enemas for Easter
August 23rd, 2012
11:47 am
John
August 23rd, 2012
11:28 am
So, are those of you responding saying we should teach children to disregard the Constitution and diobey the law?
=====================================================================
No….We should teach children how to spell. WTF is diobey?
John
August 23rd, 2012
11:49 am
I do know how to spell “disobey” but typos occur. At least I didn’t have to resort to a shprthand obscenity.
John
August 23rd, 2012
11:49 am
shorthand
Truth Speaker
August 23rd, 2012
11:55 am
Jim Mora, Sr., you could not be more wrong about the purpose of separation of church and state. Go back and review your history.
I am glad that this is being addressed. Open prayer has no place in public schools unless you allow other religions as well. Of course, see what happens if a Jewish, Hindu or, god forbid, Muslim prayer is used.
The FFRH needs to take a look at Calhoun as well.
tom davis
August 23rd, 2012
12:08 pm
Football is violence, competition, money, ego. Don’t tell me any of that has anything to do with God.
Remarkable
August 23rd, 2012
12:18 pm
This is NOT a religious group. It is an Anti-Religious Group! Here is what the Constitution of the United States actually says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Congress cannot make a law that establishes a religion or prohibits the free exercise of religion. It sounds pretty plain to me. It’s the courts that think they can order a community to do what they want with respect to how we practice or don’t practice our faith.
The community should be the one to make this call, not the courts.
Moobs Johnson
August 23rd, 2012
12:20 pm
A church handing out free food to a football team = illegal.
A church handing out free condoms = legal
These are some messed up times, seems like American society is circling around the toilet bowl on it’s way down.
KINGDAWG
August 23rd, 2012
12:21 pm
Tip of the Day…please proof your comments before you hit send
Bill
August 23rd, 2012
12:21 pm
What a joke, the minority is now trying to rule the majority. It’s time all Christians forget the PC stuff and start standing up for our rights. If a kid, parents, friends, etc., don’t like how the team is being handled it is their right to not attend, not participate or leave if something offends them. It is the rights of those who believe in how the coach is handling his team to remain true to their beliefs and honor their faith. We are Americans and all have rights, the right to believe and make a choice. If you don’t like it then walk away, I’m sure nobody would care.
Lady Bugg
August 23rd, 2012
12:29 pm
I feel Like if the schools that are christian based can have a prayer before there games them why can the other schools not hold prayer and then the children that wish to not be in the prayer should be allowed to leave the group I feel like ridgeland head coach has done a really good job with those boys and i support him 100% not only has he turned then in good young men he has also let some to really good collage and to get a good education for there self.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
12:30 pm
Thomas Jefferson essentially coined the phrase “wall of separation between church and state” in a letter ot the Danbury Baptist Association, after the Danbury Baptists expressed concern over their state’s constitution lacking defined provision for religious liberty. i am of the belief that this “wall of separation” was not meant to only keep religion out of government, but to also keep government out of religion. As Jefferson wrote, a man’s “religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God.”
Some atheist groups, like the Freedom From Religion Foundation, seem to believe that “separation of church and state” means that religion will never be mentioned at all in the public sphere. Some of them believe that a person simply praying in public is a violation of “separation of church and state,” which isn’t in the Constitution. Apparently, if I pray in public, that’s the same as me using force to make someone else pray.
i have to disagree with Truth Speaker @ 11:55 and the comment “open prayer has no place in public schools.” You can’t stop prayer. Or are you going to monitor every student, and if one of them so much as bows their head at lunch are you going to expel them? It seems like it’s always Christians being charged with these issues. You never hear about Muslims, or Mormons, or Hindus doing this, although in a country of 300+ million, you’ve got to think someone somewhere is doing it.
Vision From Afar
August 23rd, 2012
12:35 pm
Remarkable: Congress cannot make a law that establishes a religion or prohibits the free exercise of religion. It sounds pretty plain to me.
—
True, but you completely ignore the 14th Amendment: “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States”, and schools are run by the State, so any actions taken by a school official have de facto state backing. What this coach is doing is, in fact, illegal.
Bill:
Why is, “If you don’t like it, get out!” always the response to issues like this? No one is stopping the coach from praying on his own, or the students for that matter. The Supreme Court decided nearly a decade ago that school officials cannot lead or direct prayer among students, as that is an overt privileging of one religion. Besides, how can you honestly stand up for a man who drags kids to a church only so they can make fun of that religion? It’s deplorable, and he deserves to be severely reprimanded for it.
History
August 23rd, 2012
12:37 pm
Ah religion, creating conflict since the dawn of time. All one needs to do is read through these comments to see people’s true nature. Total shame how everyone uses it as an “us versus them” type of thing, really don’t think this attitude is what any religion really wants at its core.
Chaos
August 23rd, 2012
12:43 pm
Since we have banned the God of Christianity from the public arena, including public schools, how has that worked out for us as a nation?…our nation has become a moral disaster.
WD
August 23rd, 2012
12:43 pm
I am as conservative Christian as you can get,but I hold a different view than most of my fellow believers. I happen to think that religous practices have no place in the school system. That’s what we have our churches and family for. I don’t worry about the effect it will have on other kids, because in my mind, I know it can only benifit them. What I do know is that the same constitution that would allow you the right to bear witness of your religious beliefs in the public school system, would give that same right to someone of another religious belief. I do not want to have to de-program my kids or worry about the fact that they have someone of Muslim, Jewish, Hindu faith etc influencing them while they are in school.They would have that right and there would be nothing you could do about it. If you want prayer in school, send them to a private Christian school. That’s what we do.
atlpaddy
August 23rd, 2012
12:46 pm
If you are a Christian and want to pray, no one has a problem with you taking the time to say a silent prayer. The problem is when there is social pressure to join in prayers, or inviting religious leaders to speak at public, taxpayer funded school functions. No one is taking Coach Mark Mariakis’ religious liberty away. It’s a two-way street, if he doesn’t like it and can’t control his actions, then maybe he can go coach at a private school.
Also, Jesus told the religious showboaters to not pray in public anyway. Prayer should be an individual act. For those Christians who aren’t familiar with this bible passage, here it is:
“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men….when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret….”
Matthew 6:5-6
atlpaddy
August 23rd, 2012
12:50 pm
Maybe Christians should take the time to read what Jesus thought of the subject (notice I said Jesus, not the Old Testament or the disciples). Just substitute “synagogues” with public schools and “corners of streets” with football fields:
Matthew 6:5-6: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men….when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret….”
atlpaddy
August 23rd, 2012
12:50 pm
sorry about the double post
The Church in Nigeria “Strikes” Back « The Itinerant Mind
August 23rd, 2012
12:53 pm
[...] strife, not “Obama is making me give condoms to nuns” or “My coach made me eat a pre-game meal in a church.”) Initially, there were reports of retaliatory violence on the part of Christians in [...]
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
12:53 pm
Wake up! The minority has been ruling the majority for decades and christians are in for a rude awakening. The non religious are the fastest growing segment of the population and have grown from a mere 6% to 16% of Americans in the last decade or so. As a denomination we rank second, only to catholics and in another 30 years we will be upwards of 40% of total population. The FFRF files or fights around 2000 cases like these each year and they win 90% of their cases and their total membership is less than 20,000. Imagine what you’ll be facing when their size triples and quadruples. They don’t fight against God, they fight against the little gods of the various religions which have appointed themselves as spokesmen for the Creator, without a shred of evidence and based on an ancient book of fables, folklore, myths and legends. Good Luck.
Hummon
August 23rd, 2012
12:56 pm
Christianity has not be removed from schools. Students may pray, students may carry and read from Bibles, FCA chapters are welcome.
If the complaint in this case is true, then this is a coach employed by the state subjecting a captive audience to religious indoctrination as part of school functions. That is a violation of the establishment clause. He has crossed the line. This one is easy.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:01 pm
Joe- You’re right. This country has turned it’s back on God. Slowly through legislation, political correctness, and through atheist organizations like FFRF which have it all wrong. That book of ‘fables and folklore” predicted that people would turn further from God in the last days. I hope you open a Bible up one day and realize the second coming of the Lord is a real thing and maybe not far off. I should pray for you.
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
1:04 pm
The Walker County school district and Ridgeland high-school coach, Mark Mariakis are way over the top. Pressuring players to pay for their own indoctrination at a Christian football camp sets a bad precedent for future players. What is this, a Christian football team? And holding pre-game meals in a church while a predator preacher sermonizes about the Christian myth. I don’t think that morality and religion should be used in the same sentence in this case because the coach is void of moral conduct. He is just another Christian sinner disobeying the law.
Terrell
August 23rd, 2012
1:04 pm
WD,
Unlike you I am not a conservative Christian. I’m just a Christian.
Not everybody can afford to send their child to a private Christian school. As for everybody else that is against Christians praying during school hours where’s the protest when it comes to other beliefs. As a matter of fact if someone of another faith wanted to (i.e. Muslims) they are given set hours during the SCHOOL DAY to pray. When I played football our coaches did not lead the prayers for this very reason, but players such as myself we did lead team prayers and we were encouraged to attend church together on one or two occasions as a team.
If players feel like they are being forced then they should address the issue and then how they feel should be respected, but an outside organization shouldn’t be complaining whatsoever. Now if the thing about the Mormon church is true then that’s wrong. I don’t agree with their beliefs but I have to be aware that I don’t isolate people the way society has decided to isolate those of the Christian faith.
a little to narrow atlpaddy
August 23rd, 2012
1:05 pm
Atlpaddy,
If that was the only way to pray, then Jesus would not have prayed with the disciples on numerous occasions.
Marie
August 23rd, 2012
1:06 pm
No Christmas break-”winter break”
Don’t mention Easter
Idiots
Thank God my kids are in Catholic school.
Dilbert is a hater
August 23rd, 2012
1:08 pm
Dilbert,
You must hate your father as well.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:10 pm
If you study the Constitution and history you will realize the the “separation of church and state” was NOT a wall, but simply saying that there would NOT be a “government religion” like the Church of England, where they came from. Sadly, history books do not tell you that 29 of the 56 original signers of the Declaration of Independence held seminary degrees. Also Thomas Jefferson allocated money from the federal government to witness to a tribe of Indians as well as build a church for them.
James
August 23rd, 2012
1:10 pm
There is absolutely no place for this in any state public school. If you want to send your child to a christian private school that is your option.
Terrell
August 23rd, 2012
1:11 pm
@Joe
Wow is all I can say, but you have your opinion, even if it’s far fetched it’s your opinion.
@atlpaddy
That scripture was because there were people that just wanted to be seen praying. They were praying in vain. I don’t believe that’s always the case.
God Loves Football
August 23rd, 2012
1:11 pm
Marie, God stole those holidays from the Pagans. He also invented instant replay booths.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
1:12 pm
Yes Hankie, we have seen what the nonsense of the power of prayer has done for the country. Let’s see, the phrase “under god” was added to the pledge in 1954, and the national day of prayer was established in 1952. Since then abortions were legalized in 1973, the christian population has been in steady decline in all denominations as much as 25% in some places, churches are closing as fast as new ones are opening, and priests and ministers have been on a pedophiliac free for all. So I have to wonder what you think the power of your prayer is? With all I’ve mentioned I have to wonder what the heck you people have been praying for? Don’t waste your time praying, it’s useless.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:13 pm
Every cent or dollar you ever spent has “In God We Trust” on it but hey who’s looking right?
Wrong Issue
August 23rd, 2012
1:13 pm
The real problem isn’t whether your kids can pray in the government-run school. The problem is having the government run your school. If the nanny state didn’t have its fingers down the throat of our daily lives, then the exercise of religion (and most everything else) truly would be “free.” Conformity is what you get with statism.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
1:15 pm
atlpaddy – The problem with the cripture you quote is its use by non-Christians. There are people who will use that scripture to justify no public exercise of religion, regardless the intent. Christ was teaching not to be pompous or self-aggrandizing in your prayer, as the pharisees of his day were. It was not a condemnation of all public prayer, otherwise you could say that Christ himself broke hs own rule by praying in the garden and then praying on the cross, and by giving thanks and blessing bread before giving it to his disciples.
dilberth@ 1:04 – Just for clarification sake, please explain your ‘predator preacher’ terminology.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
1:16 pm
Also Hankie, Thomas Jefferson created the Jefferson bible, which was the new testament sans the miracle myths and fairy tales. Not a very “biblical” thing to do would you say?
Terrell
August 23rd, 2012
1:16 pm
@James
Not everybody can afford to do that. So is okay that our kids become indoctrinated with the views of the world? It’s okay to teach them evolution, it’s okay to talk about safe sex and not abstinence. It’s okay for the world to force their views on our children. If a teacher tells my child there is no God it’s ok but for some reason if a teacher tells my child that Jesus loves them then we have a problem?
Angry young man
August 23rd, 2012
1:18 pm
Joe,
Your childhood must have been awful to have so much hate. You will be glad to know God has grace even for you.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
1:18 pm
I think if you read the bible Grief the jesus character was alone in the garden praying while the apostle characters were fast asleep. He wasn’t making a public spectacle of himself.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:19 pm
Joe- Prayer does have power and I’m sorry you’ve never experienced it. Again you’re right the country has went to the pot and again that is well prophesied in the Bible. I think the Chick Fil A showing on that Wednesday kind of shoots your argument down about steady decline. You do realize that 80% of the country claims to be Christian right? Next to generalize a small number of pedophile priests and ministers meaning “a free for all” is just irresponsible.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:21 pm
Joe- Sadly I care about your soul more than you.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
1:22 pm
Yes Terrell, you’re exactly right. That’s the way it should be. I’m sure Jesus was a very nice man but both he and the jesus characters of the gospel myths are dead. He never wrote a thing and those who wrote what he allegedly said never knew the man. You may as well be saying Santa loves you as Jesus loves you.
Terrell
August 23rd, 2012
1:23 pm
God Loves Football
No He did not steal the holidays. What happen was that Pagens combined their traditions around these beliefs of Christians. Christmas was to celebrate the birth of Christ. There was another festival that was celebrated during the same season. People over time have just combined the traditions of tha festival with the birth of Christ. Easter is a celebration of his resurrection that somehow has been overshadowed by a Bunny that lays eggs.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:23 pm
Joe- A Jefferson Bible? Come on man. Yes Jesus prayed alone in the garden but he also PUBLICLY proselitized thousands and baptized in PUBLIC.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:28 pm
Joe- And he prayed vigorously while dying on the cross for your sins in public. He cared so much for sinners like me and you that he saved 1 of the other 2 men dying on a cross. That man believed. I will pray that someday you will believe too
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
1:28 pm
Hankie, I find it truly sad that you have never questioned the fables of the bible. You must have had a horrible childhood as many christians do. They can’t manage their lives so they purchase the crutch of a religion to help them get out of bed each day. You’re told what to think, what to say, what to do, what to believe, what to read, what to watch and who to vote for. I’ll pray to the Flying Spaghetti Monster that someday you will find the courage to abandon the shackles of the folly of your “faith” and liberate your mind.
Terrell
August 23rd, 2012
1:29 pm
@Joe
Ok. I strongly disagree, because what we are allowing the world to do is the same thing that the Christian faith is chastised for, but in your eyes it’s fair right? The world can force their veiws but we can’t state ours. That’s not fair. If you call Jesus a myth because man wrote the Bible then we call everything a myth (i.e. World History) because they were written by men. I find that to be a little hypocritical.
God Loves Football
August 23rd, 2012
1:29 pm
You could not be more wrong Terrell.
You are now fourth and long deep in your own half.
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
1:33 pm
When it comes to your faith, keep it to yourself. You shouldn’t have to be advertising how pious you are. Piety has nothing to do morality. Every day we hear about another scandal from the pulpit or another priest molesting or raping young boys. It’s an epidemic with Christians. And they are so righteous and sure that their faith is the one true religion. Well, all religions can’t all be right. But they can all be wrong. And they all are wrong.
The question that Atheists never answer
August 23rd, 2012
1:34 pm
Where did love come from?
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
1:34 pm
Terrell, Saturnalia was the winter solstice festival the “pagans” celebrated long before the christians stole the holiday season. They did so because they were having a difficult time converting pagans who had their own gods with their own birthdays. Since the jesus character is largly mythical (see the story of Horus the Egyptian god). Easter was named after the Germanic god of agriculture, Eoester, not a bunny. Though I believe more in the bunny and the goddess of agriculture than the jesus character.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
1:35 pm
Joe – as has already been stated, when Christ prayed in the garden, he was just a short distance from the disciples. Their alertness doesn’t matter. He wasn’t exactly hidden. And he prayed at the tomb of Lazarus. He prayed on the cross. He even taught people a prayer to say, demonstrating the humility and desire Christians should have. You say that I need to read the Bible more closely, but you’re kind of cherry-picking instances that support your point of view.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
1:38 pm
dilberth – That’s a strong statement. Find one religion that has never had any kind of legal controversy. You can’t. But to hold all members of a religion responsible for the acts of a few is rather short-sighted. It’s also rather arrogant to say, with the certainty you say it with, that all religions are wrong. So if you know for a fact that all religions are wrong, then please tell us what is right.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:41 pm
Joe- You are so sadly mistaken. Of course I have questioned things in the Bible just as I questions things that go on today. That’s why it’s called faith! I wish you had it but that’s up to you right? And as far as my life that you seem to think you know? My life is great. Great job, wife, kids, house, bills paid on time and enough left over for saving too. More importantly I have eternal security. We can differ on the Bible, this is America for now but we don’t have to resort to cheap insults, we can just disagree. And we do.
Amanda
August 23rd, 2012
1:48 pm
I support the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Team members are allowed to pray before, during and after football games, but the coach is not allowed to lead or participate in prayer because he is acting in his official capacity as a school official and his actions constitute the school’s endorsement of religion.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
1:49 pm
Joe @ 1:28 – I just read this post (missed it the first time through thanks to refreshing my browser). I’m not sure what your idea of Christianity is, but I’ve grown up in church, in a religious family, and I am a licensed minister in the Baptist church. i’ve never once experienced the things you wrote about. My church doesn’t tell people what they can and cannot do, eat, say, or read. We’re a pretty tight-knit family that takes care of one another and tries our best to aid the community around us. I don’t know anyone at my church that would say they had a horrible childhood.
And why is it that you assume people who dedicate themselves to a religion have limited their mind? In your eyes, are we stupid? Because I looked around at this natural world and saw something created instead of seeing a golrified accident that was the result of random processes, does that make me less intelligent than you?
I don’t know what happened to make you think that Christians use their religion as a crutch. Some do, I’m sure. But you castigate all of us as though we are feeble-minded simpletons who are incapable of action unless the church leaders tell us what to do. The reality couldn’t be farther from that point of view. I go to church with Republicans and Democrats. Blacks and whites. Rich and poor. We don’t preach politics, we preach Jesus. We don’t hide ourselves in the closet just because you think that was the only thing Jesus said about prayer.
Please don’t lump us all into one group just because you don’t like Christ.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
1:51 pm
Hankie, I love it when you people talk about your gods and your eternal destiny as though you know what happpens when you die, it’s a hoot. Have a little bit of self honesty and intellectual integrity. You purchase your eternal security with your money and your time, and it only exists in your mind because you can’t admit the most basic of facts. The afterlife is unknown, if there is one. I have a great job, wife, house kids and am debt free also, without the help of the gods which you must pay for each week at the church store. Difference? I’m free.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:51 pm
Amanda- Aren’t the players (with the school name on their uniforms) acting as school representatives when they play? They certainly aren’t independent of the school are they?
rev. doug medlin
August 23rd, 2012
1:54 pm
ok, for all of you who cite thos. jefferson. want to know how much of a christian he was? read his version of the GOSPEL. no jesus, no miracles, no nothing. and you want us to emulate that racist? check out his ‘doings’ in the slave quarters. lots of hanky-panky down on the old plantation, for sure.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
1:58 pm
Grief, Don’t like christ? Never met the man, and neither have you. You’re right, I shouldn’t lump you all together, there are about 20,000 documented christian denominations now, all claiming to be the exclusive purveyors of the one true god and christ. The catholics, the southern baptists, the mormons, and on and on. Each mutually exclusive, believing the others are less in the eyes of their gods and christ characters. So wait, yes, in that sense, you all do deserve to be lumped together.
sugar bowl
August 23rd, 2012
1:59 pm
For the last freakin’ time. You are free to pray anytime and anywhere you want. The government doesn’t stop that at all. You simply cannot use a government funded institution or agency to promote one faith over another. When you do that, Christian or not, you are no different from the Taliban. When you allow Christian proselytization (look it up), then you will also have to allow every other religion that same freedom and that will include satanists and wiccans (or get ready for the lawsuits). And, by the way, Thomas Jefferson was not Christian and he had no use for organized religion. Ben Franklin had more that 20 illegitimate children so it’s probably safe to say he wasn’t a practicing Christian.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
1:59 pm
Joe- Salvation is a free gift of God. I could never pay for it. The Bible teaches men should pay their tithes, yes. My church and the majority of Christian churches do not require you to pay a penny to be a member there. Get your facts in line sir before you accuse
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:01 pm
Tried to tell Hankie bout jeffersons bible rev doug but he was incredulous. doesn’t read much I guess. Too busy prayin for our souls.
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
2:01 pm
Prayer and all of its attenuating ceremonies are useless. Prayer is only talking to your hands, or whispering to yourself. Prayer never even got a first down in any football game. Prayer is like being in a rocking chair. You may have found something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere. This coach should be fired for relying on prayer to win games. He is a pervert and a predator. Times are changing and Christians must stop sinning. People are emptying out pews in churches faster than the bladders of thirsty beer drinkers. Atheism is on the rise. Religion is dying out because more and more people realize that they have been duped.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:03 pm
Good Grief- Thanks
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:04 pm
Joe and rev doug- I am not concerned ( big difference than not aware) with Jefferson’s Bible
Cliff
August 23rd, 2012
2:06 pm
This should not be an issue. It is time for the coach to stop trying to change us. When I was in school we didn’t have people trying to impose their beliefs on us in pregame prayers. We need to remove God from the government sector.
Larry
August 23rd, 2012
2:06 pm
These same blockheads will elect the adulterous Bill Clinton and crack addicted Marion Berry but want to neuter a football coach.
No surprise here…
Larry
August 23rd, 2012
2:08 pm
dilberth,
If you don’t believe in God, you’d better be right!
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:09 pm
Joe- you know all the hate and the insults doesn’t make me look bad. It makes you look bad. I haven’t once insulted you or any atheist but simply dissagree. See the difference?
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:11 pm
Hankie, you pay for your salvation. Check your checkbook. Tell your minister that you have decided that your salvation is free and you no longer want to buy it and see what he says. In order to be part of the body of a christ character you must belong to a church store and for this you must pay money…..for the rest of your life! You cannot escape that fact with your semantics! My salvation is truly free. I don’t pay a dime for it, and I’m not obligated to join one of the myriad bodies of the various exclusive christ characters. the truth sets you free man! Intellectually and financially!
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:11 pm
Larry you’re right. And Joe- If I’m wrong for believing then I led a productive life just like you. But if you’re wrong, well then you know what that means.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
2:14 pm
dilberth – If there is no God, as you say, then how should Christians stop sinning? If the being that determines sin is nonexistent, then logically sin is also nonexistent.
Also, how is the coach a pervet and a predator? I’ve never met him and know nothing of him except what this article says. Are you saying that leading kids in prayer is predatory and perverted? I don’t believe anyone should be forced to pray. From what I can tell, this students were not forced to pray. If they were, then shame on the coach. This is why I could never work for government. Apparently you have to check your religion at the door.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:14 pm
Hankie, you need not say anything, your belief system is insulting enough in and of itself. It’s a delusional set of rituals the nicest part of which is that you can have your god and eat him too!
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
2:14 pm
The fool said in his heart, there is a god. HA! HA!
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:15 pm
Joe- Come to my church and you will be set free! There are many people who never pay a dime to the church yet are on their way to heaven just like me. I went for 15 years without paying any money to my church because I didn’t have it. They never through me out and never mentioned anything about it. You said your salvation is free. What is your salvation and who does it come from sir?
C Add
August 23rd, 2012
2:16 pm
Teach your child to be open minded
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:17 pm
dilberth- got anything of value to say? Come on
Down-with-Meebo
August 23rd, 2012
2:19 pm
I wonder what all of you Christian radicals who complain about “liberals trying to take religion out of America” would think if this Mariakis fool was Muslim and pressed Islam on these kids. You Jesus-freaks would go insane.
That’s the whole point of the “freedom FROM religion” idea: nobody should be pressured to observe or follow or join ANY religion because faith and beliefs should be a personal thing that nobody is pressured into.
Here’s a litmus test for you Bible-thumpers: If you take any situation like this, but substitute Islam/Judaism/etc. for Christian, and it makes you upset… then that tells you what other non-Christians think and should inform you about whether it’s appropriate or not.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:20 pm
Joe –For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Where does it say I have to pay for salvation sir?
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
2:20 pm
Joe – Again, don’t know where exactly you are getting your information. The church I attend as a weekly offering. it’s 100% voluntary. The deacons aren’t going to hunt you down if you don’t give. The money taken up is used for upkeep of the building and grounds, paying the bills, and performing services for the community. We have several charity drives throughout the year. Never have we disallowed someone from joining in worship with us because they couldn’t pay. If you truly believe that all churches are just “stores” then you’re sorely disillusioned.
And try this one on, Joe. I can leave the church whenever I want. I’m not obligated to be there. I choose to be there. No one forces me. You act as though Christianity is imprisonment forced upon people by church leaders. Again, that’s far off base from reality.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:21 pm
Grief, you know damn well that these kids if they want to remain on the team and be a participating member have to go with the flow that the coach sets because he has the power to bench them. So whoever doesn’t show up to christian football camp or join in the prayer nonsense will be labeled a misfit or not a team player. It’s intimidation. It has no place in sports. Doesn’t matter how he intimidates.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:23 pm
Down with Meebo- That would be perfectly fine with me to substitute Islam/Judaism for Christian.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:24 pm
The players could choose to play for the coach or not right?
dawgfan
August 23rd, 2012
2:24 pm
I am Christian and I support STRICT adherence to seperation of church and state. There is no place for religion in government. Go look at the middle east to see what happens when you mix the two. Its not much fun. This coach is a public employee and he is using his position to indoctrinate others in his beliefs. He can spread the word on his own time. He’s crossed the line.
And I always appreciate the atheists for telling us all how dumb we are for our beliefs. I’m glad they have unlocked the mysteries of the universe and have everything figured out. This life must be very boring to them knowing what it all means and why we are here. Let us all bow to them and their infinite wisdom.
What a bunch of clowns.
Truth Speaker
August 23rd, 2012
2:25 pm
Good Grief
By “open prayer” I mean the type of organized public prayer and endorsement of religion in which this coach is alleged to have engaged and which the school appears to have been complacent in allowing. Yep, even the gather at the flag pole pray thing would be bad in my opinion if a teacher or administrator were present and actively involved. The devil is always in the details…
I think everyone understands students pray all the time in school and before events (athletic, musical, or otherwise). That’s an individual act and not school endorsed. I think that is a pretty big distinction.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:25 pm
Just as Good Grief says we choose to be there. NO ONE MAKES ME
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
2:27 pm
So Hankie, you must believe that you are born with something wrong with you (in a state of sin no less) and your only hope is to believe in the impossible; a new life after you die, as if this life is not good enough and there is a better life somewhere above the clouds. You are so delusional for believing in this raft of religious garbage and fabricated fables that you cannot see through it all. By the way, faith is not a virtue. Merely having faith is a cop-out. I have faith… in my golf swing and I don’t consider it a virtue.
Down-with-Meebo
August 23rd, 2012
2:28 pm
Joe, seriously, these people are not logical thinkers. They’re just spewing random biblical passages and repeating the nonsense they’ve been brainwashed with since they were three. Trying to use reason and logic with them is completely pointless. These are the same knuckleheads who teach their kids the world was created 4,000 years ago and humans existed with dinosaurs like the Flintstones.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:28 pm
Hankie and Grief, your gods killed Ananias and Sapphira because they didn’t contribute enough money to their church store. Check out Acts Chap 4. Your salvation is not free. If you didn’t pay with your money you paid with your time. I don’t need an instructional book of fables to keep me out of a mythical hell. I need not worry about meeting my Creator. He gave me a brain to use, not pay someone else to fill it full of guilt laden, egocentric, fear based folklore and fairy tales.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
2:28 pm
Joe, if the coach does indeed handle things like that, then I agree he should be out of the picture. And he may actually handle things that way. But neither one of us really know if that’s the case, do we? I mean, I understand that you already think of me as intellectually beneath you, simply because I choose to believe in God. Your posts have more than verified that fact. But do you know, with absolute certainty, that this coach was using prayer to intimidate his own player? If he was, I’ll join you in condemning the action. But without concrete proof, I’m not going to blame him for something that is only conjecture.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:28 pm
Again we respect differing opinions but people rarely respect ours as Christians.
Down-with-Meebo
August 23rd, 2012
2:31 pm
Hankie, you know if your kid came home and said “coach took us to a mosque today and will take us every week. We’re gonna eat lunch while the Imam teaches us all about the Prophet Muhammad!”… you would go bananas. Don’t even lie.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:31 pm
Joe, if the coach does indeed handle things like that, then I agree he should be out of the picture. And he may actually handle things that way. But neither one of us really know if that’s the case, do we? I mean, I understand that you already think of me as intellectually beneath you, simply because I choose to believe in God. Your posts have more than verified that fact. But do you know, with absolute certainty, that this coach was using prayer to intimidate his own player? If he was, I’ll join you in condemning the action. But without concrete proof, I’m not going to blame him for something that is only conjecture.
Agreed
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:32 pm
No he wouldn’t play for that coach anymore.
Plowboy - Viking
August 23rd, 2012
2:33 pm
Keep voting for “hope and change”…..this is why my child goes to private school and YES prayer should be a part of everything…..
Down-with-Meebo
August 23rd, 2012
2:33 pm
Only morons like Hankie can say things like “this is a Christian nation and we should observe Christianity” out one side of your mouth, but then say “nobody respects Christianity in America” out the other side. What a bunch of hypocrites.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:33 pm
Meebo please read 2:31 repost
Fair n Balanced
August 23rd, 2012
2:34 pm
Very tired of the opposition to Christians, church n Christianity. Our culture in America criticizes nothing and nobody…..unless it is Christian. Sad day in America…..and we can’t even define marriage anymore.
Down-with-Meebo
August 23rd, 2012
2:35 pm
Plowboy, which kind of prayer? Muslim prayers? Jewish prayers? How about Bahai? No, of course not. You don’t believe in freedom of religion… you just believe in your right to push Christianity on all people.
John
August 23rd, 2012
2:37 pm
I am a Christian who has been active my entire life as a child, teenager and adult in Southern Baptist churches. I strongly believe in my faith and I take appropriate opportunities to witness for Christ. That said, we must respect those who feel differently than we do and must respect the court decisions interpreting the law of the land. Coaches should not lead their teams in prayers of an y faith, whether it be Christian, Moslem, Jewish, Hindu, etc. There should not be prayer over the PA system but, instead, every fan is free to pray as he or she chooses to his or her God in the manner they so choose. I don’t see anything wrong with churches feeding football or other athletic teams but it should be just that–feeding the team. It shouldn’t be accompanied by a sermon. A teacher or coach should never demean or make fun of another faith or denomination, even if it is a non Christian faith. When a coach or school crosses the line, action must be taken to rein them in and make sure it never happens again. Nobody has ever prevented any Christian from praying in school or honoring their faith but it can’t be done in such a way that someone who disagrees with that faith is made to feel uncomfortable because they feel differently than the majority. Ask yourself a question–if you were the lone Baptist in a school made up largely of Mormons in Utah or of Catholics in Louisiana or of Islamics in some major cities or rOrthodox Jews in New York City non-Christians in California and a coach there was leading a prayer against your faith, how would you feel?
Plowboy - Viking
August 23rd, 2012
2:38 pm
Meebo….ding,ding,ding….u got the right answer!!! If Muslim prayers or Baha’i prayers actually worked then I would not be a Christian….selah
Down-with-Meebo
August 23rd, 2012
2:38 pm
Every time I hear a Christian in a nation that’s vastly majority Christian complain about the persecution of Christians, I just laugh. Do you all realize how silly you sound?
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:38 pm
Down- Not true. We recognize not everyone wants to be Christian but those who want to shouldn’t be railroaded for it. See Family Guy/ South Park/ Chick Fil A controversy
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:38 pm
Prayer in any public setting outside of a church store is defacto intimidation. Next time you’re in a group which begins to pray try obviously not praying and see what kind of looks you get. The immediate reaction is: what the heck is wrong with that guy? If the coach is praying, especially to one of the christian gods, he’s using intimidation.
Also, I wish you folks would stop saying you believe in God. What you believe in are the little gods of the various christianities, none of which even exists. I would have no problem believing in God. I’ve simply done enough reading and thinking to know that the god of unicorns and dragons, satyrs and sea monsters, witches and ghosts, all of which appear in the bible tales, is not the Creator of the Universe.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
2:38 pm
Down-with-Meebo – As I state earlier, I’m a licensed minister in the Baptist church. But I also have no problem whatsoever with a 4.5 Billion year old Earth. I have no problem with dinosaurs existing hundreds of millions of years ago. I take offense when people make blanket statements assuming all religious individuals lack reasoning and logic. Apparently it is only reasonable to believe that all matter that ever was or is was crammed into a single point, which then exploded. Over the course of time, some 14 Billion years or so, random processes brought together life and ushered it along to this point. That seems reasonable. Everything is the result of random processes.
Joe – I can’t speak to the exact rationale for God striking down Ananias and Sapphira, but my studies lead me to believe that it had more to do with their lie than with holding back the money. They actively plotted to lie. God is a spirit and therefore has no need of money. However, to keep up the church and the church grounds, under economic systems stretching back to Old Testament days, money was required.
Plowboy - Viking
August 23rd, 2012
2:39 pm
John…u are wrong
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:43 pm
Down- Please explain to me how Christians are not being persecuted. Let’s start with Gay marriage. Graffiti all over the walls a Chick Fil A location. The volunteer LGBT worker who tried to kill all kinds of people at the Family Research Council building in Washington DC. If you were shot like that security officer would you feel persecuted? All over your beliefs?
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
2:43 pm
Wow, Joe, I had no idea that you were psychic. It seems you know exactly what each one of us believes and you also know that it doesn’t exist. See, I say I believe in God and I believe God exists. You act as though I’m crazy for having that kind of faith. But you say God doesn’t exist. Requires the same amount of faith, as neither statement is measurable in any kind of scientific environment. But somehow I’m the crazy one and you’re not. Does that make sense?
Also, are you really saying that if I bowed my head and prayed over my meal the next time I go to a restaurant, if you were there you would feel intimidated?
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:48 pm
Grief, Not psychic, I don’t fault anyone for belief in God. It’s your gods of the christianities that you have been trying to push off on others as the God of all creation. There’s God, improvable as existent, then there’s the little gods and christ characters of the bible myths. Huge difference.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:48 pm
Joe, Meebo- Thanks for the conversation anyway. You know it is ok to dissagree right without insults and namecalling?
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:49 pm
Grief, not intimidated at all if one fanatic prays over his food as if it’s going to taste better or something. But if the whole football team is at the restaurant and the coach starts to lead them in prayer, yes.
Down-with-Meebo
August 23rd, 2012
2:50 pm
The only Christians who get persecuted here are the ones who go against the Constitutional protections of freedom of religion and/or discriminate against anyone who doesn’t fall in line with their version of Christianity. Every single entity to which you referred has done exactly that.
My whole point is that if people like this Coach would stop proselytizing and just coach, then there wouldn’t be an issue. But you people see it as your right and obligation to convert all non-Christians, and THAT is where you all start acting in ways that engender backlash. Take ownership of your actions and the actions of those you support.
As I said before, substitute “Muslim” for “Christian” in this news story and see how you feel about it. You would be protesting and lynching that coach if he took those kids to a mosque instead of a church. Just own up to it.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
2:50 pm
Joe- you’re response to Grief makes no sense. All religions are going to believe their God is the correct one right? Are Christians not afforded that same belief?
dawgfan
August 23rd, 2012
2:51 pm
Joe, maybe you should try taking the Bible a little less literally. Be sure to take Advil for headaches and let me know if you need any help.
Thanks.
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
2:51 pm
Good Grief: You stated that you believe that there actually is a guy by the name of Joe whom you think believes that you are intellectually inferior to him. I concur wholeheartedly with your assessment.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:52 pm
Hankie, as I said, your beliefs are an insult in and of themselves. Anyone who doesn’t agree with them you condemn to your fantasy hell and eternal torture. Nothing need be said as far as a written insult.
Down-with-Meebo
August 23rd, 2012
2:53 pm
I also abhor the radicals on the other side (like the graffiti at chick-fil-a)… of course, Christians have given all of us that playbook (Crusades, Puritanical burnings, burning down Mosques, etc.). Seriously, stop playing the victim and open your mind for just a moment.
dawgfan
August 23rd, 2012
2:55 pm
“But you people see it as your right and obligation to convert all non-Christians, and THAT is where you all start acting in ways that engender backlash.”
Wow. Generalize and stereotype much? And WE’RE the close minded ones? Pot meet kettle.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:57 pm
Thanks dawg, never get headaches, have a lot of christian family members with a lot of serious health problems but I am in perfect health. The hypocritical thing about the nonsense of hermeneutics is that you nut jobs can change the words of your gods to say whatever you want. This is why you have over 20,000 denominations, all with the exclusive, one and only, one true god and christ character.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
2:59 pm
You kiddin’ dawg? When was the last time a coach required all of his players to gather round for an atheist prayer? Pray all you want in your church stores and homes. Keep it where it belongs.
brick
August 23rd, 2012
3:00 pm
If these “groups” would step back and take notice they would see all the issues that their “cause” has been a huge part of creating. Back when praying was an everyday part of the school day, we had no resource officers, we didn’t need metal detectors at the doors, we didn’t have random shootings on campus. Of course that isn’t the only reason but it was certainly a start. If only our forefathers had the foresight to realize we would be producing so many lawyers who had nothing better to do than try to find the meaning of every word in the Constitution and instead of “Seperate” church and state stated the state will not “choose” religion we wouldn’t be dealing with this. Funny how they want to follow that without question and it means nothing in government can involve religion, but they won’t to say the “right to bare arms” doesn’t really mean that.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
3:01 pm
Guys- In this country you can believe what you want to believe in or believe in nothing at all. Joe- I have chosen to believe that if you don’t believe in Jesus Christ for your salvation, then you are going to hell. I’m sorry that offends you but it doesn’t diminish my faith 1 iota.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:05 pm
Brick, we always hear about the good ol days when everyone was some kind of christian. Exactly when was this? The 70’s and the Vietnam war demonstrations which ripped the country apart? The 60’s when we had race riots and unacceptable minority unemployment, the segregation of the 40’s and 50’s? The supression of women back as far as history goes? When were these good ol days? Shall we go back to slavery? Apartheid? Please draw the line for me.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
3:05 pm
good points brick
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
3:06 pm
Joe – I ‘d just like to interject that, as I said, I go to a Baptist church and visit several others. I have friends at Pentecostal churches, Methodist churches, Presbyterian churches, and even a few Lutheran churches. From discussing with them, I’m of the opinion that we all worship the same God. It’s not like a vending machine where you have Baptist Jesus, Methodist Jesus, and Lutheran Jesus. Sure, we might carry out the ceremonial aspects differently, but such is the nature of a faith with scriptures that are deemed spiritual. Our belief is that the spiritual things of od cannot be discerned with the natural eye, but rather require a spiritual interpretation.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
3:07 pm
Joe- Not everyone was Christian then as now
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:07 pm
Doesn’t matter that it doesn’t affect your faith Hankie. I don’t care if you have your faith, just be prepared to deal with the consequences of a diminutive belief system.
dawgfan
August 23rd, 2012
3:09 pm
“have a lot of christian family members with a lot of serious health problems but I am in perfect health.”
Lucky you. I hope you visit them a lot and comfort them. That’s what Christ would do. Who would ever want to follow that guy? He’s obviously a loser.
“The hypocritical thing about the nonsense of hermeneutics is that you nut jobs can change the words of your gods to say whatever you want.”
Or maybe something as heavy as the meaning and purpose of the universe isn’t capable of being broken down into a neat step by step guide for dummies like you. At least we try Joe. What are you doing to figure it all out? You’re just b!tching and moaning. That’s not going to get us anywhere.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:09 pm
Hankie, at the turn of the 20th century christians made up over 99% of the population. Now it’s down to 76%
bdawg
August 23rd, 2012
3:13 pm
18,000 + members nationwide. WOW. That many. The rest of us need to stand up for what we believe and more importantly support teachers, coaches that try to have a positive impact of our youth.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
3:14 pm
Joe- Again the Bible prophesies that the world will trust in things of the world instead of God in the last days.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:15 pm
Dawg, I”m not obligated under penalty of eternal damnation to do what any of the christ characters would do. They supposedly have the power of blathering their prayers to their gods whom, as I understand it, have the power to heal them. They certainly don’t need me!
You aren’t trying to figure out the meaning and purpose of anything dawg, you couldn’t make your life work, now you must attend weekly therapy sessions with an afterlife insurance salesman to learn how to get out of bed each day and make it thru till bedtime, when you must go to bed still doing exactly what you are instructed to do by your Sunday therapist.
high school player
August 23rd, 2012
3:16 pm
I play football… and i go to church… and i love God… we have a devotion every Friday before our game where local preachers come talk to us. at our preseason camp, we had churches feed us 5 FREE meals.. our coach says we need to get right with God and is a big Christian. I am not going to relase what school I play for, becuase I do not want to get a complaint from Freedom From Religion, but do people not know we are a CHRISTIAN NATION?
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:17 pm
bdawg, that little organization is kicking the butts of the ACLJ all over the country in legal battle after legal battle. You should sign up.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
3:17 pm
Joe- Beings you are so much more intelligent. Please explain how I should “be prepared to deal with the consequences of a diminutive belief system”
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
3:19 pm
What should I do? I’m all ears.
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
3:22 pm
What consequences am I to be prepared for?
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
3:22 pm
Joe – I have a good, steady job and a house. I graduated college. I was born in what most people would consider poverty, and I’ve been blessed to rise above. I worked hard for it, and trust God to lead me in the right directions. Do you really think that i’ve failed at life? Is that why I believe in God, because I’m such a failure?
For one who criticizes Christianity so much, you don’t seem to have the best grasp on the philosophy or the adherents.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:23 pm
Player, you are exactly the kind of nut job which makes your beliefs so dangerous. Read the Treaty of Tripoli signed by George Washington 1797. “As the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the christian religion”! We are not a christian nation. We are a nation that unfortunately includes a disproportionate number of non-thinkers who label themselves christian.
dawgfan
August 23rd, 2012
3:25 pm
“You aren’t trying to figure out the meaning and purpose of anything dawg”
I don’t think you’re in any position to tell me what I’m trying to figure out, but thanks anyway. You didn’t answer my question Joe. What are you doing to figure it out?
HardHat
August 23rd, 2012
3:28 pm
@FFRF I swear to God I am an atheist…..God in the public schools has been replaced by police, metal detectors and weapons….It is very sad the times we live in today…. You have to laugh or else you will just cry.
Jim Mora, Sr
August 23rd, 2012
3:28 pm
Truth Speaker, your name does not suit you. I’m all for this coach and what he’s doing. The Supreme Court has changed the application of separation of chuch and state to suit its liberal agenda.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:28 pm
Hankie, the consequences are that you receive the insults you mentioned which started this segment of the conversation. Thats all. I don’t condemn your soul to hell like you do others.
Grief, I graduated from Drexel University. Live in a 4200 square foot home, a wonderful wife and two grown responsible adult children. Debt free. No gods, no christs. Just hard work. Sorry you had to pay a god for all your “blessings”.
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
3:30 pm
Hankie: And nothing in between.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:34 pm
I don’t have to “do” anything to “figure it out”. dawg. I’m raising my kids to be good responsible citizens, and provide a home and family (married 30 years now) to provide stability in their lives and the lives of my grandchildren when they come. My life has meaning and purpose without the god of unicorns and dragons, ghosts and satans, christ characters and sea moinsters. Try it, it’s incredibly liberating.
I’d like my grandchildren to be able to think for themselves as they grow up and not be intimidated into believing in the monster gods of the christianities.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
3:34 pm
Joe – Where are you getting that I “had” to pay for my blessings? I have given voluntarily. I was never forced in any way to pay for the blessings of God. If you choose not to believe, that’s fine. That is your call to make. I’m happy for you. Doesn’t make you better or worse than I.
And with that, i have to leave. It’s been a real blast discussing this today, though. Have a good afternoon everyone. God bless.
Stay Away from the Koolaid
August 23rd, 2012
3:46 pm
People should keep their mythology beliefs to themselves. Government funded organizations and locations are not the place for performing religious practices. Forcing this on other people is wrong and does violate the Constitution.
If this coach was Muslim, would all the Protestants on here still be fighting for him? Of course not, just look at the simpleton response when a Mosque is built.
If believing in fairy tales makes you feel better about your existence, more power to you. But, leave that delusion at home and your church.
kaput
August 23rd, 2012
3:50 pm
Peer pressure is a terrible thing. Statistics would imply that there are several members of that team that don’t believe in God, why should they be subjected to everyone’s religion?
What if most of the people in that particular town were Muslims, I wonder how the debate would change.
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
3:51 pm
I’m quite certain that Mary, late of the Bible, whom arguably possessed the most famous birth canal in all of Christianity, would be incensed that some coach was using her son as a pretext to win football games. Mr. Christ himself would probably denounce this coach as merely a masquerade and as a show of piety on his part and nothing else.
Joe
August 23rd, 2012
3:53 pm
Thanks Koolaid and kaput. It’s been real gents, gotta go. Olive Garden tonite for dinner. Yum!
demetris spivey (real name)
August 23rd, 2012
3:57 pm
everyone has an pov…just so happens some1 has 2 b right…christanity is the only, i say again only truth…if u believe in something else, “ur lost”…if u don’t believe the bible is the complete truth..u havent read it..there is no way a man/men wrote it…ask urself “if there is a god”..why would he have all these different dogmas???? christanity says christ is the son of god, savior of man, islam says god dosent have a son, buddist pray 2 a statue (that a man made)…but we “all” pray 2 the same god??? yeah right…do ur research people..there’s a reason “they” say don’t discuss religion…so the truth can’t get out…i love all who love christ…and the 1’s that don’t..ill pray 4 you
…last but not least..all religions where started by a man/woman…….not christanity…once again people DO UR RESEARCH!!!! ISAIAH 14:12-18
….The devils plan………….
CoffeeC100
August 23rd, 2012
4:00 pm
How ’bout them Dawgs?
Stay Away from the Koolaid
August 23rd, 2012
4:04 pm
Demetris, the bible you read was written by humans and translated and edited many times before the version you are reading was finalized. These stories described their current events in allegory format.
The delusional thought that ‘your way is the only way’ is the reason so many people die. It is the same ideological nonsense that your rant and rave about Islamic terrorists.
there is no god
August 23rd, 2012
4:04 pm
religion is so over rated
there is no god
August 23rd, 2012
4:05 pm
god is like santa claus for adults
Plowboy - Viking
August 23rd, 2012
4:05 pm
Love how a few people say that they won’t their kids to be open minded and free thinkers….I think liberals have a weak brain/ narrow mind (it’s a song)
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
4:06 pm
Demitrius: The only thing true about christianity is that it is false.
Plowboy - Viking
August 23rd, 2012
4:06 pm
Want
Plowboy - Viking
August 23rd, 2012
4:07 pm
Dilbert …. U my friend will find out one day
macrotech
August 23rd, 2012
4:12 pm
I’m a Christian and I believe that everyone in the United States of America has the right to find their own beliefs and express those beliefs in a manner that adheres with the laws of our governing body. While I share the belief of this coach, I don’t think that his position permits him to do all the things he’s been doing. If he prays on his own and players join in, then that’s fine. If players feel that they MUST join him in order to play on the team he coaches, then that’s out of line. Even God (I subscribe to Free Will) gives us a choice…I don’t think the coach is bigger than God. If he influences a player by his actions as a Christian, I applaud him. If his influence happens by mandate…it is an illusion that will fade the moment the last game is played.
Joe, I respect your thoughts as it’s obvious that you’ve invested a great deal of time into them. It wouldn’t be difficult to think that you might be a spokesperson for an atheistic campaign. Of course, you and I could play ‘devil’s advocate’ with each other in regards to our beliefs…but, I’m confident that I won’t convince you and I assure you that you’d fail in your efforts to sway me. I confess, I giggled a little when you shared that Christians use their faith as a crutch…last time I heard that was when Gov. Jesse Ventura made the same claim…isn’t he chasing ufos now?
To ALL the Christians that are reading the comments on this blog…because it is our faith, wouldn’t it be a better use of our time praying for a Divine intervention in this as opposed to debating who is right and who is wrong? An important question was asked, “If this coach was forcing his Muslim beliefs on these players….?”….this is a genuine question that we might have to deal with someday. If we were to answer this honestly, we’d be as riled up as the opponents of this coach. Pray people….just pray! There WILL be a time when we’ll ALL know who is right and who is wrong….of course, by that time the debate will be as useless as the time it took us to comment on a blog. Blessings!
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
4:13 pm
Joe- If that is the condequences, um yeah that really hurt. I don’t condemn non-believers to a real hell. God does. I am just the messenger
macrotech
August 23rd, 2012
4:14 pm
Wow…my post didn’t look that long when I was typing…my apologies
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
4:16 pm
macrotech- I have come to your realization. All we can do is pray for non-believers
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
4:18 pm
Good Grief if you are still out there. Thanks for the good points.
Truth Speaker
August 23rd, 2012
4:25 pm
Jim Mora, Sr. – So you’re telling me the Supreme Court has had a liberal agenda since 1787? Justices Jay, Marshall, etc. were such raging liberals.
Jim Mora Sr. – did you know the Conservative agenda to which you subscribe would actually have been considered a Liberal agenda by the founding fathers. That all of the founders were considered “liberal” (Mora Sr.’s head explodes)
Interestingly, when did the Court get too liberal for you…Brown v. Board, Roe v. Wade, Texas v. Johnson?
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
4:27 pm
Hankie: When you say that “all we can do is pray for “non-believers”, I think you are being disingenuous and deceptive. What you are really doing is praying against us, not for us to be happier or more fulfilled. You would like to damn us all to the ovens of your god.
James
August 23rd, 2012
4:30 pm
@Terrell – Separation of Church and State not separation of sex and state or separation of science and state. A teacher should not weigh in either way on any gods. Also, if you can’t afford it then you have the state granted right of freedom of religion to pray for the money to send your child to school. Finally, why can’t you pray with your children? Why do you feel it necessary for others to pray with them?
Hankie Aron
August 23rd, 2012
4:44 pm
dilberth- That’s crazy. I pray that you will come to the realization that you need Christ in your life. I would never wish or want hell for anyone. The thing is, it’s up to you my friend. Have a good evening.
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
4:57 pm
Hankie: I don’t need or want any jerk-offs like your imaginary savior, a Mr. Christ, in my life. I try to stay far away from delusional parasites such as you.
You Are Not Alone
August 23rd, 2012
5:02 pm
Joe…you are not alone in your thinking. I was baptised, confirmed, and prayed daily for 20 years. Once I read the Bible, I started to search for answers to reaffirm my faith. It didn’t happen. 15 years now I have been an Atheist. It was tough to come to grips with, but I can’t tell you how much of a postiive difference it has made.
The truth is, you are wasting your time, especially on a board like this. You can point out every similarity of the pagan religion, you can provide historical documents showing how the acceptance of Christianity was a military move, and you can scream how jesus is a cookie-cutter impersonation of Horus…they just won’t get it unless they have time to seek out thier own answers.
The one thing you haven’t brought up is the direct correlation between standard of living and secularism. There is a reason the United States has the embarrassing statistics of teenage pregnancy, abortion, hate crime, high-school drop outs, etc. It is because of the presence of religion and the absolute intolerance of non-religion. As you have pointed out, the Christians themselves can’t even agree upon the same god.
Just wanted to say good luck and keep up the good fight. I tired of screaming at brick walls years ago.
Quaildawg
August 23rd, 2012
5:04 pm
I am a Christian, I do not depend on humanisim to “fight for my rights”. Look to DC and see what you get when that happens!!! My faith is that God will deliver me, even unto death and I will not place my faith in man or man’s devices or laws. Let the courts, representatives, etc do what they want.
The Lord is greater than our feeble imaginations can wrap our minds around.
I will stand down and let the Lord do what brings glory to Him.
whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matt 10:39
dilberth
August 23rd, 2012
5:08 pm
Jesus is Lard.
Paul A. Tipton
August 23rd, 2012
5:10 pm
This organization in its attempt to fight for “separation of state and church” is totally out of bounds here and the government should throw a flag in their defense. This anti-Christian goup should be chastised rather than endorsed by the media. It is very troublesome that a small bunch like this can create so much havoc and receive so much positive press, yet when someone or group stands up for Christianity and Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Expression which are all completely Constitutional, there is “Hell to bare!” True Believers Must Stand In Unity and Let their Voices be Heard!!!……PLEASE!!!!
Coach
August 23rd, 2012
5:11 pm
The shame is the majority saying that you have to think what I think or your wierd (or wrong). I am a Christian Coach but I do believe that this way of thinking is another form of bullying. I’ve seen the kid that is scared to speak up, they are already scared to ask a question about a play let alone about their religious beliefs. A moment of silence on one knee servers the same purpose. It allows everyone on the team to say a prayer. Its not about offending some one as we can see from the responses if the shoe was on the other foot this would be another fight for the holy land! Respect each other!
Labyrinth
August 23rd, 2012
5:12 pm
The state should protect liberty; that’s its only acceptable function. But it should remain humble in doing so, and be constrained in such a way that it is forced to be humble.
– Pierre Lemieux
Quaildawg
August 23rd, 2012
5:15 pm
“There is a reason the United States has the embarrassing statistics of teenage pregnancy, abortion, hate crime, high-school drop outs, etc. It is because of the presence of religion and the absolute intolerance of non-religion.”
Seriously???
How about 80% of all households in US do not have the same biological parents in the home or have only one parent to lead the home. This is not a socio-economic issue. Whether you are the wealthiest or the poorest it is a fact.
Missing leaders within the home are a far greater culprit not to mention a society driven by greed and self indulgence.
Jamey Tucker
August 23rd, 2012
5:22 pm
Let the Walker County School System decide what they want at the local level.
Quaildawg
August 23rd, 2012
5:26 pm
historical documents showing how the acceptance of Christianity was a military move..
that’s another good one!!!
I guess when Jesus was crucified by the Roman’s that was the greatest “trick play” of all time. Guess He had the last laugh on the “Mighty Roman Empire” and to think he “Military move(d)” it over them by dying.
Coach
August 23rd, 2012
5:29 pm
@ Quaildawg _ I dont think that has anything to do with the issue. Do other religion preach single parent house holds. Believe in something and hold fast with your belief’s but as we all know dont you hate when your doorbell rings and it either those ladies combing your neighborhood or those boys on the bikes. They are invading your space and telling you the way you believe isnt right! Who are they to tell me that My GOD is the wrong GOD and Jesus doesnt exsist. But its ok for us to tell the young impressionable boy that he believes the wrong thing! Come on think about your argument. You cant tell me I’m wrong for the way I believe but I can tell you!! The same defensiveness that all of you are feeling is the same thing the other religions (or denominations) are feeling but they arent in the majority so they dont want to stand out or stand up!
Triple Lindy
August 23rd, 2012
5:45 pm
First off, let me say I have a problem with the idea of public schools preaching God or politics within learning hours, keep that in private schools. That being said, if the FFRF had any legal ground to stand on they’d find a plaintiff and take the thing to court, but ultimately, football is a voluntary, extra curricular activity. The team can do what they want and they have the actual constitutional right to. The FFRF just does this as a scare tactic and to get free copy in newspapers which means more recognition and most importantly, donations.
Chris Walraven
August 23rd, 2012
5:50 pm
They need to sue the city of Calhoun as well. The high school doubles as a church on Sundays. WE ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION!!! We have freedom of and FROM religion, keep it where it belongs, in a church.
A father
August 23rd, 2012
5:56 pm
Joe, I hope everything is going well for you. Please do not judge all christians based on what you have apparently experienced with some so called christians. The world is full of fakes or people who claim to be christian but have no clue what a being real christian is even about. We are all unworhty and no matter what we say or think or tell someone we are all just sinners. This is not exclusive to anyone.
I would never try to force my beliefs on someone, simply because that does not work. Our forefathers knew this and that is why there is not a national religion in the good ole US of A. What I try to do and encourage my children to do is to be open minded enough to listen to anyone that wishes to share their beliefs but grounded enough to hold to their beliefs and share them as well. We cannot make anyone believe what we do about the bible or anything else all we can do is share what we have been taught and leave the rest to GOD.
God Bless You and have a nice day.
Quaildawg
August 23rd, 2012
5:58 pm
Coach-Pardner,
I’m not telling you to believe anything. Just like the Rich Young Ruler you may “turn and walk away”. Jesus, for as much as He loved him, didn’t run after him and try to convince him to follow him.
that decision is for each of us. And I don’t and won;t hold judgement on anyone on these pages if they choose likewise.
Coach
August 23rd, 2012
6:05 pm
But isnt that coach doing that by having a captive audiance to express his views? A Jewish kid wants to play football at that school. Does he go against his religion by saying the Lords Prayer (at least in my church) … in Jesus name, Amen?
J. Sims
August 23rd, 2012
6:17 pm
Coach Mariakis appears to be a nice man doing some good work in the community. He is just misguided about some things. For those of you who haven’t studied much law and history, please google “separation of church and state” to see why sanctioned prayer at school is against the law. It’s against the law any place in the United States, including Georgia
Strange Murphy
August 23rd, 2012
6:25 pm
Freedom From Religion Foundation people are nothing more then common bullies.
Chris Walraven
August 23rd, 2012
6:32 pm
No, the coaching staff are the bullies…brainwashing impressionable youth. Very disturbing.
Dawg Runner
August 23rd, 2012
7:16 pm
Tell those Wisconsin Yankees to keep to themselves. Otherwise we’ll send Roy Mercer up there to deal with ‘em!
Northwest
August 23rd, 2012
7:59 pm
Enter your comments here
jerry
August 23rd, 2012
8:00 pm
The Founding Fathers knew what they were doing by keeping the Church separated from the State. Let’s keep it that way.
Northwest
August 23rd, 2012
8:05 pm
Religion is the main source of evil and suffering in the world. This coach is nothing but a huckster trying to indoctrinate a captive audience to believe the fairy tale he was brainwashed to accept as true by his parents from the time he began walking. He should lose his job. If, however, you want to see a school system that has turned the illegal use of religion in a school setting into an art form, spend some time in Calhoun. System wide meetings begin with prayers; football banners filled with bible verses all over the stadium. Prayer time on the football field. Ignorrant nonsense.
Not an Atheist stil
August 23rd, 2012
8:35 pm
Congratulations to the coach who demonstrates his faith and gives players a chance to demonstrate theirs. The atheist freaks will have something to complain about when a player claims faith was more important than skill for playing time. The ex UGA cheerleading coach can explain that one from a decade or so ago.
And Jammer’s comments show the players and fans support those who believe. It is only because they feel left out the atheists want to be seen as equals. Their insecurities overwhelm their ability to allow others to express themselves.
Todd - Lawrenceville
August 23rd, 2012
9:08 pm
If you really wanted seperation between church and state, protest against and put pressure on County an City cops working for Mega Churches where they block traffic for the church members to leave church. It suggest that your time, where ever you are going, is not more important that the mega church member getting home.
If they do not want to be in traffic leaving church, join a smaller church or pay for the installation of a traffic light at their church exit.
Sam
August 23rd, 2012
9:32 pm
Religious group?
oakwood dawg
August 23rd, 2012
9:44 pm
Please check our constitution and bill of rights. It is not freedom FROM religion but freedom OF religion. I wonder how many of you liberal, anti religion people know the difference between the word FROM and OF. I feel sure Webster can clear this matter up for you but because you are all so knowing, it would be an insult for you to acknowledge the use of a dictionary.
cvilleryder
August 23rd, 2012
9:52 pm
My name is Chris Coates 27 years old as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. I am so thankful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to here his Word and choose to beleive in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and his resurrection and ascention to the Father. Because of his Love for me, his grace and mercy I have joy in my heart and hope of a brighter day. Just today at work I found myself getting angry at some of the regular everyday stuff that I deal with at work. But thanks be to God I was convicted and was able to pray and put those things behind me. This is just one tiny example of Life more abundant that Jesus promised us in his Word. I was able to move on and have peace. As Paul said Fight the good fight of faith. We will mess up, we will get tired and overwhelmed but if we hold fast to what the Word says we will overcome.
Raiderbeater
August 23rd, 2012
10:33 pm
I am a southern, gun loving, god fearing, christian, white male, conservative (notice I didn’t say Republican….nor Democrat). If the coach decides to initiate all this activity on his own….not acceptable or respectful of the position even though I believe what he believes. If the kids or majority of the kids wish (and they must ask specifically) if the coach will lead prayer, attend a church, read a verse, etc. it IS acceptable because the kids initiated the interaction or event. Football is also not required so therefore under Federal law there is no wrong doing as long as a majority of the players specifically express their wish for the coach to continue what he’s doing. If he’s bashing or making fun of other religions he has to stop no matter what (which IS different than stating you believe they are wrong…which is probably what he did based on his religions beliefs).
Raiderbeater
August 23rd, 2012
10:35 pm
To elaborate more on my above post……it seems more and more groups are citing a person’s disagreement with what they believe or stand for as “Harassing”, “bashing”, or “belittling” them. No room for disagreement in a politically correct world.
mgdawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:09 pm
What a lot of you seem not to realize is what the original purpose of the seperation of church and state was to protect the church from the government, not the other way around. Personally I think there are bigger problems people need to worry about then praying at a football game, and a little speech by a preacher. These kids are very talented at tuning out teachers, I’m sure they can tune out a preacher if they want to. At the schools I’ve worked at the preachers don’t really preach being saved to the athletes, they teach more of moral living and mindsets. If someone feels that is a bad thing, I feel sorry for that person.
mgdawg
August 23rd, 2012
11:09 pm
What a lot of you seem not to realize is what the original purpose of the seperation of church and state was to protect the church from the government, not the other way around. Personally I think there are bigger problems people need to worry about then praying at a football game, and a little speech by a preacher. These kids are very talented at tuning out teachers, I’m sure they can tune out a preacher if they want to. At the schools I’ve worked at the preachers don’t really preach being saved to the athletes, they teach more of moral living and mindsets. If someone feels that is a bad thing, I feel sorry for that person.
The Greatest Generation
August 24th, 2012
12:49 am
This makes me sick to read! For all of you who have grown up with silver spoons in your mouth living in the “United States of the Offended” – WAKE UP!!! When I say “silver spoon” in mean electricity, running water, air conditioning, automobiles, cell phones, computers – milk from a jug and eggs from a carton!! Is this all you people have to do? Sit around all day complaining that a football coach took some players to eat a FREE MEAL at a church? Do you know this man? Was his intent to cram Christianity down these players throats or is that what one players parent perceived his intent to be? Maybe the guy was just praying that no one would get hurt or that sportsmanship would rule throughout the game? This is the biggest crock of mess I’ve ever read. Your priorities as so out of wack it’s not even funny!!!
When I was young you were thankful for everything you got. We had A football, A baseball and A bat at my school and we were thankful for it. We didn’t complain if the coach “offended” us by saying a prayer or God forbid – feed us a FREE meal!!!
And to dilberth, Joe, Stay Away From The Kool Aid, You Are Not Alone, Amanda and Down With Mee-Bo:
I can assure you: There are no atheists in foxholes – you should try it sometime.
The Greatest Generation
August 24th, 2012
12:55 am
If you really want to get sick, go look at that freedom bunches website. Here’s a quote:
“The Foundation is the nation’s largest association of freethinkers (atheists, agnostics and skeptics) with over 18,000 members.”
If that ain’t the tail wagging the dog I’ve never seen it!!!
dilberth
August 24th, 2012
1:13 am
HA! HA! I can understand why religious people are in such a snit over the FFRF’s complaint. They think that they are immune to the laws of this land. Their faith (fear masquerading as virtue) teaches them that they are blameless, privileged and beyond reproach. Anytime atheists or anyone objects to their blatant proselytizing, they perceive it as persecution. We just think christians should hold their tongue so that we can watch a secular football game and not be subjected to a religious observance.
J Williams
August 24th, 2012
4:19 am
Christians have their panties in a wad and are screaming “Persecution” just because America will not let them use government to cram religion down other peoples throats. It just goes to show how desperate the christians have become. What is especially sad is to see how the christians are lying and spinning this particular issue by claiming it is about “Feeding the Chillun’” – and not about using forced meals as a venue to get into the faces of children and preach the so-called Gospel. You christians are going to lose this fight, and the sooner you get used to it and stop trying to infiltrate government with your religion, then the more happy you will be.
CoffeeC100
August 24th, 2012
5:09 am
Imagine.
kelsyross
August 24th, 2012
5:14 am
This is my High School, we are Panther Nation. And we are taking a stand.
concerned
August 24th, 2012
7:03 am
Folks the separation of church and state was created so that you didn’t have government officials appointing heads of church and vice versa with heads of church appointing heads of state. A good example of this is during the Crusades. When the “leaders” of the Christian church were in fact not Christian men at all but were politicians with their own agenda. The separation of church and state was not devised to take God out of everything we do (which seems to be what the definition has become) but to prevent having one ruling faction over the nation. There is nothing wrong with the church feeding those kids or offering prayer before the game or even offering kids an opportunity to attend a service. I would venture to say that we all would have benefited from a man like Coach Mariakis who is not afraid to live out his faith openly and share his joy for the Lord with those around.
concerned
August 24th, 2012
7:07 am
@ J Williams
Jesus loves you too buddy. He died for you too.
Crying Towel
August 24th, 2012
7:24 am
I think this should be between the players and the coach…no one else opinion matters for or against. If the players didn’t want prayer…they wouldn’t participate. This coach didn’t just become a Christian….These players knew their role models faith long before this happened.
jad
August 24th, 2012
7:43 am
At all Miller County football games a pre-game prayer is a pre-game ritual. I have never heard anyone complain. The only way this world is going to change is through prayer and each person accepting Christ as Savior. The world needs salvation now more than ever!
lasher
August 24th, 2012
8:17 am
I see people saying its a pressure issue, its a separation of church and state issue, one suggests that its a difference in religions on the team issue. Funny thing though, no one is mentioning that the constitution also protects the Coach’s legal right to practice his own personal religion at work or otherwise. If you pay close attention, no work place can tell you not to practice your religion, publically, while at work. His work happens to be a coach. His religion happens to be Christianity. He happens to pray at games, practices, (his work). No where, not once has anyone shown him holding a gun, a bible, a cross, anything over these players, parents heads saying do this now or do not play. No allegations saying he has discriminated against his non-christian or non-same religion players? Seems to me the only issue here is his right to express his belief while at work, which is protected by state and federal laws? If we actually follow the laws of our land, he has done nothing illegal.
Tom
August 24th, 2012
8:27 am
If this coach were Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist or *shudder* Muslim and doing all the same things but substitutiing his religious beliefs for Christianity, I wonder how much support he’d be getting?
“Freedom of religion” gets all kinds of support…..as long as it’s the “right” religion.
Lots of folks commenting here need to take a class in constitutional law.
Titus carter
August 24th, 2012
8:34 am
Why is it that those who do not belive in God are so afraid of him, _ don’t belive in the tooth fairy but I don’t get bent out of shape at those who do.
Katie
August 24th, 2012
8:41 am
I used to feel uncomfortable in school when we had to say a prayer before preforming in the half-time show. It sounds like he is a good coach and a lot of his students like him; he just needs to tone down the religion and focus on what he is there to do, teach and coach.
concerned
August 24th, 2012
9:08 am
@ Tom
You are probably right. If the coach’s faith was not Christianity he probably wouldn’t be getting much support. I bet that has to do with the fact that the community is predominantly of the Christian faith.
While I have not been a part of any of the team’s prayers, practices, meals, etc. I would bet that if a parent voiced to the coach that they were of a different faith and did not want their child to participate in those events they wouldn’t be forced to.
Nevertheless, when I was teaching and coaching I was surrounded by children and adults without any sort of faith and their lives were filled with turmoil and chaos. I’m am personally glad that the coach is trying to share Jesus with the community I bet the town and school are better places because of that.
Chris
August 24th, 2012
9:08 am
God is great and he should be included in our children’s lives. I don’t give a rat’s hole what religion you practice, at least allow the concept of God into our kid’s lives. I mean seriously people, look at the youth today… A bunch of lost selfish pricks that have no God influence and parents that don’t take the time to raise them properly. Let the man express what his life lessons have taught him while instilling some good in our children. Find something else to whine about you so-called Freedom-F’ers, I’m sure there are other aspects of people’s live you are just dying to control. Sad thing is, non-profit means our tax dollars are paying these worthless souls to do their damage to our country.
Joseph Smith
August 24th, 2012
9:22 am
What everyone is missing here is this part of the complaint:
–Taking the team to a Mormon church and afterwards making fun on the religion within the proximity of Mormon players.
I’d bet the farm this is where the complaint stemmed from. Football teams will keep praying before games like they always have, but when the coach openly makes fun of the religion of some players he will get in trouble like this.
In other words: Chill y’all!
bucket
August 24th, 2012
10:01 am
Shouldn’t the headline be “Anti-religious freedom group”? It’s the exercise of freedom of religion that is being protested by a group that wants freedom from religion. Not the other way around.
Cap
August 24th, 2012
10:30 am
I am a born again christian, not religious. I hate that word. I am sure there are many “religious” people that will not spend eternity with Jesus. A pator I respect would told me that when he gets to Heaven, ther wil be Baptists, Methodists, Church of God, Church of God, maybe some Muslims. He also said in hell wil be Baptista, Methodists, Muslims, etc. It is what is in your Heart, not what you outwardly express. It is up to the individual tp decide, not what group you are in. A person raised in afaith may inwardly accept Christ but keep it to themselves to avoid perseccusion.
It is simple, The two things Jesus said were to love God and others as yourself. If all did that, the world would be a much better place.
I agree that the coach has crosed a line, but with all things, what are his motives? Only he can answer
that?
Lastly, most that do not want to hear about Jesus and the free pardon of sin is that it makes them uncomfortable as it makes them question their own salvation and beliefs. Its called conviction. If they can avoid hearing and seeing it, It is less likely to be on their mind. I know, I was one of those people.
1bighammer
August 24th, 2012
11:12 am
The Facebook page titled “Support Coach Mariakis” is up to 5137 likes….
Insider Inciter
August 24th, 2012
12:38 pm
This is a surprising mix of issues with a very disturbing twist. This coach is asking for religious freedom to pray and introduce religion into his football team, but then goes to a Mormon church and ridicules them! This man is clearly wanting to exercise his religious freedoms, while using his position as a “teacher” in the school system to ridicule another faith and promote his own. I think if his congregation that he belongs to has any integrity at all they will take him aside and censure him. If we are to maintain religious freedom in this country, there must be respect for the diversity of faith that exists here. Does he really think that people will change their beliefs and embrace what he believes because he ridicules them? There will always be doctrinal differences, but if we lose respect and freedom for one faith it is lost for all. I cannot see how one faith can standby and watch the persecution or ridicule of another and then whine about losing their freedoms. They bring it on themselves by giving ammunition to the enemy.
We must hang together or surely we will hang separately.
Cap
August 24th, 2012
1:54 pm
Sorry for all the typos. My fingers are to big.
dilberth
August 24th, 2012
4:18 pm
I just checked the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s website and found that they have a support program for clergy members who have lost their faith and want to return to secular life. The Richard Dawkins Foundation among others, helps to transition those clergy who cannot continue to lie to their parishioners any longer about their eternal soul. That’s great. We need more of the truth to come out instead of hearing the lies from the pulpit. I am going to join FFRF pronto.
Atheists Target Football Coach for Letting Churches Feed H.S. Football Team | Mobile Atheist
August 25th, 2012
3:06 pm
[...] to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, on August 21 the FFRF sent a letter to the superintendent of the Walker County school district [...]
V. Howington, Jr.
August 26th, 2012
3:56 pm
I am completely on board with the approach the head coach at Walker County High School is using to reach young people. Coach Mariakis you have my support, prayers and the prayers of our church. Keep up the good work! I am praying that God will slam the door shut on this and you will continue to use the resources that God gives you to coach and teach the students at Walker County. Don’t give up, Don’t given in, Just Give All!
pat
August 27th, 2012
1:13 pm
When I was a gradeschool student in the 1960’s I used to mumble the phrase “under God” because I was raised by ahteists and I just thought the idea of a room full of people basically saying they all acknowledge the supernatural was silly. One time the teacher told us about Greek mythology and all the ancient concepts for gods they believed existed. I thought that was so cool until the teacher said “of course, now, we all believe in one god.” School sucks.
Bob
August 28th, 2012
5:48 am
If the coach were taking the kids to a Pagan church or Pagan activities, there most certainly be an outcry about it and by Christians whining about it being forced onto their children. The first amendment does state the separation of church and state and should this not be enforced, the school board may very well face a lawsuit, and I will personally contribute for that to happen. If you want your kids to learn about your religion take them to church. School is not the place to force your religious views onto anyone.
A Back-to-School Fight Over the Right to Classroom Prayer | ACROSS THE FADER – ORG
August 30th, 2012
9:37 am
[...] Georgia, a group called the Freedom from Religion Foundation has charged that a Georgia high school football coach has been holding pre-game meals in a local church, where [...]
JagNationBlue&Black
August 31st, 2012
2:21 am
what is so crazy to me is how can you say something is false but then use the book which you say is a fairytale to give your reasons to why people should not pray … confused
N Chupp
September 8th, 2012
7:55 am
About time someone fought back against FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation).
I hope it spreads across America. The FFRC is trying to strip America of the part of the First Amendment that says…”or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” FIGHT WITH T-SHIRTS!
icons downloads
October 3rd, 2012
6:00 am
Radically the incorrect information