14 yr old boy inspires CJ Beathard.

[cedarvalleykid14]

Regardless of your personal belief system--or lack thereof--can't we agree that Iowa fans can be proud of a team led by young men of conscience? Can't we agree that it's better to have young people read the Bible and be inspired by its words than, well, the various alternatives that so many young people choose?

I have lived all over the world and have friends of all faiths and of no faith at all. But whether Hindu or Muslim, Jew or Buddhist, the folks I know respect each other's beliefs and are inspired by words like these from Isaiah 40:31 (KJV): "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."

No, God doesn't determine the outcome of sports events, but I'm glad to be represented by players like CJ Beathard, Jordan Canzeri, Ike Boettger, and company, who have found something bigger than themselves to believe in.

The Press-Citizen story is a terrific read that makes me even prouder to say, "It's great to be a Hawkeye!"

 

[artradley]

Have fun in hell buddy

Im not sure its a numbers thing. I think its the hostility of those who don't believe in everyday conversation. It seems to me that atheists exhibit a significant amount of vitriol towards people who have a religious belief. Almost to the point of hatred.

Ironic to post this to a christian who just said "have fun in hell!" to an atheist.

 

[AuroraHawk]

Bigotry is bigotry. Particularly when those bigots have the loudest voice and the platform from which to scream it. (the main stream media)

So .... CNN is to blame for why the number of people no longer identifying with a specific religion continues to increase? MSNBC is engaging in atheistic brainwashing? The main stream media - owned by huge conglomerate corporate entities which exist due to advertising dollars and broadcasting to a predominantly Christian nation - are secretly and subversively promoting an anti-Christian agenda? Is their agenda pro-Muslim or is it simply atheistic?

Truly one of the great things about our society is the freedom for individuals to publically state their opinions so that the opinion can be subjected to the "Marketplace of Ideas" and to strict scrutiny.

If you compare the tone, manner and content of Pope Francis' rhetoric with Pope Benedict XVI, I think that it will reveal that Pope Francis understands why people are leaving religion. While I am not Catholic and have no aspirations of becoming Catholic (grandfather was a Lutheran minister and raised in a Lutheran home) his message of inclusion rather than opposition seems to, in my opinion, come closer to the alleged teachings of Jesus Christ than what I've heard from others who proclaim themselves to be "true" Christians. Pope Francis "gets it." Unless particular faiths broaden their views and become more accepting, they face continued attrition. Significantly so.

As for your claim that Islam is inherently evil, I couldn't disagree more.

 

[ukiddinme]

I wish they'd keep politics and superstition out of college football.

Bottom line, God (don't mistake God with religion and rules and "works") IS good, love, just, grace mercy and forgiving. What's wrong with that?? Get to know Him and you'll know these things. Get to know Him, just as you are, and you'll follow and lead and love. Ok, done preaching.

 

[TORMENT69]

THE CRUSADES!!! (Both side committed evil)

Muslims SHOULD be nervous. Islam is evil. those you work with likely choose not to follow it's true teachings. good for them. Until all good Muslims publicly and constantly call out and denounce Islams evil, most people are not going to feel comfortable giving a pass to Islam.[/QUOTE]

First I am imagining us having a drink discussing this with some smokes, not fisticuffs. Catching my vibe?

Here goes: All rational people should be nervous. A minority can twist any idea and make it evil. Should I fear Christians if it comes out the CS shooter was following bible verse?

My friends do call out the radicals. But my question to you is how do you know they (Muslim groups) aren't currently doing so?

I respect that you have an opinion, but don't forget to mull over the counter argument.

I suspect what you really have a problem (as do I) with is ISIS(again an idea perverted), not normal everyday Muslims. I found this post interest the other day.✌️

 

[AuroraHawk]

Ah yes, another "woe be the Christians' plight" claim. Never ceases to amaze me how a group which comprises more than 70% of this country's population continues to whine and moan like it is a persecuted minority.

Have fun in hell buddy[/QUOTE]

If God and an afterlife exists (of which I vehemently dubious), I'm more than comfortable putting my life's resume up against the vast majority of those who sit in a four-walled building on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. So, if there is ever truly a time for me to "meet my Maker," I have no qualms that a truly kind and loving God would consider the "total picture."

But thank you anyway for your truly enlightened Christian sentiments.

 

[eyeohuh]

The whole point is there are a bunch of guys on this team that have found common ground and a strong bond through their faith
He doesn't say God helps him win football games or Iowa has an advantage because God is "on our side". It's part of who our QB is and I'm glad he has found a way to stay grounded and play inspired.

this

 

[Cougar63]

So if I find God, which I have, I'm absolved of all my sins? If the Unibomber or BTK or any other murderer, or rapist, or legitimate pedophile is in the same heaven on in, you're going to have to resell me on the idea of Paradise. My Grandma converted to Mormonism for this very reason. She didn't believe all of the ideals, but that's the dumbest argument I have heard. If you don't find Jesus, you're doomed to Hell? It isn't about finding God, it's about being a good human being. But damn

 

[HawktimusPrime]

THE CRUSADES!!! (Both side committed evil)

Muslims SHOULD be nervous. Islam is evil. those you work with likely choose not to follow it's true teachings. good for them. Until all good Muslims publicly and constantly call out and denounce Islams evil, most people are not going to feel comfortable giving a pass to Islam.

First I am imagining us having a drink discussing this with some smokes, not fisticuffs. Catching my vibe?

Here goes: All rational people should be nervous. A minority can twist any idea and make it evil. Should I fear Christians if it comes out the CS shooter was following bible verse?

My friends do call out the radicals. But my question to you is how do you know they (Muslim groups) aren't currently doing so?

I respect that you have an opinion, but don't forget to mull over the counter argument.

I suspect what you really have a problem (as do I) with is ISIS(again an idea perverted), not normal everyday Muslims. I found this post interest the other day.✌️

[/QUOTE]
Good stuff here, you should post on our off topic board. Especially if you like engaging in political debates. We need more of your type on that board. Too many lefties and righties.

 

[HawktimusPrime]

Bottom line, God (don't mistake God with religion and rules and "works") IS good, love, just, grace mercy and forgiving. What's wrong with that?? Get to know Him and you'll know these things. Get to know Him, just as you are, and you'll follow and lead and love. Ok, done preaching.

Get to know him? That's a bit sexist don't you think?

 

[radicalhawk]

Many years ago, a Catholic priest sexually propositioned me minutes after giving my dying mother the last rites. I complained to the Vicar General of the Diocese of Davenport. The Diocese then put out an official lie. They said the priest had a nervous breakdown. He was sent to New Mexico. Two months later, he was assigned to another church near Iowa City, only 30 miles from the church and hospital where he wanted to do sexually explicit things to me. I know atheists who have more morals, integrity, and love for their fellow human beings than that priest and his church ever showed me. He died last month in southeast Iowa. I pray that he didn't use the dying and death of other's loved ones as an opportunity for his sick, depraved ways.

 

[ICHawk95]

This post saddens me to no end. Whether religious/faithful or not, hopefully we can all agree in the Golden Rule and treat each other with greater respect.

I don't usually mix my faith with sports because I believe we are all God's children and so it feels inappropriate to pray that one group beats another. Still, for me, there is value in praying for focus, strength, courage, good decision making, and tenacity. It sounds to me like the players are doing the same. I'll be happy to join them. In a world where there are so many horrible things happening, it seems ridiculous that people are arguing over a bunch of college boys who get together and pray and include a 14 year old boy.

 

[icu81222]

As for your claim that Islam is inherently evil, I couldn't disagree more.

then you should do some research.

BTW, you clowns think its bad how Christians are opposed to gay marriage?

Wait till a Muslim throws you off a roof! It'll be a hoot, right? Or, what if your daughter wants to drive a car? Being stoned to death is super fun!!

 

[Eburghawk]

Let's not start a Holy War Here.

 

[Eternal Return]

Hadn't seen this posted here yet. Thought I would share. Go Hawks!

http://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sp...faith-hawkeyes-big-ten-championship/76723198/

I'm going to ignore the "infighting" about Christians and atheists here. I'm an atheist (not lifelong), but I found this story absolutely beautiful, truly inspiring. I don't know how other atheists think, but from my perspective, if someone's beliefs lead them to be more compassionate, inspired, caring, dedicated, disciplined, community-focused, etc., then I think those beliefs are wonderful. Even though I'm an atheist, my primary ethics are derived from both the Corporal Works of Mercy and a few of the Spiritual Works of Mercy:

The Corporal Works of Mercy:

• To feed the hungry.

• To give drink to the thirsty.

• To clothe the naked.

• To shelter the homeless

• To visit the sick.

• To visit the imprisoned

• To bury the dead.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy:

• To bear wrongs patiently.

• To forgive offences willingly.

• To comfort the afflicted

• 
  
  I don't believe that everything is black and white in terms of public perception of the "other." Everything in that article made my me proud of CJ Beatherd and of that young man and his family. I think their particular practice of Christianity is absolutely beautiful and I commend it. If that was at the heart of all of Christianity, boy, I'd probably be a Christian even if I didn't believe in God. I believe in that kind of love and perhaps that is something that transcends the particularities of belief in any conceptual sense.

 

[AuroraHawk]

then you should do some research.

BTW, you clowns think its bad how Christians are opposed to gay marriage?

Wait till a Muslim throws you off a roof! It'll be a hoot, right? Or, what if your daughter wants to drive a car? Being stoned to death is super fun!!

I've done more than my fair share of reading on such topics and possess a fair amount of knowledge on comparative religions. I suggest that you do some research. I'm well aware of extremists. Their actions are deplorable.

I do not accept the rhetoric that you are accurately portraying Muslims as a group or accurately portraying the principles underlying the Islamic religion.

But I'm no so naive to think that this is an appropriate forum to debate such issues.

 

[paednoch23]

So ....
If you compare the tone, manner and content of Pope Francis' rhetoric with Pope Benedict XVI, I think that it will reveal that Pope Francis understands why people are leaving religion. .

I challenge this statement. I have a degree in theology from a Catholic University and I am see no difference in the Rhetoric of the two pontiffs you mention. I do see a difference in MSM reporting of this. Francis has written some extremely scathing remarks about homosexuality. In fact his first homily the day after his "who am I to Judge speech." was just vitriolic towards gays. Benedict rarely wrote on homosexuality. I would be willing to bet you have never read an exhortation/moto proprio/encyclical/apostolic audience/general audience piece from either pope. Francis' first encyclical was written almost entirely by Benedict and Ladato SI. The enviornmental encyclical was written by Georg Ganswein, who was Benedicts secretary. Also I wonder why my relatively rural parish has grown by 22% in the last 5 years if "People are leaving religion". I'm seeing nothing but growth in my area.

 

[artradley]

I challenge this statement. I have a degree in theology from a Catholic University and I am see no difference in the Rhetoric of the two pontiffs you mention. I do see a difference in MSM reporting of this. Francis has written some extremely scathing remarks about homosexuality. In fact his first homily the day after his "who am I to Judge speech." was just vitriolic towards gays. Benedict rarely wrote on homosexuality. I would be willing to bet you have never read an exhortation/moto proprio/encyclical/apostolic audience/general audience piece from either pope. Francis' first encyclical was written almost entirely by Benedict and Ladato SI. The enviornmental encyclical was written by Georg Ganswein, who was Benedicts secretary. Also I wonder why my relatively rural parish has grown by 22% in the last 5 years if "People are leaving religion". I'm seeing nothing but growth in my area.

You are correct re: Francis and homosexuality. You are wrong in thinking your personal anecdote overrules statistics.

 

[BlazinHawk]

For fks sakes its a nice story about our QB and a young teen with religious overtones.

Who gives a shit?

Excepting of course for the unbelieving assholes that need to piss on anything that doesn't fit their worldview.

Right leftists?

 

[dgordo]

Let's not start a Holy War Here.

Are you trying to tell me Jesus Christ can't hit a curve ball?

 

[evashevsky58]

CJ's initials backwards are JC

 

[AuroraHawk]

I challenge this statement. I have a degree in theology from a Catholic University and I am see no difference in the Rhetoric of the two pontiffs you mention. I do see a difference in MSM reporting of this. Francis has written some extremely scathing remarks about homosexuality. In fact his first homily the day after his "who am I to Judge speech." was just vitriolic towards gays. Benedict rarely wrote on homosexuality. I would be willing to bet you have never read an exhortation/moto proprio/encyclical/apostolic audience/general audience piece from either pope. Francis' first encyclical was written almost entirely by Benedict and Ladato SI. The enviornmental encyclical was written by Georg Ganswein, who was Benedicts secretary. Also I wonder why my relatively rural parish has grown by 22% in the last 5 years if "People are leaving religion". I'm seeing nothing but growth in my area.

You seem to conclude the my statement about Francis was solely about homosexuality. It wasn't.
And congrats on the growth of your rural parish. However, if you think that your parish's growth is reflective of current trends in society and religion as a whole, I'd suggest that you dig a bit deeper.