God invades all aspects of life, so talk about it

I am writing in response to David Scopinich's "Public Display of God not part of competition," (column, Feb. 6) a very well-argued piece.

Initially, I agreed with it until I considered the point of view that Reggie White should "limit his praise to God and talk about football during interviews."

I must disagree with this assertion because it's an unreasonable request. Because White does have a "special relationship with God" which, I'm certain, invades every aspect of his life, it must be rather difficult for him not to talk about it.

On Sept. 11, 1995, I had to play 36 holes of golf in taking my Player's Ability Test, to join the PGA of America.

It was the second time I had taken this test, as I had failed miserably the first time months earlier, but I played well enough this day to finish two strokes under the "cut" score of 154.

Personally, I still remember every shot I played on my last nine agonizing holes, but since my readers are not golf fans, I will spare the stories.

I must say, however, that I still thank God for the presence I felt and the composure I was blessed with on that day. I thank God because I passed and may now get my PGA class "A" status within a few years. (I am convinced God does care about sports when they affect the lives of His people -- Super Bowl included.)

Realistically, some sports psychologist is going to tell me I just experienced a "zone" as described in the gospel according to Bob Rotella. Some free-thinker is going to say "Wow. That's great. You've learned to perceive a personal reality to make yourself better."

Somebody else will tell me I passed because I have parents who love me or because I ate a bagel between rounds. Some will call me a testimony to the brilliance of evolution. Somebody else will tell me they place a magic crystal in my golf bag before I teed off.

The explanations are unlimited, and we've heard them all, yet, as much as we may hate them, it is silly to tell the opposition to shut up.

Look, whenever an athlete wins something or receives recognition, he thanks someone or something. Everybody does it. It is just standard.

Tom Lehman, the 1996 PGA Tour Player of the Year, used his speech to thank his wife for her support.

I've seen other golfers thank parents, teachers, caddies, fans, little red books, and just about everyone but the press when they win.

I suppose the question is: Why not thank God? And, if you choose to do so, why not call Him by His name?

Yes, I know Jesus irritates people. He always has. He always will. He said He would. He was right.

Jesus is just as much of a volatile issue now as He was when we decided to shut Him up with some nails and a cross. I know it's controversial to say "Jesus" because His followers are apparently closed-minded and full of hate.

However, I also know we have men like Reggie White, Brett Butler and Evander Holyfield who actually do it; they say "Jesus." Repeatedly.

I guess this leads us to the question: What do you do with the guy who won't shut up?

One option is to martyr him like 11 of the 12 original disciples, but that's a bit too extreme, and, well, it didn't work anyway. Whatever we do, we better not give them a pen and a notebook and throw them into jail or they might just write some letters that will change the world.

Realistically, we're not going to get these people to stop. Basically, I agree with the great Christian writer, Charles Colson, who states "Whenever the seeds of the gospel are buried, they blossom ever more brightly."

If that's true, perhaps it's better to just turn down the sound and get over it.

Keith Bless
junior- recreation and parks management

Reggie White was just obeying God's word

To begin, I want to say, David Scopinich, you were wrong when you said God doesn't want our public display of His greatness.

If someone is going to refer to the Bible, they had better look into what exactly they are aiming to say.

Scopinich wrote in "Public display of God not part of competition" (column, Feb. 6) that he was taught that "Jesus said people who pray in front of everyone and make a big production out of it are hypocrites, and God would rather a person pray in private".

This is not always true; I have actual references to prove him wrong.

God is not a private issue.

First of all, Scopinich said that God shouldn't be outwardly praised, or at least not more than "once."

Look at Psalms in the Old Testament. The primary point to consider here is that in Hebrew, Psalms means the "Book of Praises."

Psalm 150 tells ten ways to praise God, along with many other chapters of Psalms. God says to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18), not just in church or by yourself -- in EVERYTHING.

Reggie White was just obeying God's word publicly (Matthew 10:32), which is what more athletes, as well as people in general, should do because they are who people admire, which makes their views and beliefs very influential.

And since you have a problem with White's public display, I do know that Jesus said in Luke 12:3 that His word "will be proclaimed from the rooftops."

Now this is a bold claim and the inspired words of God (2 Timothy 3:16).

Scopinich said that White should talk about his football accomplishments in interviews.

Well, White's just being humble and once again doing as God's word says. We are to be humble (James 4:10) and God will lift us up. We are not to boast about ourselves (2 Corinthians 12:5&9).

You asked if "God plays favorites." Of course not (Romans 2:11).

I don't know what Reggie meant by saying God had His hand on the Packers; maybe their prayers were more genuine, I don't know.

God has everything happen for a reason and we almost never get to see why things happen as they do, but God is flawless and has everything planned, one way or another, so that His ultimate purpose can be fulfilled.

And next time, use references if you plan on referring to God's word.

Rachael Riehl
sophomore-elementary education