High School Cheerleaders in Trouble for Bible Verse Banners

[mousepod]

For me, the difference is that "God Bless America" is generic enough to include any god. It's not offensive to this atheist, because it's a love song to the country - asking for divine help is the way the writer/singer chooses to express that love. Calling upon a specific deity carries more baggage for me. If Jesus was invoked at a non-religious event that this Jew was attending, I'd feel uncomfortable.

[lashbear]

Originally Posted by alphabassettgrrl

It works to ostracize those who aren't "in." If I don't believe in the god of the banner, what do I get to do while they're standing there with it and everybody else is cheering it? I get to sit essentially by myself and it is clear that I am on the outside.

I find it generally objectionable to put a sectarian happening into what is ostensibly a public (and unrelated) event. If I go to a football game, I don't want it to feel like a religious event. I want sports, not a revival.

I agree here - even if you put on a show and cheered, you would still mentally feel outnumbered by the bible-thumpers.

Originally Posted by mousepod

For me, the difference is that "God Bless America" is generic enough to include any god..

I think that the USA should change the song to "Gods Bless America" in order to be inclusive of all religions according to the freedom of religious belief. Lets suggest THAT to the local senators.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by lashbear

I agree here - even if you put on a show and cheered, you would still mentally feel outnumbered by the bible-thumpers.

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

What happened to cheering for the team? Who would know who is cheering for Jesus, who is cheering for the team and who is cheering in hopes that someone loses their top?

I think that the USA should change the song to "Gods Bless America" in order to be inclusive of all religions according to the freedom of religious belief. Lets suggest THAT to the local senators.

We are already WAY over the top in PCness. I can see this happening. MAKE IT STOP!!!!!!!!!!