Jay Bookman

By demwit

October 21, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

It’s not that they’re protesting an inexperienced girl’s presence in the game as much as their protesting the coach’s irresponsible decision of letting a girl play in the game..

Sound familiar??

By Fly_on_the_Wall

October 21, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

I agree groups have a freedom of choice but I disagree when it comes to discrimination - in any form. I could go on and on about how we should be better than this but I know it won’t help.

By Doggone/GA

October 21, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

“as much as their protesting the coach’s irresponsible decision “

Why was is “irresponsible”?

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Jay

I agree with you totally on this one.

But enough about the frivolity of football - a game………

How about real life issues !

Let’s have a blog on how Muslims treat their young girls and women right here in Georgia !

I really have some opinions I would like to express on that matter. I’m primed.

Are you game?

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

P.S.

Your are correct again. The Romans 1:26 verse has to do with lesbianism - not football ………. :o)

By E

October 21, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Yay Kacy!

This is totally ridiculous. It makes me furious when people twist the Bible around to make it mean what they want it to.

If these teams refuse to play New Creation, then they shouldn’t be allowed to play at all.

By tcoach

October 21, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I do not agree with the actions and reasons given by the two other teams for not competing. With that said, how many of you played football and are aware of the level of intensity it takes to not only be sucessful but also to remain safe. With that said we live in a culture were violent crime offenses are given differing sentances depending on gender. Also there is a bias in court cases of violence of a woman against a man. With the man being found guilty at a much higher rate.
That said it is fair to asses that as a society there have been certain gender rules. Such as a man does not under any circumstance hit a woman, those who do are scolded much worse than those who hit another man.
So there is a possibility that the male players from the other schools had expressed concerns about possibly having to hit or tackle a female. This is a hazard, because if the boys are not playing at full speed then they run the risk of an opposing player hitting them real hard and possibly causing injury. I am aware she is a kicker and not involved in many collisions, however has her coach came out and said they will not be running any fakes or such? Therefor there is the chance of collision and contact. This is a tough subject because women should never under any circumstance not be allowed to participate in sports. There should also be consideration for the opposing players who may not be comfortable hitting and tackling a girl, and doing the normal in game gamenship. For those who have never played in a highly competitive football game funny things happen in piles and that could cause issues of its own. The coach blew it though trying to blame it on the bible.

That said what type of journalistic ethics is it agaign where if you do not know you make it up. Have some honor if you do not know what verse was used do not try to figure out, it only leads to people being misled and acts like there is a possible verse that could be used. Shameless again Jim

By thefisherman

October 21, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

It’s always best to do your own research when confronted by Biblical people. I certainly see Romans differently..

Romans 14: 10: But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11: For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12: So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13: Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14: I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

By Pragmatic

October 21, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Why not let men play women sports then ? Never could figure out why professional women tennis players feel they deserve equal pay for inferior play. Wanna be equal ? Lets all get on the field of play regardless of gender and let the chips fall. The typical double standard.

By tcoach

October 21, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Another point were is the outrage of Boys not being allowed to cheer. Discrimination is discrimination no matter who it is against. This was just an attempt to make it known that there are christian fanatics. However our gracious author forgot to mention any related stories about how it happened at a PUBLIC middle school but not religious nut jobs were involved so it was not an opportunity to make religion look bad. Just once try, try and be actually fair and not just whinning and sticking up for one side and not the other. Show some equality.

By Jen

October 21, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

tcoach, let’s be fair. Jay isn’t the guy to bring this to the media. It’s on the national media, too. At least it was this morning…

AND, Jay made a point to say it’s a gross generalization to label Christians with anything in regards to this. He wanted to point out how people use religious works of fiction, like the Bible, Koran, or Torah, as a means to justify some insidious ends.

And yes, I said works of fiction.

By Mike

October 21, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I’ve actually got to give the AJC some credit. They are one of the very, very few mainstream media outlets covering Biden’s gaffe as prominently as they cover Palin’s.

By Jen

October 21, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Mike, what gaffe dost thou speak of?

By Nothing Up My Sleeve

October 21, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Do these same war-mongering Bible thumpers get up and rant against sending Christian women soldiers marching off to conquer foreign lands in order to further enforce their faux leader’s folie de grandeur. Or do they limit enlistment strictly to non-Christian women — the sacrificial lambs. Terrorists use similar perversions of the gospel in order to recruit their following. These are truly some sick people.

By T

October 21, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

This is a tricky one. I will problably sound like a jerk, but oh well. I think she is ok at kicker. I don’t think she should run with the ball or anything of that nature. If she wanted to play line backer then that would be ludacris. Double standard, I know.

Same thing with women in the infantry. Not a good idea.

By Jen

October 21, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

T,

Sorry, but the word is ludicrous. Ludacris is a person.

Just a nit-pick of mine…

Along with “used of” instead of “used to”.

“For all intensive purposes” instead of “For all intents and purposes”.

One I heard here…”I minus well” instead of “I might as well”.

And my every favorite….declaring Obama to be half-Muslin. Oh, the HORROR! A President who will be half cloth and half human!

Actually, that would be rather scary….

But I like to think of Obama as dupioni silk.

By mike hussein smith

October 21, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Hmm, isn’t the mixing of two materials — say, cloth and flesh — outlawed in Leviticus? Good points, Jen.

If the wimp boys refuse to play by league rules, they should be penalized according to league rules. Rack up a loss for each of them.

By T

October 21, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Jen

That’s ok. I can’t spell. I also tend to wreck the English language.

Someone told me that they would never vote for someone who’s name was Hussien. I thought that was interesting and sad.

By tcoach

October 21, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Jen the fact that you call the bible and other religous books fiction bothers me none. You can think as you wish. However given past history and the tone this sounds like an attempt by the author with the exception of the sentance you mentioned. All he is saying that it is a story of scripture being abused then tell me how by guessing what verse was he doing anything other than abusing scripture and his claim to being a journalist. Read my post it was saying that the story does not show misuse of scripture it show how unwilling people are to admit that discrimination happens in all forms not just against minorities. Also judging by your response you make it rather clear you are one of those people. You made no mention of the boy who was not allowed to cheer. The media made no story of it either, why. Because it is now only a story and only discrimination if it is against a minority or a female. Do you think it is a good idea for people to report their guesses as fact and that is the implication of. The author has no degree or specialty in biblical study so why make an attempt at guessing which verse. It is not the job of anyone in the media to make the news, they are to report it and at worst elaborate upon it, not make guesses.

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Fundamentalists usually cite the Apostle Paul’s letters as definitive on Christian beliefs which I think is absurd.

Paul was an interesting character (Apostle, not blogger, although, our Paul is pretty interesting too), he was writing to specific churches which had vast cultural differences, which is why you see so many contradictions in his writings. He was trying to get Christ’s message to all people in the region, and had to tweak his tone to suit the people in order to convert.

Which is why I’ve always thought Paul was the perfect politician - say whatever to get the vote.

But what irritates me about many fundamentalists and Christians in general, is when they quote verses to prove their point, they are quoting either from the Old Testament or from Paul’s letters, which as far as I’m concerned didn’t come from the main man (Jesus Christ).

In Paul’s case they are his interpretations of Christ’s teachings from the very earliest of the radical concept against Judaism.

In the Old Testament, it is Jewish law, which doesn’t apply to me since I’m not Jewish.

And I agree with Jen, the Bible is a great read when you have insomnia, but it is a book of fiction, and like any book or work of art should be interpreted on a personal level. Certainly you are free to give your interpretive opinion, but it’s just that opinion.

I’m reading the book “Wicked” right now because we are going to see the play/musical, and I certainly wouldn’t give as canon the fact that Animals have souls (although I think they do), or that the Wicked Witch of the West was actually a good person.

By getalife

October 21, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Just another example of why wingnuts should secede to Alaska with their queen palin.

Kooks.

By Mrs. Godzilla

October 21, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Bosch….

I have been reading Wicked for way too long….are you finding it hard to get through?

I’ve put it aside a couple times and keep going back to it, but it’s slooooow going for me.

By Citizen of the World

October 21, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

tcoach @2:13, Jay Bookman is not a reporter, he’s a columnist; therefore, it is precisely his job to elaborate on the news. If you don’t want opinion, read news stories. Oh, but wait. Those also contain quotes, which is, well, people opining on whatever has transpired, whether as an interested party or an observer, objective or otherwise. So you’re just out of luck. You’ll never be able to get away from hearing what other people think. I guess you’ll just have to weigh all the various opinions and then decide what you think.

Just curious — if the media made no story of the boy who was not allowed to cheer, how did you find out about it?

By Bookman's Got us Again

October 21, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Thanks for providing yet another blog in which bloggers can (attempt to) invalidate Christianity, The Bible, believers, etc.

It’d be great to go a day on ajc.com without seeing such stuff. Yesterday, Jim Galloway did the honors. Cynthia Tucker must be scheduled for tomorrow’s duties.

What a great public service.

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Mrs. G.,

Yes, I think it’s just some of the words MacGuire uses aren’t common or made-up, and I find myself stopping and thinking about particular words, and I don’t know if they are made up words, or just words I’m not familiar with. Without looking him up, is he English by any chance? Do you know?

That Wicked Witch of the West was a pretty sexy thing in the old Emerald City, huh? Meow!

By Jen

October 21, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

tcoach,

I didn’t hear about the boy who was not allowed to cheer. That’s just as bad…and double silly since boys have been cheering for decades now. My brother, not large enough to play college football yet wanting something to keep up his strength, did college cheerleading. Lifting 120lb women up in the air, etc, actually caused him to bulk up. And gave him a scholarship.

I am having trouble following your argument due to the lack of formatting in your text. Makes my eyes skip lines.

But I will try.

You say it sounds like an attempt by the author with the exception of the sentence…to do what? He clearly is trying to make the point that people use religious texts as a way to unilaterally enforce some idea of a social more. This is no mystery. I don’t know a religion exempt from this human fallacy. But then again, religion is a human construct which attempts to understand spirituality so we shouldn’t be surprised.

I don’t understand your point about Jay guessing at which verse. He has a perconception that these verse-users didn’t think girls should play football because these girls were not boys, something that wouldn’t be a stretch. In other words, girls trying to do something they shouldn’t. As though there are things girls should not do due to their nature of being girls. So he then went to Romans to find a verse that fit that preconception. That’s okay.

You say, “Read my post it was saying that the story does not show misuse of scripture it show how unwilling people are to admit that discrimination happens in all forms not just against minorities.”

So, you don’t believe it’s a misuse of scripture but you do believe that discrimination was occurring? Does this mean you believe that scripture contains discrimination and therefore discrimination is okay? OR, are you saying that since discrimination happens in “all forms” we should just stop whining about it and put up with it?

I am mind-boggled at the possibilities here.

And now I understand the ENTIRE gist of your post. It lies here: The media made no story of it either, why. Because it is now only a story and only discrimination if it is against a minority or a female.

You’re disgruntled because when non-minority males are discriminated no one cares.

Now, I understand.

You’re right. No one cares but whiney non-minority males, who are generally viewed as giant babies. Emphasis on the whiney part. Jay is a non-minority male and he’s not whining about being discriminated against so he’s not a giant baby.

This argument reminds me of the time my brother tried to kick me and I blocked his kick with a chop block I learned in karate…back when I was 12. Frustrated, my brother ran to our mother and told her I’d punched him in the foot.

As to this point: “The author has no degree or specialty in biblical study so why make an attempt at guessing which verse.”

Who cares? Nobody on this blog besides me is a statistician yet everyone discusses polls. It’s called perogative.

Lastly, there’s this: “It is not the job of anyone in the media to make the news, they are to report it and at worst elaborate upon it, not make guesses.”

As this is a blog, ie, web log, it is not under the same rules as journalism. A blog is like a public diary. And in many cases a public diarrhea.

So, Jay can say whatever he wants here.

However, Jay is also an opinion columnist. Note the word “opinion”. Some people might even say it’s like a guess.

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Bookman’s Got us Again,

Christianity is valid, no one argues that, what we argue is that it’s open for interpretation and not the final word on all things right and wrong.

By tcoach

October 21, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Actually citizen a elborate and make up are two different things. But I will play along. If this was an issue and he was concerned for the girl why no mention when she was kicked out of league the first time. That as far as one can tell had nothing to do with religion. That’s right did nto fit in his agenda to discredit christianity. He is as radical against christians as the move vile and disgusting radical christian alive.
But you have taken a very small piece of my original argument, a side point not even the actual subject, to counter because the actual subject is not what you all prefer to hear. This is not an issue of religion or sex. My point is why does it not work the other way, why can you only be discriminated against if you are a female or a minority?

By Rick

October 21, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

I have always been amazed with the double standard. I served in the military at a time when women were being allowed to serve on ships and in different rolls. Male and females are not the same animal. Yes we are both human, but it ends there, we have different skeletons, different muscle groups. We think differently. Our brains function differently. I agree with equal job for equal pay but you better do the same job. I do not believe that they should have different physical standards. You want the same money do the same job. Pass the same requirements. I do not like the fact that some women want equal pay and respect but want lower standards. Now, I have seen women who can match a guy stroke for stoke but they are far and few between.

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

tcoach,

“He is as radical against christians as the move vile and disgusting radical christian alive”

That’s a pretty confusing yet harsh accusation.

I haven’t read all the posts here, but to interject my opinion regarding your last question - everyone is discriminated against in some form, and we all have prejudices.

By Shawnie

October 21, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Similar to the Christian bookstores that removed the magazines with the women ministers, I am glad that these stories are getting out there.

And it’s so funny how some posters are trying to compare this story to poor treatment of Muslim women in some parts of some countries. So, that means its ok?

Because we don’t require our women to wear Burqas, it’s ok that we still discriminate them based on scripture?

What’s the message to girls there?

“Just be glad you don’t live in some remote mountainside village in Afghanistan!

Now go back to playing with your pom poms and shaking your behind for all the boys”.

By the way - does this mean its ok to have a woman lead an Army? As Sarah Palin would do if she became Pres? Genuinely curious. I don’t know the bible verbatim as some of y’all do.

By tcoach

October 21, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Jen in what way possible could you know if it was or was not a misuse of scripture if you do not know what verse was used?

When you say that since Jay is white and male my argument does not have validity. Strange never said you had to be a certain race to accuse of discrimination. Do you argue that in our society the only group of people not allowed by the media and courts(for the most part) do not allow discrimination to be claimed by white males. If someone is brave enough then they are discredited for whatever can be found.

This was not an introduction into a blog about sexism or her right to play it was nothing more than the author’s attempt to open the door for bashing religion. Because it is his assertion that if any can cost Obama the election it is the christian right and he is trying to discredit them. I was meerly calling the author out on his coy trick. Because he obviously did not have anything to say when the girl was kicked out of the league for non-religious reasons.

By tcoach

October 21, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Bosch, You are correct but it is taboo to speak about and there is never any media and rarely any judical consequences. Why is it okay or swept unsder the rug when it happens to white males?

If you are outraged or even angered by discrimination based or race, religion, gender, or sexual preferance there should be the same outrage in all of its forms not just those that fit one political cause or view.

Am I wrong in saying that? If not why are there not more mentions of it.

By Taxpayer

October 21, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Is this why Sarah can’t come out and play?

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

To Mike Hussein Smith

Now Mike, I have told you several times now about the difference between the “ceremonial law” and the eternal “moral law” but you keep your head in the sand. No excuse this time. You have failed Sunday School class !

To Bosch

You like to pick on Paul? What about what Peter says about Paul ?

II Peter 3:16

16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

To et al

So nobody wants to pick up on the Muslim thing huh? It’s o.k. to pick on those Christians. Sure, it’s a little odd for some Christians to not want a girl playing tackle football, or believing in male pastors only. But let’s make fun of them. All they will do is be offended a little, or maybe even post something on this blog.

But let’s not mess with the Muslims, many of whom WON’T LET THEIR DAUGHTERS PLAY ANY SPORT!

And we know why we don’t mess with them ……. don’t we ………. hummmmm ……….?

WAKE UP AMERICA !

By Morningstar

October 21, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

By E October 21, 2008 1:02 PM This is totally ridiculous. It makes me furious when people twist the Bible around to make it mean what they want it to.

Yes, this is totally rediculous. As a Christain, I have always been amazed at how the Bible is used to discriminate.

SO CALLED Christains used the Bible to advocate and promote slavery. They have, since the beginning, used the Bible to demean and control the lives of women. We have our ROLES. We must simply accept that “God placed us there.” OK, no smarty alec remarks.

We are all somewhere, whether God placed us there, or we’re a victim of circumstance. The lack of compassion, and the desire to downgrade others based on gender, race etc. exhibits, in my personal opinion, a LACK OF CLASS, and a total lack of GOOD BREEDING.

By anon

October 21, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

It is exciting to see that some of you are actually reading the scriptures or at least the book of Romans. Try reading the entire Bible and see if it will help you to zero in on what scripture was used.

By Citizen of the World

October 21, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

tcoach @ 2:53, Jay is commenting on a specific news story. When you write an opinion column or blog, you focus on a particular event or idea. You are under no obligation to cover any and all aspects of discrimination — that is subject matter for a book, or perhaps one of those really long New Yorker articles.

For you to take Jay to task for not addressing other instances of discrimination is disingenuous. If you want to make the point yourself that men white males are discriminated against, too, fine. No problem. But don’t use the fact that Jay is commenting about female discrimination as proof that other types of discrimination are ignored. It doesn’t follow.

I don’t think Jay or anyone else disputes that non-females/minorities can and are discriminated against, but that tends to happen in situations where white males don’t hold the power — and for the most part, those situations are rare.

The other element to this story — using the Bible to selectively discriminate against women, minorities, people of other faiths, homosexuals, etc., — well, that’s been going on for centuries. No denying it.

By Peadawg

October 21, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

This is just like the story ESPN ran last week about the girl playing with (and beating) the boys in basketball and the other team’s parent’s didn’t like it. Let the girl kick field goals for crying out loud!

By Mad As Zell

October 21, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

If “girls” were truly kept in their place then LIBERALS wouldn’t ever be allowed outside. That 14-year old girl probably has more guts, honor and courage in her little pinky toe than the entire DemocRAT Party has in their “collective” base. Let the “girl” play and ban the “girls” (liberals).

By Taxpayer

October 21, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

There goes Grunt Corporal again. Just talking about the the men, Peter and Paul. Why must you leave out Mary. Where would anyone be today without Mary.

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

tcoach@3:11,

No, of course, I don’t think it’s wrong for you to say that.

In this country, however, you very rarely see white males being discriminated against simply because they are white males. Now, they may be discriminated against for some other factor (homosexuality, Jewish, Catholic, going to UGA instead of Georgia Tech, being fat, being effeminate, etc.) - but all things being equal, and if you look at the reasons why people are discriminated against, simply being a white male would be very low on the list of those discriminated against (again, based exclusively on race and gender being the mitigating factor for the discrimination).

Is it wrong for other groups/people to discriminate? Certainly.

By Morningstar

October 21, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

By Citizen of the World October 21, 2008 3:17 PM The other element to this story — using the Bible to selectively discriminate against women, minorities, people of other faiths, homosexuals, etc., — well, that’s been going on for centuries. No denying it.

YES, it has. I’m a Christain who has little sympathy for those who downgrade others, based on race, gender ……..

We make mistakes; all of us. “OUR FEET ARE MADE OF CLAY.” It seems we never learn. We never learn from wars of the past, and we never learn from history. It’s most disgusting.

I suppose I’m most disgusted with those who have NO HEART. Enough said. I’m off to prepare dinner for my nice husband, and feed two really great doggies.

By Citizen of the World

October 21, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Hey Mad As Zell @3:18 — Who pulled your string?

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

To Morningstar, Taxpayer & Citizen of the World

“I Timothy 4:3** “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

Are you scratching?

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Corporal,

Peter and Paul didn’t like each other very much from what I’ve read.

Peter interpreted Jesus’ message as a salvation for Jews only, Paul interpreted Jesus’ message as salvation for all (even the Gentiles). Peter didn’t like that too much. And to be honest, I’ve never thought of Peter as being all that bright.

By AmVet

October 21, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Thanks for providing yet another blog in which bloggers can (attempt to) invalidate Christianity, The Bible, believers, etc.

Actually it is a long standing American tradition among free men and free thinkers.

Thomas Jefferson rejected the superstitions and mysticism of Christianity and even went so far as to edit the gospels, removing the miracles and mysticism of Jesus (see The Jefferson Bible) leaving only what he deemed the correct moral philosophy of Jesus.

To wit:

“The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus by the Supreme Being in the womb of a virgin, will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter.” ~Thomas Jefferson in a letter to John Adams (4/11/1823)

And even more significantly:

“Christianity neither is, nor ever was a part of the common law.” ~Thomas Jefferson, letter to Dr. Thomas Cooper, February 10, 1814

By JEM

October 21, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Hey JEN, it’s Muslim, not Mulin.

By Rick

October 21, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

yeah , lets talk about Mary, who believes the virgin birth line? Talk about a line you can only use one time. She steps out on poor Joe and then comes up with the virgin birth idea, what a sap.

By @@

October 21, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

But the story does illustrate how easily Scripture can be abused by those seeking justification for their own narrow personal beliefs.

I’ll agree with you on this one jay. In all fairness to the other side, there is a verse that refers to women as rare jewels to be cherished.

Kacy’s jewels aren’t at risk on the field.

I’m thinking about the many times I’ve seen a guy’s jewels exposed to the onrush while his leg is extended. I’m guessin’ I should insert an OUCH! but what do I know?

The opposing team may have seen Kacy as posing an unfair disadvantage to them. Aggressively attacking females on the field was probably something they would choose to avoid.

I played second base (2 years) on an all male little league team. When they wanted to move me to catcher, my Dad intervened. I was disappointed — I was into layering back then. And throwing off that mask to catch a foul ball? Man! that looked so cool to me.

Oh well……..went onto girls softball (ugh) and volleyball (yeah). Where one door closes, another is opened.

By ron

October 21, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

In the Muslim world they use the Koran to keep women in their place,why not use the Bible in the Christian world,After all, a big part of both religions is based on suppressing women.

That said,I raised a daughter and I certainly would not have wanted her playing football with the boys.There’s just too much chance of being injured for life merely to prove a point.This young lady wants to wake up.She’s 14 now and probably as physically equeal as she’s ever going to be.The boys are going to quickly surpass her in weight and strength to the point where serious injury is a certainty.

By RealityKing

October 21, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Meanwhile…, out in the real world where liberal journalists totally ignore, if not vocally object to helping others…

Woman: ‘They wanted to destroy my body and spirit’ http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/15/congo.women/index.html

By Ben Onhold

October 21, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

That Timothy, what a card!

Of course this was before he discovered the homosex, and turned tricks ‘til the day they slapped him in the tomb. He, too, had the itch.

Bad.

See, two thousand years later and we can still make sh!t up.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

To Bosch

You’re close but here’s the real scoop.

It’s true that Paul was an intellectual and Peter was a common fisherman.

However, both believed that salvation through Christ was for Jews and Gentiles. Their only difference came about when Peter sided with some Jewish Christians who believed you were also supposed to continue keeping the O.T. ceremonial laws, etc. after believing in Christ.

Paul taught (and I do also based on an easy understanding of scripture on this subject) that Christ freed Jews and Gentiles from all of that.

No more works…….just grace.

By RealityKing

October 21, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Or.., how about right here in Atlanta. Any chance the liberal AJC will setup a donation for Quishanna Loynes 3 children?? Talk is cheap..

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2008/10/20/dekalbmomshot.html?cxntlid=homepagetabnewstab

By DeDe

October 21, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I am speechless….I am still suprised when I read such stories. I am sure Kacy realized what she was getting into when she chose to play football. Why are so many people against it. If she is talented why not let her play. There is nothing Biblical about it. Suck it up bible thumpers. Or is it the other teams are afraid she will show their “boy’s” up. You people are the very reason my family does not follow organized religion. We practice our faith at home and every day. You on the other hand are not with these chicken reasons against a female football player.

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

ron,

“In the Muslim world they use the Koran to keep women in their place,why not use the Bible in the Christian world,After all, a big part of both religions is based on suppressing women”

I saw an interview with Queen Rania or Jordan this weekend (meow!). She said the exact opposite of what you wrote ^^^^^ - and I don’t know but I’ll take her word since she is a Muslim woman.

Her view is that it’s the fundamentalist interpretation of the Koran’s teachings that is the problem, not the religion itself, just like Christianity’s fundies.

And I don’t think a big part of either religion is to suppress women. Religion is used by humans to explain things we don’t understand like death and what happens afterwards because who really wants to think of ourselves as becoming worm food, or our loved ones who’ve passed on rotting in the ground.

It also helps us to give meaning to our reality. Some can gather the meaning of their own lives without religion.

By Taxpayer

October 21, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Grunt Corporal, have you always been an idiot or was it an acquired thing.

By Donald

October 21, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

And it is natural for a male to use his foot to kick a ball? Where in nature is that exhibited?

By Dusty

October 21, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t like football for men or women, boys or girls. Why get your bones cracked for nothing?

As to girls playing football, let them work it out with the team and the church. Seems they have.

I can only guess but I doubt that there are more than a few thousand fundamentalist churches in the whole USA. So they are held up as the ethic of ALL Christian churches in America. I think someone is looking for something to criticize, something they do not like themselves.

Perhaps Mr. Bookman would tell us if the Unitarian Universalists church has any standards they care to uphold. And the rest of you INTERESTED parties who probably do not go to ANY church, go and listen before you criticize.

Christians would love to have you came even if you play football in a skirt or baseball in a mumua. You are welcomed as a human being who is beloved by God.

By @@

October 21, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Pardon my interrupting your thought. It’s often been said that Paul, the Apostle was the mortar for Peter’s “Rock” but it was Peter to whom Christ gave collective charges to the apostles such as “Feed my sheep”.

Not only was it Paul who wanted to leave converts as free as possible from the old Jewish Law; Peter too sought to ease the requirements and bridge the threatening gap between Jewish and Gentile Christians.

They all had something to offer — even Judas.

By Donald

October 21, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

And it is natural for a male to use his foot to kick a ball? Where in nature is that exhibited?

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Corporal,

You think I’m close, but still wrong? As if you are somehow right and I have no intellectual capabilities to interpret things for myself?

I interpret Peter in a different way, believe me, I’ve thought long and hard about it, and I have a different interpretation.

Right and wrong is for math, not religion.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

To DeDe

Heb. 10:25

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

By TheGeorgiaKid

October 21, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

To “The Corporal” , you are primed to discuss Muslim faith? Have you ever read the Quran? Have you ever practiced Islam? If you say no to either question, then what, may I ask, makes you an expert on Muslims and Islam? To “ron”, since when is suppressing women a big part of Christianity? Have you ever read the Bible or practiced Christianity? My point is this, let’s not make blanket statements(which are usually quite ignorant), and baseless assumptions about people or things we don’t understand.
If the girl can play, which from the youtube video, she obviously can, then what’s the problem?

By @@

October 21, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

You people are the very reason my family does not follow organized religion.

DeDe:

I seriously doubt that. Sounds like you have other reasons you choose not to reveal.

Based on what I’ve read here, those who consider themselves among the faithful are singing “Put her in Coach….she’s ready to play today….ay”

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

To Bosch

I Timothy 4:3

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

Are you scratching?

Have it your way but take it up with the Editor. I’m jsut the paperboy.

By @@

October 21, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Donald:

It’s competition that’s natural in all of us.

Think courtship.

By Ben Onhold

October 21, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Bosch, for the mouthful at 4:02.

As my pastor says often just after a sacred moment in song or testimony:

“You know, sometimes you just need to say ‘Amen’ and go home.”

By Shawn

October 21, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

To The Corporal, (Loving that bold function, aren’t ya?)

No one says we can’t discuss, investigate and (hopefully) prosecute what radical Muslims do to their women. In fact, its a favorite cause of Liberal women, like myself.

But besides being a little irrelevant - how on earth do their actions validate what happens in the name of the bible here in Georgia, USA?

That seems like the kind of logic and lack of diplomacy that got this country into the mess its in right now.

And don’t you see??? Religious extremism of any kind to deprive anyone of their rights or dignity is embarrassing to the state of Georgia. Whether its a Muslim honor killing or an entire football team protesting a little girl playing kicker. (oooooh, scary!)

BTW - girl kickers are not something totally new! Besides being the safest position in football, girls have been doing it all across the US for years.

Anyone else play girls’ soccer? Being a kicker is not nearly as as violent and painful as girl’s soccer!!!

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

To Taxpayer

I know you don’t understand this but your words are music to my ears ……

John 15:20

“Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

By Jack

October 21, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

I’ve read the Bible and guess what? The Bible does not address the issue of American girls playing American football with American boys. I think my church will start a mixed men & women’s football team. We already have a mixed softball team. How about that?

By Bosch

October 21, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Ben Onhold,

Your pastor seems like a smart guy. :-)

Off to the other thread. Much more fun topic.

By Football MOM

October 21, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

For all of you that have opened up your minds so much that you have let your brains fall out… let me remind you that football is a CONTACT sport. The mother of this so called “girl football player” loves lawyers, lawsuits and the spotlight, (that is why she has been making a spectical of herself and her poor little girl), so let one of our big 200lb boys “hit her” as the mom was quoted as saying. Our boys will be hit with sexual harassment suits and will be registered sex offenders before they can get off the field! Girls forcing themselves into all BOY LEAGUE that was formed specifically for MALES is going too far with your liberation movement!!!! This is still America, right? Where is my son’s right to be on a PRIVATE team without girls getting in the way? GiRLs playing football in an all boy league, they next thing we will be seeing females who want the “right” to marry other females, okay Ellen, that one is for you! And just a word of caution for all you who mock the Lord and His word. Please read Romans 14:11. You will give an account one day.

By Mike D

October 21, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

John 8:11 Keep them be-otches bare foot and pregnant, and if they give you any lip, beat them like an old drum.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

To Shawn and the Georgia Kid

May I suggest The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam by Robert Spencer (currently in hiding).

In addition, watch any news report and read any news article you can about what is happening in Europe and then get back to me.

By Football MOM

October 21, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

For all of you that have opened up your minds so much that you have let your brains fall out… let me remind you that football is a CONTACT sport. The mother of this so called “girl football player” loves lawyers, lawsuits and the spotlight, (that is why she has been making a spectical of herself and her poor little girl), so let one of our big 200lb boys “hit her” as the mom was quoted as saying. Our boys will be hit with sexual harassment suits and will be registered sex offenders before they can get off the field! Girls forcing themselves into all BOY LEAGUE that was formed specifically for MALES is going too far with your liberation movement!!!! This is still America, right? Where is my son’s right to be on a PRIVATE team without girls getting in the way? GiRLs playing football in an all boy league, they next thing we will be seeing females who want the “right” to marry other females, okay Ellen, that one is for you! And just a word of caution for all you who mock the Lord and His word. Please read Romans 14:11. You will give an account one day.

By TheGeorgiaKid

October 21, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

To “The Corporal”, you do realize that Americans live in a very ethnocentric society? Do you really believe everything you see on the news? I have some relatives and friends that practice Islam, so the book you suggested is not needed. Thanks but no thanks. To FootballMOM, if the young girl tried out for the team, and she’s good enough to play, what is the issue? Obviously the league isn’t that private due to the fact that she was allowed to play. And another thing FootballMOM, when was the last time you saw the kicker get tackled? She’s not a running back, or even a quarterback, she’s a kicker, gee wiz. I guess I must just be a country bumpkin, because all of the girls from my neighborhood played football, basketball, and baseball with us guys…….and interestingly, they dominated the other girls in high school sports, and they all got scholarships to college. I wonder why……

By Football MOM

October 21, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

For all of you that have opened up your minds so much that you have let your brains fall out… let me remind you that football is a CONTACT sport. The mother of this so called “girl football player” loves lawyers, lawsuits and the spotlight, (that is why she has been making a spectical of herself and her poor little girl), so let one of our big 200lb boys “hit her” as the mom was quoted as saying. Our boys will be hit with sexual harassment suits and will be registered sex offenders before they can get off the field! Girls forcing themselves into all BOY LEAGUE that was formed specifically for MALES is going too far with your liberation movement!!!! This is still America, right? Where is my son’s right to be on a PRIVATE team without girls getting in the way? GiRLs playing football in an all boy league, they next thing we will be seeing females who want the “right” to marry other females, okay Ellen, that one is for you! And just a word of caution for all you who mock the Lord and His word. Please read Romans 14:11. You will give an account one day.

By Vince

October 21, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Why is this in the Sports Section??? Better still, why is Bookman in here? Hey Bookman, stay out of sports with your radical left wing views! NOBODY CARES!!

By Jay

October 21, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

To the corporal…

My wife felt that I should respond to you.

I am muslim. I have a beautiful muslin wife and two beautiful muslim daughters…. So let’s go !!! However, if you are not muslim or have never been… I really dont see how you can weigh in. But sure I am game.

By Abomi Nation

October 21, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Football MOM, You cannot willfully choose to blog here and say that you are a follower of Jesus, that is blasphemy to God. God is longsuffering, He gives us many chances to turn away from our sin and to accept Him as our Savior. The Bible tells women to keep quiet in these matters. Its a choice that you blog here. You Football MOM are an Abomination, you will burn in Hell. “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man

By AmVet

October 21, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

DeDe, I personally, could not agree more.

My view on Christianity/Islam is that I could not care less if they build a church/mosque on every street corner. I could not care less if they have twenty different channels on cable TV. I could not care less if they have two hundred “schools/madrassas” in Atlanta. I could not care less if there is a billboard for some charismatic evangelist/imam every mile.

My only concern is that they keep their ridiculous mythology out of the public square, out of the court houses, school houses and the White House. (Mr. Falwell, Robertson, Reed, Dobson ad nauseum…)

And I am fully dedicated to this proposition.

Other than that, they can rub their silly savior, saints and threats of devils and hell in people’s faces to the cows come home…

By Cruzin

October 21, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Superstitious fools discriminating against another person in the name of God.

By C.M. Thornton, III

October 21, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, she’s smokin’ hot at 14. Only four more ice cream seasons…

By TheGeorgiaKid

October 21, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

To “AmVet”, because you don’t care for something, be it religion or football, etc., doesn’t mean that you have to ridicule it. By ridiculing others for something you don’t believe in or understand leaves you standing alone in ignorance.

By AmVet

October 21, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

And to the poster at 4:46,

you are correct, nobody.

(in other words, speak for yourself. We already have lots of “conservatives” here who speak for others).

By Shawn

October 21, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Corporal -

Hello? Did you read my post? I agree that there are horrible crimes being committed against women in the name of the Quron all over the world. In fact, there are crimes against women all the time. I have been active with several women’s/human rights groups over the years. None of this is news.

But remind us what that has to do with this story? And why it validates discrimination in the US? PLEASE explain that part.

By Mike D

October 21, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

I intend to join my wifes womens tennis league, so I can get in there and open up a can of whoop @ss. I can use this girl as my inspiration - and if the womens league doesn’t like it - I’ll sue them out of existence.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

To Jay (not Bookman):

1) So, sir do you have a specific question for me?

2) If not, my original point was that some Christians have beliefs that are odd to non-believers regarding the roles of women. However, they pale in comparison to the way some (not all and maybe not you) in other religions (i.e., Islam) treat their women.

That said, the mainstream media seems to like to pick on certain Christian groups to the exclusion of others. All I’m asking is that if they choose to go down that road they be fair and include all so-called discrimination.

3) In addition, you may have seen this today.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that it is recalling the Playstation 3 video game, LittleBigPlanet, from retailers after it learned that the soundtrack featured some Arabic-language lines from the Koran backed with music.

If this were something that offended Christians, Sony would have told us to go pound sand.

4) There - that should get us started.

My father always taught be to disagree without being disagreeable.

I await your reply …………..

By Shawn

October 21, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Mike D.

‘m sure they won’t mind but only if you wear a skort! :)

By Football MOM

October 21, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Abomi Nation, I am not sure what you have against ME personally. But I guess you did let your brains roll right out of your head. Even this poor young girl’s mother and father can’t agree on whether or not she should play football. Her dad says NO CONTACT. Her militant mom says bring it on and HIT HER! See, no one wants to put the focus on the real issue here. THE GIRL IS NOT WANTED IN OUR PRIVATE LEAGUE!! I say get her out before someone hurts her. As for my faith. It is between me and the LORD! He will be my judge and those who burn in HELL will be put there by HIM.

By AmVet

October 21, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

TheGeorgiaKid, your thought though well intentioned is lacking. And is itself exceptionally ignorant.

I have significant personal experience with Christianity. I have read the Bible and other Christian writings extensively. And I would venture that I “understand” it as well or better than you. (Ironically it is Christians who seldom understand much of anything other than it. Out of choice)

And as I grew older I realized what nonsense the mysticism and dogma were, for me. I still believe in the basic precepts such as the beatitudes, though even those all predate Christianity.

Even so, I used to be of the belief that if it makes you a better person, yada yada yada…

No more.

It is NOT that I don’t care for the religion.

It is that I see the great organized religions as the proven, historical enemy of human knowledge and reasoned morality. And far too many use it as an instrument to bludgeon other people of non-faith or other faiths.

It’s former overwhelming power is unquestionably receding in western societies. And though this greatly upsets the charlatans, frauds and power brokers themselves, this is as it should be. And this trend will, I believe, continue. Hopefully to the point where it is essentially a non-factor in this country in another fifty years…

By Abomi Nation

October 21, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Mike D tried to join the Gay Tennis League but they accepted him, he wouldn’t be able to sue. He was forced to take on the girls.

By AmVet

October 21, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Off to dinner with my Catholic and Jewish friends!

Pray for rain…

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

To Shawn

Because it is also happening here in the U.S. and many Islamic groups want Sharia Law in this country (starting with marriage, familiy issues, etc.) as is happening in Europe.

Also, check out my above post to Jay (not Bookman) for a more specific answer (#’s 2 & 3) to your question.

By RB from Gwinnett

October 21, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

You know, this whole story has been worth all the commotion it’s caused because it led Jay to read the Bible. Probably a whole bunch of other Godless liberals too. And anything that leads you Christ haters to the book can’t be a bad thing.

BTW, I don’t have a problem with the girl kicking because there isn’t a girls football team and she’s apparently pretty good at it, but, there isn’t a boys volleyball team or a boys cheerleading team, so should the same rules apply? Or do they only apply when it’s convenient?

By JohnD

October 21, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Maybe they weren’t talking about Kacy, but about the boys on their team. And maybe the verse was Romans 6:19 “I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” or Romans 8:5 “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” So maybe their concern isn’t with Kacy, but the fact that all those boys just won’t be able to contain themselves that close to a girl.

By GayBookman

October 21, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

I’m gay.

By Shawn

October 21, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Corporal

OK - so honor killings are happening in the US. I knew that. And its happening more and more as the number of refugees surges.

But what does that have to do with a little girl now being able to play football?

Football MOM I’m glad your kids are being home-schooled or church-schooled. I wouldn’t want that single-doctrine, narrow-mindedness in our public schools. NOW that would be a problem.

By ron

October 21, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Dear Bosch——In Jordon today they arrested a man for the killing of his sister to cleanse the family honor.Seems the girl was prone to leave the house without her required male escort.She won’t be doing that anymore.In other Muslim countries similar honor killings are taking place.In Texas we recently had a double killing for the sake of a family’s honor.Killings are common in Canada,Britain,France and other western countries.In many Muslim countries women are not allowed on the street without a male family escort.There are religious police whose sole duty it is to make sure women are dressed properly.All of this falls under the heading of oppressing women.

Introduce me to your women Catholic priests,please.Baptist churches and women stand where? Mormons and women? Think about it.All of the above are not fundamentalist examples of oppression,they are mainstream.There are many more.

By Mike D

October 21, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Abomi Nation & Shawn,

I would think it would be a little harder to talk out of your butts with those severe cases of hemoriods.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

To Shawn

Your NOT reading!

The point is the mainstream media is always bringing up something about Christians and will use every little story to tout our supposed biases but they won’t touch Islam.

I can’t make it any more clear.

I just want some balance and more importantly truth out there ……….

By Shawn

October 21, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Mike D.

What are you, in the 5th grade?

No - a 5th grader would know how to spell “hemorrhoids”.

PLEASE keep up the awesome insults. It only helps validate the side of REASON.

By Mike D

October 21, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

I can’t spell it because I don’t have it. Thanks for the confirmation of your illness.

By Shawn

October 21, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Corporal -

Thanks for clarifying. I understand now.

Perhaps you should submit an article or op-ed piece to the AJC. I don’t think you’re going to draw attention in a blog about a church/home-school football league.

As I indicated earlier, I am also very concerned about the rising tide of refugees in the US from these war-torn areas in the Middle East, Africa and Central and SE Asia.

But it still doesn’t justify us exercising religious oppression in the US.

By Cactus

October 21, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

The “little boy” whimps are afraid of a wee girl.

By Jessica

October 21, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

I quote one of the above comments:

“…irresponsible decision of letting a girl play in the game..”

The coach’s decision to allow Kacy to play football was NOT, as you state, “irresponsible”. If ANYTHING, the coach is taking a very open-minded approach to a game which has been traditionally patriarchal - only men have been “allowed” to play for many years, and now this coach has the foresight and courage to allow a young woman to play the game she wants to play instead of furthering the male-dominated genre of certain sports.

People say that there’s “gender equality” these days; have you ever noticed the only people saying that are male? Women still do not get the same or similar pay scales as men in the same/similar positions (primarily in corporate America), and in many places they are still not seen as “capable” of playing certain sports. I bring softball to your attention - instead of letting women play baseball, a whole different sport is created JUST for women. Great, but what happens if the girl wants to play BASEBALL? (Granted, there is a counter argument made that softball is more difficult because of the size of the ball and other factors, but that makes little difference to someone who hates softball and prefers the difficulty of a smaller, harder-to-see fastball in baseball). Women should not be barred from a sport just because of our gender - because this still exists, not ONE SINGLE PERSON in America should EVER say that there’s “gender equality”, because (and pardon my language these are my Southern Roots showing) that’s a steamin’ pile of b******.

This situation is similar - there are all-female flag football leagues, and some semi-pro or intramural women’s football leagues (one of my law school classmates coached and managed one), but they are few and far between, and no high school currently offers a girl the chance to play football even if she shows the talent necessary and can “keep up with the boys”, or even knock them silly. Come on football people - even WRESTLING has advanced farther than your neanderthal ideas of who “should” and “shouldn’t” play.

In HS I played soccer, goalie, and I have to say Kacy’s talent is amazing at just 14 years old. I saw goalkeepers who couldn’t kick the ball like she kicks that football! If she wants to play football, I say go for it. Lord knows she’s probably better than most of the narrow-minded bigoted male children who are protesting her playing just because of her gender. I’m ashamed to call myself a Georgian if people are going to be so idiotically closed-minded about something so trivial as letting a woman play football.

By Patrick

October 21, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Why are there so few facts here? I talked to someone who was at the game. Having read (most of?) the posts above, it looks like no one really even cares what the guy really said.

This has just turned into a platform for hurling insults (feelings that were not precipitated by this story) at people you feel are the problem. Lemme say that again: you’re angry, but not at this guy. You don’t know him or what he did, and you’re not even asking about that.

The story I heard—again, by someone that was there—had nothing to do with inferiority of women. And the Bible, though it may not describe the roles of women that meet your approval (as if that mattered), most certainly does not dishonor women or imply they are lesser creatures.

By GAinTX

October 21, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

What people like Corporal fail to realize is that stories like these aren’t attacking Christianity. They’re attacking a particular breed of fundamentalism that seeks to express itself through the control and domination of others.

I don’t particularly care if you want to lock yourself into your home on Sunday, abstain from alcohol, handle snakes, wear hair shirts or what EVER you want to do. As an American, that’s STILL YOUR RIGHT, regardless of how many attempts to subvert the Constitution otherwise religious fundamentalists continue to make.

You ignore ALL positive stories that involve churches, etc. in favor of ANYTHING that is critical of ANYTHING that you choose to label Christian because you are incapable of objectively viewing the role of fundamentalism of any kind in the real world. Well - OTHER people’s fundamentalism you jump on because it conflicts with your own, but you are simply unable to look at the practice of ANY “Christian” group as being worthy of criticism, no matter how bigoted, anti-Freedom and hateful it might be.

And before you jump on me, Corporal, I am a life-long Episcopalian. My personal beliefs do not prevent me from seeing when religion and basic human rights collide. Sadly, that happens far more often than it should.

As for your absolutely spurious claim about the media giving Fundamentalist Islam a pass in favor of “bashing” poor, innocent Fundamentalist Christian hate-mongers, get over yourself. Let’s ignore the fact that articles critical of extremists appear EVERY DAY in the press, and focus on the simple reality - there ARE NO MUSLIM GROUPS IN GEORGIA attempting to control other people’s lives. Sorry, but THAT is left to the right-wing Fundamentalist CHRISTIANS in Georgia.

By CJ raddy

October 21, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

getalife—that’s why us Palin-loving wingnuts and Christian kooks like to stay on this side of the continent: purely just to irritate you!

By CJ raddy

October 21, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

getalife—that’s why us Palin-loving wingnuts and Christian kooks like to stay on this side of the continent: purely just to irritate you!

By CJ raddy

October 21, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

getalife—that’s why us Palin-loving wingnuts and Christian kooks like to stay on this side of the continent: purely just to irritate you!

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

To GAinTx

You continue to miss the point.

One Christian school in Georgia initially has a problem with a girl playing tackle football on a boys team and Jay puts in on his blog as a big, big deal.

There are Muslim schools and parents who won’t even let their girls PLAY GIRLS SPORTS not to mention other issues of dress, etc. that I don’t have the time to go into right now.

I’m not criticizing them for those aspects of their religion - the point is fairness in the press …………..

Is that so hard to see ?

By GraysonFan2

October 21, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Loganville had a girl kicker for four years, was the same person in charge then that made these decisions for ga high school football?

By GAinTX

October 21, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

No, Corporal, I don’t miss the point. YOU do.

Parents of ANY religion have the right to moderate what activities their children participate in. Christian. Muslim. Hindu. Whatever.

There is a difference that apparently escapes you between an INSTITUTION preventing someone from participating in an activity on its own religious grounds and a PARENT preventing a child from participating in an activity based on their own personal beliefs. One is in keeping with the tenants of American freedom and the other is not.

Please, let us know what Islamic institutions in Georgia have similarly banned someone from participating in an activity based on religious grounds? Any Islamic schools that have banned a would-be “insert activity here” student from said activity because of religion?

No? Really?

You are (deliberatley?) confusing organizational policy with policies of individual families. While I might disagree with a conservative family’s decision to curtail the participation of their child in a particular activity, under US law, that IS their right. But that’s not what we’re talking about here - we’re talking about the behaviors of a fundamentalist CHRISTIAN GROUP who think that they have the right to decide for OTHER PEOPLE’S children.

Your attempt to drag far-flung Islamic radicalism into this discussion is predictable and, frankly, sad.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

P.S. to GAinTX:

It’s good to know that you are a life long Episcopalian but are you a life long Christian?

You see, denominationalism (Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, etc.) is like the state tag on your car. It’s just a label.

It’s who is in the driver’s seat that counts ……… you or the Lord.

God bless …………..

By GAinTX

October 21, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

It’s people like you, Corporal, who make the use of the word “Christian” offensive. When YOU say “Christian”, you refer only to the hateful, bigoted espousers of Fundamentalist Evangelical philosophy - those who hate gays, hate Catholics, hate those who are not biblical-literalists. When YOU say “Christian”, you are immediately divisive. By “Christian”, you mean fundamentalists, extremeists, right-wing evangelicals, etc.

You are the Western version of the Islamic fundamentalist - despising everything that doesn’t fit into your narrow view of what you THINK your religion should be.

So no - I will NEVER use that phrase to respond to hate-mongers like you. When you use it, you are no better than a Sharia-following member of the Saudi morality police.

As an Episcopalian, I can thankfully differentiate myself from undecucated, hate-filled people like you.

And yes - I get the irony of my anger towards you and yours. At least MY anger is directed at people who are filled with hate, not towards people who believe in acceptance. Let me know when “Do unto others” and “Love your neighbor” becomes part of YOUR life.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

To GAinTX

It’s getting late but two quick thoughts:

1) Your opinion on this news story today ………

Sony (NYSE: SNE) has recalled a new video game because its use of passages from the Koran could be offensive to Muslims. The release of the PlayStation 3 title LittleBigPlanet is postponed by at least three days so that its developers can remove scripture from the Muslim holy book that’s accompanied by music in one level.

2) Let’s say I have a teenage son and he wants to broaden his outlook by attending an Islamic school for a year. However, he wants to wear a Christian cross and garb occasionally and carry his Bible to class everyday. Do you think they would try to decide for my child what he could or could not do? Problem ?

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

To GAinTX:

My, my we are a little testy tonight ……….

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”

“And Jesus said, not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

By Football MOM

October 21, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

TO SHAWN: yes I have a “single doctrine”. But unlike most of you I do have a personal interest in this case. My son is one of the guys that would have to play against this girl with a pretty pink mouth piece, which must have been special ordered because I didn’t see any pink ones in the local stores. Why is everyone missing the point? This is not about a girls right to get beat up on a football field by guys that are significantly bigger than her. This is about my sons right to be in a private league. We don’t get your government handouts, we are not a public run institution.. Leave us alone. we feel that women are special and should be treated with dignity and respect. We teach our boys to NEVER hurt women, but to protect them. An all male football league is not for a girl, no matter what her talent is. Let her partents fund a football league that is co-ed if they want to, or have an all girl league, but don’t force yourself where you are clearly not wanted. We do still live in America and private organizations still have the right to set their own rules. (Until someone gets “offended” and decides to get all sue happy) This girls mom needs her head examined. I was at the game and her mom was really enjoying all the attention she was getting. I don’t know if she got a chance to see her daughter kick the ball or not because she was so busy talking to the news crews, I wonder how long she will ride this for her own selfish reasons, putting herself in the spotlight at the expense of her daughter is just sad. I speak from a first hand view of the game.

By GAinTX

October 21, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Oh, Corporal…

Are you confusing the actions of a corporate entity whose primary goal is to release a product that will ATTRACT consumers with institutionalized prejudice? As, what I’m assuming is a PRO FREE-MARKET consumer, surely you support the right of any private entity to make financial decisions in its best interest?

And let’s reverse that second example - how would you react to a Muslim attending one of your private Christian schools who insisted on making the required prayers five times a day?

Beyond that reversal, you have no basis on which to judge. You have NO IDEA how an Islamic school would react. In fact, there may be Islamic schools that would HAPPILY embrace your hypothetical son’s decision, and there may be other’s that wouldn’t. I GUARANTEE you that there are fundamentalist Christian schools that would not allow a MUSLIM child to observe HIS faith in the way that you’ve described, just as I am SURE that there are Islamic schools that WOULD.

The difference, sir, should be plain to you. Those schools that ALLOW its students to venture outside the prescribed observances are to be lauded, and those who do NOT are to be condemned.

THOUGHTS? Don’t strain yourself.

By THEPOINT

October 21, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

The question should not be whether or not a girl should be allowed to play. The question should be whether or not a lawyer can force a private organization to bypass their belief system. This league wants to have an all-boys team. Let them! If they want an all-girls team, let them have one. Don’t force your own political or social leanings on a private organization.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

To GAinTx

Well it’s been fun. Just wanted your opinion. I respect your right to give it.

I know you won’t understand this but your vitriolic responses to my position on some of these issues has really been music to my ears ………..

Blessed are you who are reviled and persecuted for My Name’s sake …..

I wish you well ………..

By GAinTX

October 21, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

ThePoint:

If you actually read the article, you would see that nowhere were lawyers or legal action mentioned. No one is trying to “force” a private organization to “bypass their belief systems”. This article is simply an attempt to subject this particular private organization to the court of public opinion. No legal weight exists. No opinion expressed on this “blog” can force the organization in question to go against its beliefs.

No. This is simply a matter of holding up an example of hypocrisy and prejudice to general scrutiny. You DO believe in that, don’t you? As an AMERICAN, SURELY you believe that we should be given all pertinent information? It’s kind of the POINT of the Constitution.

By GAinTX

October 21, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Corpse…

No one is persecuting you. If you take criticism of your own persecution of others as persecution, then there is very little that I or anyone else can do for you.

As I said, I acknowledge the right of anyone of any faith to worship as he or she feels right. If you feel that the belief that you shouldn’t be able to force that worship on others equates to persecution, then I can’t help you.

Please, pray and worship as YOU will. Enojy the religious freedom that our Constitution gives YOU. That’s what makes this a great nation. Sorry that you are unable to extend that freedom to others.

God loves us all. The Christians, the Muslims, the Hindus, the Buddhists…the straights, the gays, the whites, the blacks, the Americans, the Africans, the Middle Easterners…all of us. Our variety is what makes this world the magnificent joy that is is. If you can’t be a part of that…then no proclaimed belief in the Divine will help you.

By "The Corporal"

October 21, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

To GAinTX

Not as I will or say but only as God says ………..

“Except ye believe in Me, you are dead in your sins.”

“There is none other name under Heaven whereby we must be saved.”

“And Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.”

“He that believes is not condemned, but he that does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only begotten Son of God.”

If you disagree with those statements, take it up with the Editor. I’m just the paperboy.

I wish you well. Goodnight …….

By mistermak

October 21, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

As a christian, I believe this girl has just as much right to kick a feild goal as you and I have the right to talk about it. The way they are treating her is dispicable!! She has proven she can do the job and those Christians that quote bible verses against her are what make all Christians look like fanaticals!! This is a sad story and a sad day because of what our society is turning into!!

By GAinTX

October 21, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

And there we have it - what makes you no different from any other religious fanatic…the quoting of scripture as absolute.

God isn’t your editor. You aren’t a paperboy. You’re a sad, limited little man who demands that everyone accepts your religious beliefs. If they don’t, then you condescend to them as you have done to me.

Sorry, little man. You can quote man’s scripture all you want. Fanatics of all stripes do it. Radical Islamists can meet you verse for verse. You=them. Enjoy that life, sir.

By iwasthere

October 22, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this

Yes, there was a law suit filed. Where are my sons rights to play in the all boys league that we signed him up for? She has a choice to play somewhere else. She is not even a student at the school she chose to play at. There are no try-outs for these teams. She has infringed on the rights of the families who chose to play in this league. The bylaws are very clear this is a league for homeschooled boys and boys that attend private schools with no football team. If this was her “dream” her mom should have put her in a school where she could play with her school team.

By ms

October 22, 2008 4:20 AM | Link to this

I am wondering why we just dont let guy play guys sports and let the gals play girls sports. There was a guy this summer who wanted to be on the syncronized swim team…but its only women. No one made a big deal about that….why is this a big deal?? I mean, fair is fair right??

By ms

October 22, 2008 4:23 AM | Link to this

I am wondering why we just dont let guy play guys sports and let the gals play girls sports. There was a guy this summer who wanted to be on the syncronized swim team…but its only women. No one made a big deal about that….why is this a big deal?? I mean, fair is fair right??

By ron

October 22, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this

Good Morning Jay,I missed reading the last paragraph of your column yesterday for some reason.I can see why Ellen Degeneres would cotton to Kacy.

By mistermak

October 22, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

For all of you who think she infringed on your kids rights to play. They should have gone out there and tried to kick better than she can. We have a world full of cry babies and you all have joined the crowd. Get over it. If girls are allowed to make money boxing than they should be allowed to kick a football. Maybe you are just afraid to admit that she might be better than your little Johnny!!

By Gary Harrison

October 22, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Yes, ANYBODY can twist Scripture to fit what they want to say; but that only can happen with someone who has no real UNDERSTANDING of Scripture. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5 to NOT “LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; which is why we have so many “Christian” denominations. Somebody, somewhere leaned on their own understanding without real revelation from God. Romans 1:26 is speaking of sex betwewen two women or ANY form of oral or anal sex (i.e., SODOMY an abomination before God - HIS Words, not mine). Kacy playing football depends on her requisite skills AND God doesn’t care. HE takes NO notice of diversions not related to Salvation. You never see Jesus Christ discussing trivial maters like “Who won the chariot race last night.”

By you_cant_fix_stupid

October 22, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

First of all, I’m a Christian – not because of organized religion, but in spite of it. I’m really sick and tired of people citing scripture to support their own preconceived perceptions of the way they think things ought to be. These people are nothing but a bunch of arrogant, pompous, and self righteous hypocrites, and the very fact that they were there from the onset leaves them believing they have some semblance of entitlement and enforcement.

Tell you what – why don’t you put up or shut up? Show me, show all of us, not what your interpretation of biblical scripture supports your decision to prevent Kacy from playing football, but the actual verse(s) in the bible, verbatim, that substantiate(s) your position?

You make me sick. And then you scratch your head wondering why people have this stereotypical negative perception of Christians. Go take a good long hard look in the mirror – the problem starts right there.

By Football MOM

October 22, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Please remember the point is not a matter of religion. Most of the homeschool children and Christian school children are Christian and that is why this has taken such a turn against Christians. No one is against this girls rights. We believe she has rights. We support her in playing sports. Even football if she and her parents can agree to put her on the field with agreements that they will not sue anyone over sexual harassment. But she should not be allowed into an all male league any more than my son should be allowed to pitch in an all female girls softball league. It is not a matter of her being inferior. It is a matter of what the league was intended for. I hear the school she is playing for is having tryouts for girls softball. Hummmm…. Maybe we should get some of our guys to go out there and give it a shot… turn about is fair play right? No, equal rights is only for the liberals who whine and sue to get what they want and anyone who gets in their way gets blasted for not being as narrow-minded as they are.

By Fooball MOM

October 22, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

TO SHAWN: Yes, my children are homeschooled. We wouldn’t want any of our Christian values to rub off on your public schools where you need armed guards patrolling the halls in order to keep the kids from harming each other. I know not all public schools are bad. But, the guards are still there… just in case!

By David

October 22, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

For Shawn, Football Mom, and others taking this way off tangent, the original post is about a girl who wants to play football.

I think that if the girl, her parents, and the team is okay with it, then let it go, with the understanding that they should sign a waver of liability.

There are plenty of cases where women can compete with men. I saw it myself quite a few times in the military. Religion is a private matter, and really shouldn’t dictate these kinds of things in our country.

By Fooball MOM

October 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

To DAvid: Glad you brought up the military. I was in the active army for two years. My husband is still serving proudly in the military. Are the PT standards the same for men and women? NO, if my husband does exactly the same for his test, the same time for the 2 mile run, same number of push ups, and same number of sit ups, HE WILL FAIL HIS TEST< While I pass mine. Why is their a difference? I thought everyone wanted equality? Men and women were created differently, As I told the reporter for FOX news. If those differences are not respected, then someone is going to get seriously hurt out there. The girl player’s own father says he doesn’t want her to have any contact with any of the male football players. The football players at practice have admitted to “hitting her and knocking her down” as one of the dad’s of a 220 lb male told me at the game. I am for the rights of women. No one is against this girl. We do want our boys to be respectful of women and having “no contact” for a full contact sport is making changes to a game for a female. As a female, I don’t want anyone to make changes to a game just to suit me.

By David

October 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Hi, Football Mom: No, the PT standards were different. I know that men and women for the most part don’t even up physiologically, but all things being equal doesn’t really apply to people. Everyone is biologically unique.

And for the most part, I agree with the points you brought up. If it were available, she ought to play touch football. I think the problem is that for girls, there aren’t too many football opportunities around.

By Homeschooling - HA!

October 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

FootballMom’s children are home schooled - that says it all!

By Hmmmm!

October 22, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Jen the Bible is as much a work of fiction as you are. Tell me Jen do you really exist and should I believe you if you said yes?

By Fooball MOM

October 22, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

To “Homeschooling- HA!” Why thank you, I take that as a compliment. I knew there was someone out there who supported our rights to teach our children. I bet you also support our right to have a private league. We don’t ask the government for education money, or money for our football uniforms. We are private. We do still have that right in AMerica right? Or is my husband’s service for this great country all for nothing?

By Shawn

October 22, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

This has been such a fascintating conversation. I appreciate all the eloquent dialogue. BUT even more so, its always interesting to get inside the minds of extremists. No matter what instituions they belong to.

Football MOM -

But you’d be ok if this young lady wore a skimpy cheerleading uniform and shook “it” from the sidelines?

Anyway, you might be surprised that there are Christian kids in public schools. G’head, say what you want to say about them. I’m interested to know.

Corporal:

You showed your true colors and pretty much crossed the line when you challenged GAinTX “Christianity” because he’s an Episcopalian.

I am also Episcopalian and what I love so much about it is that it celebrates human reason. Yet, it is also very old school in its celebration of the divine. But it always pays enormous respect to other faiths and denominations.

How dare you sit in judgement of us!!!

PS: Do you even live in Georgia? Do you realize the AJC is a GA paper? Do ya think that has something to do with the news coverage?

By Hmmmm!

October 22, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Some words from the Main Man.

4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

17From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

43“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

1“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

6“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

7“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

9“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

13“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

32“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

“I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

27“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

30“He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 31And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

33“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

“The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13This is why I speak to them in parables:

8“‘These people honor me with their lips,

18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

3And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62“I am,” said Jesus.

16“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

By Fooball MOM

October 22, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Actually, no, I would not be in favor of females who dress immodestly. I am an extremist. And I do know that their are Christians in the public school system. But please don’t let that cat out of the bag. Because Christians on this blog have been blasted, I sure would hate to see what would happen to innocent Christian children in a public school who actually stand up for what is “right” as declared by the Lord in the Bible.

By Hmmmm!

October 22, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Regarding the Christian church trying to not be fanatical. The last time I checked Jesus was a fanatical. Any time One (Jesus the Son of God…I Am) comes into the world pointing out sin to those who don’t want to here it, you can be sure He is fanatical. Sin does not like looking at itself. The problem with the church today is not its fanatacism, but its lack there of. The root of sin is self centeredness (pride). I want to be my own God. I want to do what I want to do. I want to believe what I want to believe. I want to live like I want to live. “Don’t be hating on me.” Self centeredness also comes in quoting scripture for ones own purpose instead of to glorify Jesus Christ. Now when someone calls us a hater take it for exactly what it means (a lover of their souls). We are called to love those who don’t believe in Jesus (who said “I am THE WAY”) enough to keep hating on them until they believe. It is called trying to keep the suicidal from commiting suicide even though they think it is their right to do so. It is called loving (the self centered call it “hating on”) enough to call all sin….sin. Jesus called His people to “go and make disciples of all the world”. To believe on One means you believe in the words of that One. Jesus said “if you love me, you will obey me”. He said, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord and don’t obey my teachings?” Jesus was a fanatical lover of peoples souls enough to call sin…sin and to give His life for the sinner. We too are called to be fanatical lovers of peoples souls as His church.

Jesus said, (not me the hater I am just repeating his words) “I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the father; except through me.”

Pretty clear wording that seems to exclude all other ways.

Like they say on Fox news “We report, you decide”.

Now that you have heard the word you must decide (and the decision is yours), was Jesus Christ a liar or not. No gray area here, either Jesus Christ is a liar or He is not.

By Rockerbabe

October 22, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

I think it is great that the young women of today in this country are trying their hand at various sports, including competing with the young men! When I was a young woman back in the late 1960-early 1970’s, sports was off-limits for women in the public schools in Louisville, KY. The women in Catholic High Schools, played whatever they wanted and with relish. Oh, how I would have loved to challenge! The bible verses have been used for centuries to harm women, deny them life, education, opportunity and justice; it is sad to see the Bible continuing to being used in this manner to deny Ms. Stuart an opportunity to play sports. I hope she continues her quest to play whatever her talents lend themselves too. GO GIRL!

By Fooball MOM

October 22, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

With all due respect Rockerbabe, you do understand that this young girl is not trying to play on a public team. She is forcing herself into a private league of homeschoolers. She is not even enrolled in the Christian school where she is trying to play. Even the coach of her team is not in favor of her in contact with other players. Of course, we all want the girl to have a fair opportunity to play sports. But her rights are no better than my son’s rights to play on an all male team. (which was in the rules that she is now breaking) No one has used the Bible to keep her from playing. I was at the game and I heard the entire statement. No where was a verse given to deny anyone, harm anyone or cause injustice to anyone. The people on this blog who have made that claim, do so in complete ignorance. I am so glad though, that the Bible has been a big part of this discussion. We do stand behind Biblical principles and would never encourage physical contact between males and females on or off of a football field. As a team, our coach does not want to hurt her, so we changed the rules to accomodate her. Tell me how is that fair? I do hear that the team they are playing this weekend will not go easy on her because she is a girl. Some coaches are not as nice as ours. She better be as tough as her mom claims for her to be. Because the first sign of an injury, she will have that lawyer after the league, coaches and players. She will sue if she is not allowed to play, she will sue if the girl gets hurt and if anyone looks at her wrong, they might stand in the way of getting a lawsuit slapped on them for that too. yep. you go girl!

By Fooball MOM

October 22, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

With all due respect Rockerbabe, you do understand that this young girl is not trying to play on a public team. She is forcing herself into a private league of homeschoolers. She is not even enrolled in the Christian school where she is trying to play. Even the coach of her team is not in favor of her in contact with other players. Of course, we all want the girl to have a fair opportunity to play sports. But her rights are no better than my son’s rights to play on an all male team. (which was in the rules that she is now breaking) No one has used the Bible to keep her from playing. I was at the game and I heard the entire statement. No where was a verse given to deny anyone, harm anyone or cause injustice to anyone. The people on this blog who have made that claim, do so in complete ignorance. I am so glad though, that the Bible has been a big part of this discussion. We do stand behind Biblical principles and would never encourage physical contact between males and females on or off of a football field. As a team, our coach does not want to hurt her, so we changed the rules to accomodate her. Tell me how is that fair? I do hear that the team they are playing this weekend will not go easy on her because she is a girl. Some coaches are not as nice as ours. She better be as tough as her mom claims for her to be. Because the first sign of an injury, she will have that lawyer after the league, coaches and players. She will sue if she is not allowed to play, she will sue if the girl gets hurt and if anyone looks at her wrong, they might stand in the way of getting a lawsuit slapped on them for that too. yep. you go girl!

By GAinTX

October 22, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

I would LOVE to hear where the Bible comments on football. Or sports.

Biblical principals forbid contact between males and females? Really? So…you’re saying that you are behind similar Sharia laws that prevent men and women from touching?

What CENTURY do you people live in? Better yet, was there ever an actual century in which people were so narrow-minded and limited as you people are?

You embarass every rational human being on this planet with this nonsense.

FootballMOM…On what do you base your claims that this girls family will sue someone should she be injured in a game? Oh…I know…on NOTHING but your misguided emotion and overwhelming rigidness. I’m assuming that the parent of ANY CHILD who plays football KNOWS the risks. To assume otherwise is both arrogant and ignorant. Which, honestly, is typical of fundamentalists of all stripes.

The sad truth here is that you and all the other right-wing nutjobs commenting on this story are simply terrified of modern people who dare to contradict your antiquated and…frankly…historically backwards viewpoints.

God can’t fix stupid. No one can fix stupid. And God knows, we can fix wilfull ignorance, willful submission to limitations on human potential, or anything else.

I’m sure God loves you people…I”m equally sure I can’t imagine why. You are worthless.

By lol

October 22, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Ocham’s Razor could be used easily here.

A whole lot of rhetoric and verse quoting to justify being afraid of a woman.

It’s football, who cares. Line up your best 22 and play. It’s a freaking game.

She’s got pads on, if she’s willing to take a hit GOD BLESS HER FOR TRYING.

This is not a big deal. Except of course for the male kicker that gets beat out by her I guess.

By Hmmmm!

October 22, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

“I’m sure God loves you people…I’m equally sure I can’t imagine why. You are worthless.” While I personally don’t have a problem with the girl kicking a ball on a football team assuming she is willing to take the punishment both in the game and in practice like every other male, I find it interesting that the most hypocritical/close minded statements written here are from some one who lives in Texas. Quoting God as if one has a clue and calling people worthless is definitely hypocritical. Of all the possible backwards thinking people blogging here this statement along with his/hers many others are the most intolerant (actually hateful). GAinTX statements are the most closed minded statements written on this thing.

By Fooball MOM

October 22, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

To GAinTx I base my claims on an actual conversation I had at the game with her parents and FACTS. (They have a lawyer and are threatening to sue the pants off anyone in their way!) Her militant mom loves the spot light, and wants her daughter to be “HIT” by the boys. Her dad does not want the contact so, he only wants her kicking. (They are divorced) So, with comments like “I don’t want anyone hitting my daughter”, maybe I come up with a natural conclusion… what would you and your high paid lawyer do if your daughert does in fact get hit in this contact sport? File a claim against the boy, the coach the league…this is a game where people get hit, why is she here? I do forgive you for your lack of insight and your insults are just a way of hiding behind your fear. Lashing out at people who believe differently than you is what you like to do, by all means go ahead, but you really do your cause no justice. As for the Bible, every word is true and I stand behind it. If that makes me a radical fundamentalist and you hate me for it, that is fine. But it is the word of God, it is not my word but his word. IF you have not had the opportunity to read the word of God, Romans is a good book. It teaches some important truths about who the sinners are 3:23, who the righteous are 3:10, the high price for sin 6:23, who paid the wages of sin 6:23, who can be saved 10:13, The most wicked of us have hope when we call upon the name of Jesus Christ. (EVen Abomi Nation and GainTx) What does all this have to do with football, well, if someone reading this actually gets saved, then it is all worth it. God works all things together for good. Romans 8:28.

By GAinTX

October 22, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

I love when fundies tell me that my opposition to their fundamentalism is the most bigoted thing they have seen.

Apparently, the meaning of “bigot” is something you don’t fully comprehend.

Yes. I despise people who think they can tell others how to live their lives. Or maybe it’s best to say I pity them. Yet, I support them. I support their right to determine how they live THEIR lives - not others. Sorry - that doesn’t make me a bigot, it makes me a decent human being.

This is where the difference falls, and where you fail to comprehend. Please - bury yourself in religion because of something lackin in your life. Confine yourself to narrow lives because you are terrified of living a life in which you have to make moral decisions based on what is RIGHT, and not on what some book tells you is truth.

I tolerate your life. I tolerate your decisions for yourself. I do not tolerate people like you telling others how they should live THEIR lives based on your uneducated, medieval world-views.

But sadly, you people can never let other live their lives. You’re far too concerned with fundamentalist thought ruling others.

By the way, Football mom…what do you think differentiates you from Muslim extremists? They believe like you. I don’t pretend to imagine how we should all live our lives, but you and the other trash like you do.

By mistermak

October 22, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

WOW is what I have to say about all the hate coming from all of these “Christians” unbelievable.

Football mom you are so far over the top there is no way to bring you back. I am the first one to stand up an shout out against liberalism but you have taken it to the extreme. I have read everything you have written and all I see out of you is HATE!! I will not preach to you so don’t worry. I have too many problems of my own to be preaching too you. But seriously you must learn to forgive and then you may be forgiven. Did it ever cross your mind that her mom was just proud and her Dad was just being a typical Dad and protective of his daughter? I tell you I participate in these blogs every week and I have never read so much hate and judgement!! It is shamefull. Good day and God Bless!!

By Hmmmm!

October 23, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

GAinTX you remind me of a 5 yr. old calling another 5 yr. old names because they see differently than you.  You sound something like this “na, na, na, na, na, na”. Personally I have always taught my children to learn to be a little more grown up in their actions.  You really don’t have a clue as to what tolerance is or how to be it.If you have some children maybe you should ask them how to teach you to be grown up.  I am assuming you are an adult.Then maybe I shouldn’t.  Maybe you are just a five year old with a very good vocabulary.  As for the new politically correct word haters like you like to throw around called tolorance.  Tolerance is what people do when they don’t know how to love others.  They hold hate in they heart while they “pretend” to accept them.  You should learn how to “pretend” to accept others who think differently than you and evolute (a word I am sure you believe in) to the level of tolerance.  It would be a beginning and something you might learn to do instead of just talk about hypocritically.  Also I love your humility in how you are trying to convince yourself you are a “decent human being”.  Hitler, Saddam Hussein thought of themselves as decent human beings also.  There is a level beyond just being “decent” and it is called loving and respecting of others. It goes beyond tolerance. It is the only level Jesus can help you evolute to. I promise it is something you will find impossible to be until…..John 3:16-21 happens in your life. Yes GAinTx I love you enough (not tolerate) to be a Bible thumping, straight talking, tell it like it is Christian who can tell that you too obviously have (I quote you) “something lacking in their life”. Unlike you I am just brave enough to admit it. What I was missing was Jesus and it is obvious to everyone but you that you are too. Also, who besides you who called you a bigot? Was it the mirror? One other thing…why does it anger you so much that others think you should live differtntly? Are you that lacking of self esteem? Self (sin), Self (sin), Self (sin) is what Jesus came and gave His life for. So you could be free of yourself (sin). I can tell you are one hurting individual and need freedom. GAinTX all of us can hear the pain you are in.

By Fooball MOM

October 23, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

I agree with Hmmmm. You have summed up GAinTx very well.
To GainTx, I am so sorry that you have misunderstood my support of my son and his rights as HATE. Sometimes when you stand up for your own rights others think you are agains them. We all support this young girl’s rights also. That is why I am so strongly against her playing in a league that was created for males. We respect her as a female and don’t want any harm to come to her. For those who say she doesn’t have a “female league”, a few years ago, homeschool boys also did not have a league to play in either. But some people worked very hard to develop this for them. The reason she doesn’t want to start a female girls football league is that she NEVER INTENDED TO PLAY FOOTBALL IN THE FIRST PLACE. Watch the Ellen clip. Some coach thought she could kick good so they decided she should play football. This has not been a life long dream that her mother is claiming it to be. I wish her all the best. But with her misguided influences filling her head with false ideas that she is no different than a male is very sad. Equal rights are very important to me. But we were created by God for different purposes. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. We should not ignore those differences, we should embrace them and appreciate them. The world is such a mixed up place with women wanting to be men and marry other women and the same for some men. What are they lacking that this confusion has taken root? The Lord Jesus Christ. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Those who walk in darkness do not even understand that they are in the dark. But Praise the LORD, for the Christians who are the salt and the light in a dark world.
AND the biggest thing, the difference for my fundamental view and a Muslims, eternity. It is all the difference in the world. I pray you will call upon the Lord before it is too late.

By mistermak

October 23, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

I totally understand you sticking up for your son’s rights. but If you go back and read all of the stuff you wrote and read it with an objective point of view, you will see the hate you portrayed. I don’t know what her life long dream is and it is not my concern. This was a blog about a girl wanting to kick a football and it went wayyyyy over the top. You must agree. I understand your passion, but lets not get carried away. there are far worse things going on around us to worry about. Like this election. As a Christian I think you would agree that we could be in serious trouble in a couple of weeks. Lets pour our passion into that!! It is far more serious. God Bless!

By Anonymous

January 29, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this

Dear Kacy, I do not know how it all turned out for you this year. I am hoping the issue was resolved and you where able to continue playing because it would be lose if you couldn’t with that kind of foot. I strongly believe girls should be allowed to play on boy’s teams mostly because I am a jr. who plays on my High School team and I am only five feet and about 100 pounds. This will be my second year playing and I actually don’t kick instead I play safety and receiver and I love it. I would not trade it for the world. I have earned both the respect of my coaches and my team mates but it was not easy but then again is anything every easy. I am not the everyday tom girl that every one would expect a football playing girl to be. I actually am very much a girly girl I love wear bows to practice but that doesn’t mean I won’t take a hit I am just like a boy when I step out on to that field and my team mates and my coaches know that. So I strongly respect you for fighting this and I hope you get the opportunity to kick because no sport is just for males anyone who thinks that is afraid of losing to a girl or is just plan ignorant. Keep on doing what you love and don’t let anyone get in the way no matter what. YOU GO GIRL!!!