I think L.C. and PF have it basically right in this thread.  It seems clear that some of you believe more in freedom from religion than freedom of religion.  The hatred of anything religious, particularly Christian, seems almost palatable at times.  Can't we all just get along? 

Edit: I'm not a fan of JF either.  In fact, I had a rather unpleasant experience once with Liberty University.  However, I don't hate either the university or its founder.

Interesting point, Putnam, You have never made any statement that causes me to know what your beliefs are. You could be anything, for all I know. I do know that you respect free speech, however. That much is clear. I also made the same inference for the same reason. Had BL limited his criticism to the founder without extending it more broadly, I wouldn't have felt the same way.

Religious types tend to feel persecuted and non-religious types tend to feel the religious types are trying to push their beliefs on them. Neither side does a good job recognizing their own bias and fault.

It's the same as recognizing that SEC schools didn't allow black folks to attend until 130 years after we graduated our first African-American alumnus.

That is a flaw that is part of the character of their universities and one they must accept when we remind them of it.

Can't disagree with that.  Some of the neo-Confederates need to be reminded of this on a regular basis because they have a real selective memory of their "Confederate Heritage." 

You could probably hijack this thread and turn it into a discussion of Korea. Any thoughts on the subject?

Well, we had the train fired up for a one way run to Krasnovarsk, but you folks have done such a good job of policing yourselves and keeping things in order that the trip has been temporarily cancelled. 

 

Puke.

Yes, that is not correct. In Christianity there is indeed a missionary responsibility, but that is not a need to "convert the non-believers". It is not possible to convert someone to Christianity any more than you can convert lead to gold. All Christians can do is to make sure people are aware of our views. Those that choose to can accept it, while those that do not accept it are free to reject it, as you have done. You are aware of the choice, and you have made your choice. The same holds true in reverse. I am aware of your views, and I have made my choice. I respect your right to make the choice you have made, and I only wish the same in return.

With respect to Islam, their missionary orders are somewhat different. It is good news for both of us that most modern Islam sects no longer adhere to the original perspective that non-believers were to either convert, or die.

The bottom line is that I think that the more we understand about each others views, the less likely we are to have hostile confrontations over religions. I have friends that are from many different religions, and we always have respectful discussions when the subject comes up.

With regards to Tebow, I wouldn't do the things that he does, but I don't begrudge him the right to follow his own religious views the way he sees fit to do so. I do admit that I suspect that if he were a Moslem, and instead was visibly praying towards Mecca, people like Bill Maher wouldn't say a word.

While Mr. Love's statement may be seen as over the top (personally agree with the tone on this one, but whatever), more interesting will be Burke's comment.  Administration may be the least of his hurdles.  Large boosters are probably on board because he can help elevate them.  General fans and students/parents may be an issue.  Being in the Bible Belt I have direct contact with a number of folks with connections to Liberty,  My direct neighbor no problem with the interracial marriage.  Others I know would be quite disturbed based on comments they have made previously.  We'll see.  At $500,000 per year he at least has that going for him. 

the SNL skit on Tebow is spot on to this point.

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/tebow/1374394

You might be right, but it is sad if you are.

It's interesting the way you lump those four together.  They are not likely to view such a thing in the same way.  Conservatives are not totally monolithic -- liberals aren't either.  If I had to guess, I would say that Bill would probably point it out as good thing and an example of American diversity.  Rush might make some joke about it and say, sarcastically, that Muslims were taking over the NFL.  Sean would probably not make fun of it either, but he might use an NFL praying Muslim as a springboard to attack President Obama in some strange way.  Glenn would probably best fit your stereotype and might do "a reverse Maher" of some sort.  Greta, who you didn't mention, would probably have the player on her show for an in-depth interview on religion and sports.  It would probably be sandwiched in between boring interviews with Donald Trump, whom she seems to be in love with.