Sports (football HOF) Religion and God Atheist perspective

[RO1Chris]

your an atheist and you like sports? That is rare among atheist's, at least as well as I am aware. I don't like any sports as they are pointless, waste of money and it's just another way to try to gain power as they say, absolute power corrupts. I don't support most of the people who play them as they all have a god complex(I'm god and and the rest of you are just little bitches), think life is a game like thoseelitistscumbag'swhoruleth­ecountry.This iscomingfromsomeonewhodidplays­ports.

[daswann14]

@RO1Chris I think you're right that most atheists don't like sports. They tap into a very tribal side or groupthink side of humans, as well as being part of the distraction as Marx or many others would put it. While each of those things may be true I think it sports is the most mundane form of groupthink which is still a part of our natural social behavior. I don't think most pro athletes have a God complex; they are just stupid b/c intelligence is not valued in their industry.

[daswann14]

@RO1Chris Exercise isn't pointless and a very fun form of exercise like basketball has real value. Entertainment also has value; my favorite show on right now the League does not attempt to make any statements about morals, or life. But it isn't pointless. I think Nascar is pointless but watching country boys drive in circles entertains a lot of people. You can't only watch politics, documentaries, and expose's, lighter (as you call it pointless stuff) has its value.

[BadassCeino]

Thats a slap in the face comment that football player made, there just not informed.

Its just like some people going to a doctor to get a problem fix & in return thank god,

thats just a slap in the face to modern medicine. Why dont they just cut out the middle man & pray to god cure them of there illness.

[daswann14]

@BadassCeino They don't have a thought process that complex in most instances.

[BadassCeino]

@daswann14 SO FREAKIN RIGHT SON, THESE PEOPLE LIVE THEIR LIVES WITH THE IDEA THAT GOD CONTROLS EVERYTHING, GIVING AWAY THEIR ABILITY TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR OWN LIVES.

[kwiksteen]

Historically thanking god is seen as being humble. it does piss me off though.

like jesus watches football and nascar.

[shirehorse9]

Excellent point about athletes not focusing on developing their minds=dogma.

[joquinn06]

fyi, i was raised in a pastors household and am no longer religious but i believe in being educated on dilemmas in which you are going to publicly speak about especially as a socially constructed minority as you end up being a reflection of the intellect of us all. If you need some academic resources to learn about sports and religion please let me know pa...just don't ramble based on emotional upheaval. Research first yo. Historically, religion, politics, and imperialism are sport's foundation

[joquinn06]

Manito, you should do historical research in the foundation of sports as leisure which in turn was the method used by modern Europe as a mode of evangelism so for you to be an athlete in essence you've subscribe not only to the imperial christianity of modern Europe (18th-19th century) but also to the system of supremacy that has labeled you a second class citizen. Religion is connected to sport because Religion in its foundation was used for Christian Evangelism. Meet me at Princeton to learn.

[daswann14]

@joquinn06 Meet you at princeton??? You're being quite condescending for someone who is missing the point entirely. Sport comes from competition which exists in most breeding mammals. WTF are you rambling about?

[joquinn06]

@daswann14 If you would like an in depth bibliography on this history of sports I would be more than happy to get that for you...and rambling, not quite, just commenting. If you felt as though the text was condescending that must be your interpretation of it. I got your point, but i'm just saying that religion is inherently engrafted into sports from the historical inception of sport as a profession so it will be innately a part of sport.

[HybridD91]

Christians shouldn't practice for a game, rather they should pray and see how for they get.

[islandboy91]

After reading most of the comments here, i have a question for you. In the endless expanse of the universe, do you think it's possible for there to be life on other planets?

[daswann14]

Yes, in fact I think it is likely. I actually recall seeing bacterial impressions of bacteria from several celestail bodies; Mars being one of them.

[mlbfan3]

okay

[MichWerk]

yeah.. cuz it's the lord who helps players run, and jump, and maybe paralyze someone.. Dear God, please give me the ability to be huge, and help me lift weights, and make me rich, so I can have ho's in different area codes.. I guess at the beginning of the season, Kitna prayed for his team to go 0-16

[daryl3161]

dude, i live in detroit. john kitnas been to my old church(now just my moms church)the pastor is the lions chapplin thier. john kitnas in your fuckin face with god. he is allways wearing a hat with a cross on it, and leads the prayer the teams have jointly at the end of games. jesus must hate john kitna. everytime he got sacked jesus must have been casting judgement. and henry ford(the first)was a hudge anti-semite. so i figure the lions have a spiritual curse.a curse on the fords. oo spooky huh

[press1500]

I'm right with you, I'm a Black atheist (rare as we are) and a Diehard REDSKINS fans... I think it is ridiculous to bring your religion specifically american football, which is played on sunday, into my beautifully blasphemous sport.

[daswann14]

So how you like Zorn? I personally think he sucks. Somehow one of the most talented offenses in the league can't score, and runs the pump fake draw and drag/hitch wr screen thingy so many times I want to vomit. When the chips are down he can't call a play. Same with Blache, I know the D-line sucks but he can't let the corners play 10 yards off. Hate to say the they're a Sean Taylor type playmaker away from being a beast D, now they're an ok unagressive unit. Team makes me mad sometimes.

[cerny50]

As a Christian athlete, so many athiest people say athletes pray for God to make the other team fail your team to be giving all the strength, and thats not it, Christian athletes play for the glory of God, they're not out there for the cameras and all that jazz they play for Christ, whether they win or lose they know that the game isn't what's important, it's God who really matters and God uses these athletes b/c sports are a great platform for Christians to express their faith for Christ

[theheat151]

A black atheist? WOW!!!

You say Yahweh and Yeshua don't exist then why bother making a ridiculous vid then? Let Art Monk, a true compassionate man give all the glory to God. While an antichrist like yourself live in misery or even worse.

[daswann14]

I think it is ridiculous that people applaud self loathing talk. On top of that I find it completely offensive to dismiss human actions.

[JohnBeezy3]

Haha this is good stuff. I was laughing out loud. But yeah man I played football too so I went through the same thing.

[joewolfeFU]

I loved there speeches, mostly Art's( But I must admit growing up Art was my hero), I'am an atheist raised Catholic, but I use to get angry when I would discuss the exsistence of God , with my family and friends, Now 37 years old I have come to the realization that many people just need to belive. It dosen't make them less human.Some I see it as a crutch, for some people its drugs, some alcohol, some sex, some food, and on and on. Peace.

[daswann14]

It's a crutch. And why would someone use a crutch when they can get around much better on their own two feet. It should be cast aside.

[BreadWinner06]

wonderful video, loved it , INSTANT subscribtion

[daswann14]

Thank you, I'm so glad you got what I was trying to say. As you can see from some comments a lot did not.

[nckrver]

great vid man *****. But I don't think the tie between religion and sports is based on intelligence. It has to do with that whole support system, their parents especially. I can't say if on the professional level that it is true, but from experience a kid that does well is pushed by his or her parents. They excel because their parents support them. Usually even in class as well. Their parents also tend to make sure to save their soul.

[nckrver]

Does talent discriminate socioeconomically? I don't think it would be saying anything new that stereotypically race and financial situation seem to influence success rate in sports, but maybe a kid in a shit hole will be really determined and dedicated trying to get out of it. I'd say a poor kid prolly has a higher chance of being religious, but I haven't looked up statistics to support that. Can't say I blame anybody who went from nothing to a millionaire, w/the belief a skill was God-granted.

[daswann14]

You are correct on basically all your points. Poor people are the breeding grounds for all religions, its where they start, and to whom they cater. They may feel special because they have the talent and skills (usually at the expense of an education) to play games for millions of dollars. But they have no reason to think God did it. Do they not realize that by saying that they are saying that God thought more highly of me than believer X to give me this talent which would be a slight to God.

[1800dontcall]

This is the most ignorant vid I've seen on here in a while. Your whole argument consists of you thinking that player's personal beliefs are ridiculous and that they are idiots. You have nothing intelligent to say. You are making no VALID arguments except your PERSONAL opinion. What about what they believe? Ignorance at its finest, go do some studying before you come out acting like you have it all together.

[daswann14]

Uhh, well if you looked at my other videos, you would see how easy it is to disprove the God of the Covenant Yahweh. A 6 year old with reading and elemnary reading ability is smart enough to discern this. I and many other atheist have proved 100% that Yahweh does not exist. I made an observation about sports and religion, and the fact that sports plays such an important role in the African American community was more reason to make it. I'm tired of black people being dumb.

[daswann14]

Everytime a black person makes it, they thank God. Doesn't matter if it's for beating the shit out of someone, or helping them write the song "stomp that bitch-ass ho." No one should thank God cauase he doesn't exist, but it's even sillier to do it about competition, when both sides pray equally hard. It's a joke, just like your comment. It is not a matter of opinion, it is a matter of fact that Yahweh does not exist, and a matter of fact that Jesus was not divine.

[jim216virginia]

Teams of all sorts pray to: do their best, stay safe, to avoid injury, to display good sportsmanship, to play together as a team and support each other, to benefit from their hard practice.....and most of all: they pray not asking, but in gratitude: for their talent, good health, ability to do this thing that they love; again my friend: when you are grateful, to whom to you thank?

[daswann14]

I thank myself and the people that helped me accomplish whatever it is, either directly or by helping me become the man that I am. It's called personal responsibility. God did it is called cowardice.

[1800dontcall]

I looked at your other videos, but it still pertains very little to your debate skills. The whole video pretty much consists of YOU saying that African Americans are stupid and your little giggles throughout showing you really don't know what you're talking about. I am saying that you don't bother to answer the question of why black athletes make this a common theme throughout their "thankful speeches" . You keep saying its dumb. That "exercise the mind" part at the end doesn't prove your point.

[daswann14]

Oh boy. African Americans are stupider (not innately but as a result of our society) by all quantifiable means. Attention needs to be drawn to it, and it needs to change. The reason that athletes are so religious and thank God has a lot to do with the fact that they are uneducated, black and whites are all very religious in the world of sports. Everytime a black man gives a speach he thanks the God of the Bible that opressed his forefathers. It's lunacy, and only serves as a negative.

[1800dontcall]

So what you're saying is that black men are more religious than white people because they are less educated? That is absurd. There are just as many white Christians/theists as blacks. And what "god" are you referring to that suppressed your forefathers? Those who justified slavery in God's name and forever blasphemed his name; they served a different "god" than me. You seemed to be ignorant to the fact that blacks HAD to rely on God during their oppressions. Who else would listen?

[daswann14]

Blacks are much more religious than whites. It's a fact. And they have a higher% of Xians than whites. You Xians want us to believe that this country was founded on Xian principles, then you ignore the fact that the same men that founded this country advocated slavery. They were Christian. Relying on a fictitious concept is a way of keeping an entire race complacent, and to keep them from moving to action. The Bible was and is used to control people. If their is a God, he still hasn't listened.

[ladymimi101]

athletes are very superstitious

i guess it just makes them feel better...

no matter how stupid it might seem

more people should think like you

[bigdadft]

Im wondering how pathetic it will be when you suck your last breath.

[daswann14]

It'll suck cause I'll be dead. At least I get to trip on DMT before I die.

[jim216virginia]

I sat with my 16 yr.old son and listened to Art and was grateful for his witness to his faith in Jesus Christ. What an encouragement to a young believer who is growing in his own faith, like my son. God does exist; his son Jesus lived and died for you and for me and for Art. Praise God that a man like Art Monk has the courage to stand before all of America and give credit to his maker and redeemer; give credit to his parents and sister who lived the example of a strong Christian life.

[daswann14]

God does not exist. Read the Bible and prove it to yourself. If a god does exist it's not Yahweh and there is no evidence for it whatsoever. Religion is a huge problem for the world and the black community, and to have it flaunted by people who are otherwise idiots is shameful. Art monk, and all other people who don't believe that they and the people around them are responsible for what they do come off as foolish at best. 1000 fallacies in the Bible, and jesus was never ressurected = NO GOD.

[jim216virginia]

You state that you are interested in a dialogue; I have read the Bible and believe it to be TRUTH. May I sincerely suggest you do the same and search out the truth that lies therein. Christian service to humanity throughout the world, for generations, have made a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals-from a "humanity" perspective. So I argue your statement that "religion is a huge problem." My friend, Art Monk is no idiot.Sad that you feel that way.You should feel proud.

[daswann14]

Art monk came off like an idiot. Like I said, the fallacies in this book that you claim is ultimate truth proves the imperfection of the Bible and the non-existence of Yahweh. I'm interested in dialouge but there are no arguements a Christian can make that are valid regarding God or the Bible. They are trivially false. You can be charitable without religion, so don't appeal to ethics. I'm more ethical than anyone who adheres to the Bible. Sad you believe in fairy tales.

[jim216virginia]

I don't mean this in an inconsiderate way, but my friend, you are the ignorant one. Ignorant of the facts of history; and ignorant of the truths of the scriptures. I hope that one day someone will come along that you respect and you will encounter the living Christ....your life, like Saul's, will be changed forever. I pray you will see that day. One question: on Thanksgiving, to whom to you offer thanks? think about it.

[daswann14]

The scrtiptures are not true. They can logically and scientifically be disproven. I'm sorry to crush your world but they are trivially false. It doesn't even take that much effort to disprove them. They are terrible pieces of writing. There is no Christ and there is no God, and if God appeared to me I would blow a puff of weed smoke at his spiritual and tell him to chill out and stop being a tyrant. Obey me or I'll hurt you, lol. I don't pray nor worship the harvest god or killing indians.

[daswann14]

On thanksgiving I offer thanks to no one. If I'm around religious zealots, which I often am I thank all of my friends and family for choosing to be where I am instead of somewhere else. You think that question would give me pause, you Xians really do suffer from a mental disorder. I laugh to myself when my friends and family pray, the most I will ever do is bow my head in respect for them. I have never and will never say a prayer to an imaginary person. You thank God for having family die?

[jim216virginia]

My friend, you only confirm how lost so many in the world are today. This is the end of our communication. You just don't get it and I am sad for all that you are missing. You in no way "crush my world" with your ignorance. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below; praise His above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Hold Gost!AMEN!"

May the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be PRAISED !!! Thank you Jesus for your love and GRACE! Amen!

[daswann14]

Lol, religion (not neccesarily you) are the reason that so many people are dumb and callous. End our communication I'm telling you it's just as much of a fact that Yahweh doesn't exist as it is that our presidents name is George W. Bush. I have lots of proof, and you have none. I believe in evidence and you believe in fantasy, that is not only ignorant of the facts but dilluded as well. Fuck God. Fuck Jesus. Fuck Yahweh. No going back for me I blasphemed God, which is worse than murder to you.

[1800dontcall]

Why do your curse all these names that you don't even believe exist? I mean whats the point, if they don't exist, in essence you are talking to no one. And God can forgive any sin, its not out of his power. You have yet to show me proof though, you keep telling me these facts but can you actually present me with the facts be means of articles, stat pages and things like that, I'd be more than willing to read them. It takes as much faith to believe in no God as it does to believe in God.

[1800dontcall]

Also, whats with the contradiction? You say that if God appeared to you you'd blow weed smoke at him, but if he did I'm sure you wouldn't because your whole argument would be refuted.

[daswann14]

A hypothetical thought experiment is not a contradiction. I know Yahweh doesn't exist, I was simply creatively pointing out that he is a tyrant in the Bible, and if his characteristics were embodied in anything I would want nothing to do with such a morally bankrupt lunatic. You can imagine being a dolphin, and it's not a contradiction. You can imagine that today is Friday and it's not a contradiction. Contracdictions however, abound throughout your Bible. I suggest you read them and denounce em

[1800dontcall]

No this tends to be different. We all believe that dolphins and Friday really exist, but you are saying that if something happened that you believe could not happen then you would perform actions x, and y. Its different when you're dealing with so called absolutes. But I kind of get what you're saying. Anyway I don't find any contradictions in the Bible, if you have a question, i'll try my best to answer it. Also, how come you're only concerned with Yahweh and not Allah or Buddah? One-sided, no?

[gqbw25a]

My friend one thing u shouldn't do is interview/embarass yourself for the way u speak. the problem is when u read the bible u have to be sober not high like yourself. You are not guaranteed another breath so i suggest you wake up. God didn't give u the ability to get strong or jump. He gave much more than that like the air u breath. One day you will bow down. Believe before it's to late.

[daswann14]

I don't embarass myself. I've read the Bible sober, I've read it high, I've read parts of it on shrooms. It never makes sense, because it is a literary nightmare. It has more fallacies than you can count. You keep being deluded all you want, but remember that every second you spend worshiping an imaginary friend is a waste of the only life that you have. Bow down to an imaginary tyrant, lmfao.

[jim216virginia]

Let me first encourage you to watch Art Monk's speech again; I think you have missed the point of his aknowleging his relationship with Jesus Christ. Art Monk is a believer and as a believer he recognizes that he was uniquely created, gifted and talented. If Art had excelled in teaching, he would have thanked God for his gifts of teaching; if he were a writer, he would recognized his abilties were from God. I am saddened that you see Art's witness to his faith as "a joke" and "pathetic."

[bpabbott1st]

Thanking God when vanquishing an opponent is laughable ... and makes a mockery of the concept.

Nice post! Thanks!

[Cristofer7]

I think in sports so much is out of your hands... fortunes can change on a dime... I think it inspires religious superstition... religion lead people to believe they can be buddies with fate and that relationship will produce good fortune... it is superstition... and it is funny to watch... like god has favorite teams and players...

[corkery12]

forgot to tell you to make more videos! please make more

[daswann14]

I shall.

[corkery12]

well said.

[mikooou]

i like the redskins but the steelers are going to get in their asses this year :)

[daswann14]

No way. The steelers are good, skins are going to the superbowl to face NE or INDY. We'll see week 9 tho.