Reader comments
MormonTimes.com: Mormons on N.Z. team face Sunday-play quandary
98 comments | Read story
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
Anonymous | 9:11 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Funny how many people are so concerned about how this makes the Church look to
those outside the faith. It was their choice, which was made clear from the
beginning. If you are embarrassed by the choice, either way, I can only imagine
what else might embarrass you and how quickly you might compromise other aspects
of your beliefs so as not to look strange or peculiar to the rest of the world.
Re: Sabbath | 9:12 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Then why did Jesus's deciples always meet and partake of the sacrament on
the FIRST day of the week (Sunday?) Read your Bible!
Comments continue below
Ernest T. Bass | 9:34 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Just play. God doesn't care, I ride my mountain bike every Sunday morning
then teach Deacons in church.
No problem at all.
No problem at all.
Steve | 9:58 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Standing for something!! Good on them!
Doodles | 10:22 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
A personal committment, honorably kept, should be a reason for rejoicing.
Whether or not I personally agree with the committment is not the issue. When
any one has the courage to stand for their convictions, particulary when the
stakes are very high, we should applaud that courage.
There is no game that is more important than an individual's personal integrity to a commitment she has made. For themselves, these New Zealand Olympians will "Come Home with Honor."
I liked the way the movie "Chariots of Fire" showed all the points of view that have been shared in these comments, and still managed to portray Eric Liddle, the great runner from Scotland, as a committed athlete, a devout Christian, and a warm and real personality.
Eric Liddle did not require others to make the commitments he had made. He did not criticize others for choosing differently than he did. He stood firmly and with honor by his convictions, though the price was very high. I think that is worthy.
Can we not do the same?
There is no game that is more important than an individual's personal integrity to a commitment she has made. For themselves, these New Zealand Olympians will "Come Home with Honor."
I liked the way the movie "Chariots of Fire" showed all the points of view that have been shared in these comments, and still managed to portray Eric Liddle, the great runner from Scotland, as a committed athlete, a devout Christian, and a warm and real personality.
Eric Liddle did not require others to make the commitments he had made. He did not criticize others for choosing differently than he did. He stood firmly and with honor by his convictions, though the price was very high. I think that is worthy.
Can we not do the same?
ramper | 11:27 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
The coach should not have put them on the team in the first place. In the second
place they should not have accepted the position. Putting on the New Zealand
jersey means you are representing your nation. All the people in your country.
You have an obligation to fulfill what is required of that honor. Your
nation's footing the bill. It does not matter that it was not a medal game.
Would it have mattered? What of LDS members on the U. S. teams. When exactly is
the Sabbath? Sunday in China or Sunday in Utah.
Derek | 11:38 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Plain and simple... if they choose not to compete on Sundays, they
shouldn't have been chosen to be on the "TEAM".... the concept of
team means greater than oneself... it is embarrassing and should setback
professional mormon athletes the world over.
Justification | 11:47 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
You can't have it both ways. To say that Steve Young was justified because
he "had to make a living" and yet others are sinners is silly. If
that is how Steve felt, he would have retired after the USFL contract from 1984
with more money than most of us will ever make in a lifetime, and when he
finished his law degree, practiced law where he would never have had to work on
Sunday. Compairing Steve Young to the guy down the street working two jobs to
put food on the table is rediculous. How about the fact that the church
doesn't care if you work on Sunday. They want the best for your family. I
am sure all the church employees, television station managers, etc. don't
mind working on conference sunday, with pay, just to broadcast the sunday
sessions. They don't do it for service, it is their job, and the church
requires it to broadcast conference. The girls should have played for the
olympics, there would have been no violation of church standards.
You Know Truth, Govern Yourself | 11:55 p.m. Aug. 17, 2008
Two of the players made commitments not to play on Sunday, and they stuck to
their commitment. One player committed to play regardless, and she stuck to that
commitment, too. We don't know what else she did to try to keep the Sabbath
at other times of the day, so we shouldn't be too quick to judge.
We have been taught correct principles regarding the Sabbath and left to govern ourselves. So we need to be sure we're keeping the Sabbath as *we ourselves* understand it.
I'm normally cautious about Sunday, but I've faced a number of judgment calls over the years about working on Sunday--most in a job for the public good. I had to pray, search my soul, and ponder what would be the better choice and why. I worked Sundays for 18 months. I don't feel the Lord condemned me for my decision--as long as I was committed to His gospel and keeping the spirit of the Sabbath.
We should be slower to point fingers at others (Steve Young, etc.) and quicker to search our own souls. The most important question is NOT "Are *they* keeping the Sabbath?" Instead, it's "Am *I* keeping the Sabbath?"
We have been taught correct principles regarding the Sabbath and left to govern ourselves. So we need to be sure we're keeping the Sabbath as *we ourselves* understand it.
I'm normally cautious about Sunday, but I've faced a number of judgment calls over the years about working on Sunday--most in a job for the public good. I had to pray, search my soul, and ponder what would be the better choice and why. I worked Sundays for 18 months. I don't feel the Lord condemned me for my decision--as long as I was committed to His gospel and keeping the spirit of the Sabbath.
We should be slower to point fingers at others (Steve Young, etc.) and quicker to search our own souls. The most important question is NOT "Are *they* keeping the Sabbath?" Instead, it's "Am *I* keeping the Sabbath?"
I luv S Y | 12:13 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
You GUYS!!!! Leave Steve Young alone. And these girls knew what they were
commiting to when they signed up. The person(s) most affected are those who
could have taken their spot and been 100% committed to the team and purpose. As
long as you are informed and understand what you are signing up for, that is the
time to decide. and if you can't be a team member, then take a hike. That
is what is moral and ethical to do on behalf of other players and potential
players.
Nathan Pratt | 12:54 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Are we in a position to judge?
Are we forgetting that we as a people have free agency? Isn't it why Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ? And don't just rely on the scriptures, rely on modern revelation as well.
Are we forgetting that we as a people have free agency? Isn't it why Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ? And don't just rely on the scriptures, rely on modern revelation as well.
Ernest T saddle seat smell | 1:22 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Steve Young, and the young ladies all have a deal with God.
The young ladies chose to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.
This is not an LDS thing, even though that is the religion of the young ladies.
The Prime Minister of Israel left the opening ceremonies a week ago Friday, but because by the time the ceremonies were over, It was Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. he chose to walk.
People keep commandments all the time.
I just wish they would ask these fine young ladies to speak at the same fireside that Steve Young speaks at. Apparently their deal with God is such that they don't break the ten commandments.
And Ernest T. just shower before you teach the deacons.
The young ladies chose to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.
This is not an LDS thing, even though that is the religion of the young ladies.
The Prime Minister of Israel left the opening ceremonies a week ago Friday, but because by the time the ceremonies were over, It was Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. he chose to walk.
People keep commandments all the time.
I just wish they would ask these fine young ladies to speak at the same fireside that Steve Young speaks at. Apparently their deal with God is such that they don't break the ten commandments.
And Ernest T. just shower before you teach the deacons.
Brett | 6:07 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Talking about hypocrisy...the LDS church's farm in Griffith Australia
operates on Sunday. The reason...as told by the general operations manager is
because it would not make financial sense to close the operations down.
And not this is not a friend of a friend of a friend who told me this. I was given a tour of the farms facilities after church and was taken aback by the warehouse in full production on the Sabbath.
And yes the Sabbath should be Saturday...however early Christendom changed it to Sunday to commemorate the day Christ rose from the tomb.
And not this is not a friend of a friend of a friend who told me this. I was given a tour of the farms facilities after church and was taken aback by the warehouse in full production on the Sabbath.
And yes the Sabbath should be Saturday...however early Christendom changed it to Sunday to commemorate the day Christ rose from the tomb.
Winston | 7:06 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Obedience to God's word [scripture] is not "graded on the curve,"
or by public opinion. One obeys or disobeys and consequences follow:
disobedience leads to more disobedience until God is fenced out; everything
negotiable, to the downside. The New Zealand LDS team members are strong
competitors, they've proved that. But, to their credit, they chose to obey
God's commandment to keep the Sabbath Day holy. If we elect not to choose
God's way, in the end it won't matter what we happened to choose
instead.
ramper | 8:04 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
How is not being in the game keeping the Sabbath Day holy but being at the game
cheering for your team is? Where is the rule book for this? They have just made
it more difficult for any LDS athlete in New Zealand to be considered for any
team.
Follow the money | 8:53 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
-New Zealand is always going to be a small, isolated country.
-The US is a large country with lots of jobs. Especially if you can send off a resume to a Utah-based company with "Pharisee" listed as one of your previous job titles.
-The US is a large country with lots of jobs. Especially if you can send off a resume to a Utah-based company with "Pharisee" listed as one of your previous job titles.
writer | 8:59 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
If Purcell and Wharemate had issues with playing on Sunday, they should have
declined to participate on the team. When you make a commitment to an employer
who requires Sunday work, then you have to fulfill your obligation. Their
actions are nothing more than self-righteous posturing.
I don�t like working on Sundays but have in the past when it�s been needed to support my family. Right now my day job doesn�t require Sunday work, however I spend most Sunday afternoon and evenings writing my second book (no, it�s not LDS-themed) simply because that�s one of the days where I have time to work on it.
Those who are congratulating themselves as being as self-righteous as the two New Zealand basketball players would let their families starve rather than violate the Sabbath. No doubt they�ve made some Pharisees quite proud.
I don�t like working on Sundays but have in the past when it�s been needed to support my family. Right now my day job doesn�t require Sunday work, however I spend most Sunday afternoon and evenings writing my second book (no, it�s not LDS-themed) simply because that�s one of the days where I have time to work on it.
Those who are congratulating themselves as being as self-righteous as the two New Zealand basketball players would let their families starve rather than violate the Sabbath. No doubt they�ve made some Pharisees quite proud.
Anonymous | 9:07 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Ernest T. Bass needs to get a life - I doubt he was ridding a bike he was
trolling the internet and commenting on stories.
i commend | 10:19 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
These 2 young ladies on there decision not to play. As for all those with
negative comments on the decision the 2 young ladies made, I fear for the day
you meet God, if you had read the entire article they told the NZ coach and the
NZ olympic committee before they decided to allow these 2 great ladies to
represent their great nation.
They not only represented NZ proudly they represented Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and the Church proudly.
They not only represented NZ proudly they represented Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and the Church proudly.
John Robertson | 10:46 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
The LDS church did not make the law to keep the sabbath day holy, the Lord did
and I applaud these girls for their stand although I agree that their stand
should have been clear to their coach before the games
wow | 11:22 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
only you can decide right or wrong for yourself and you would not like to be
judged or picked apart for your choice, but that's what you are doing to
these young women...and Steve Young. How did he get dragged into this? You
people are mean!
sb | 11:47 a.m. Aug. 18, 2008
I applaud the coaches for respecting these ladies' decision to not play on
Sunday and allowing them to still be part of the team. They are honorable in
not discriminating against any member of their team.
RE: writer@8:59 | 1:38 p.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Question: Assuming you're all for the "live and let live"
mentality regarding the Sabbath, why judge people so harshly who choose to keep
it in the best way they know how?
Choosing NOT to participate in certain activities on Sunday is hardly the same as letting your family starve. You have some logical issues to work through on that one, sorry to say.
Self-righteousness goes well beyond Sabbath observance--it also extends to how harshly we judge others for their actions. There are those among us who act like the commandments don't matter or are irrelevant, and then turn and criticize others who do their best to keep them as "self-righteous." That's a tragic, pitiful form of self-righteousness and judgment in its own way. Right?
Maybe we all should worry more about what WE are doing right or wrong, and leave judgment on our neighbors or LDS basketball players from New Zealand to the Lord? Just a thought.
Choosing NOT to participate in certain activities on Sunday is hardly the same as letting your family starve. You have some logical issues to work through on that one, sorry to say.
Self-righteousness goes well beyond Sabbath observance--it also extends to how harshly we judge others for their actions. There are those among us who act like the commandments don't matter or are irrelevant, and then turn and criticize others who do their best to keep them as "self-righteous." That's a tragic, pitiful form of self-righteousness and judgment in its own way. Right?
Maybe we all should worry more about what WE are doing right or wrong, and leave judgment on our neighbors or LDS basketball players from New Zealand to the Lord? Just a thought.
Ello | 3:05 p.m. Aug. 18, 2008
They were at the game sitting on the bench.
They are ridiculous for not playing, but going and sitting on the bench.
They need to get over themselves and stop trying to be holier than thou.
I have no problem if they wanted to go to church or at least stay in the apartment and read scriptures, but no, they went to the game and sat on the bench.
What is the difference.
They are ridiculous for not playing, but going and sitting on the bench.
They need to get over themselves and stop trying to be holier than thou.
I have no problem if they wanted to go to church or at least stay in the apartment and read scriptures, but no, they went to the game and sat on the bench.
What is the difference.
James | 5:02 p.m. Aug. 18, 2008
I also applaud these women for not playing and just watching the game. And in
their honor I just ordered NFL Sunday Ticket. Now I'll spend all day
Sundays watching and cheering my favorite NFL teams, but not playing! Wow it
feels good to Stand for Something.
Norcal | 6:27 p.m. Aug. 18, 2008
How ironic is this?
The two LDS members of the NZ team choose not to play the US team because the game is on Sunday.
The US beat the NZ team.
LDS is a US religion.
In a way, the US LDS beliefs helped the US team win.
Additionally, I agree with the hypocrisy of Steve Young. Not only did he play on Sundays, but many LDS members watched him on Sundays BECAUSE he was LDS.
Yep, LDS are still peculiar, at least from one member to the next in their beliefs.
The two LDS members of the NZ team choose not to play the US team because the game is on Sunday.
The US beat the NZ team.
LDS is a US religion.
In a way, the US LDS beliefs helped the US team win.
Additionally, I agree with the hypocrisy of Steve Young. Not only did he play on Sundays, but many LDS members watched him on Sundays BECAUSE he was LDS.
Yep, LDS are still peculiar, at least from one member to the next in their beliefs.
Larry | 8:07 p.m. Aug. 18, 2008
Under a Theocracy and in the Millenium there will be no one who wants to break
the Sabbath. Come on Fire and Brimstone!!
Don't forget Sandy Kofax? | 1:31 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008
Chariots of Fire has been mentioned already.
Sandy Kaufax would not pitch a world series game on a Jewish holy day
One of the girls faced the same issue in college and would not play on Sunday. The college coach thought it was worth offering a scholarship for 6 out of 7 days. The olympic coach thought the same. Different members of the LDS church choose differently. They are taught correct principles and they choose for themselves. As shown here, different people see different principles as prevailing. Likely no one here has spoke with the people involved to know what inspiration they may have sought or received in making their choices. Steve Young chose to sign a football contract and play on Sunday. In his youth, Alvin R. Dyer (a former counselor to David O. McKay a president of the LDS church) chose not to sign a professional baseball contract because it required Sunday play. I am stunned to know that so many have the calling to judge the actions of any of these individuals. I thought tenure in such positions was longer then to have such turnover involving so many "judges".
Sandy Kaufax would not pitch a world series game on a Jewish holy day
One of the girls faced the same issue in college and would not play on Sunday. The college coach thought it was worth offering a scholarship for 6 out of 7 days. The olympic coach thought the same. Different members of the LDS church choose differently. They are taught correct principles and they choose for themselves. As shown here, different people see different principles as prevailing. Likely no one here has spoke with the people involved to know what inspiration they may have sought or received in making their choices. Steve Young chose to sign a football contract and play on Sunday. In his youth, Alvin R. Dyer (a former counselor to David O. McKay a president of the LDS church) chose not to sign a professional baseball contract because it required Sunday play. I am stunned to know that so many have the calling to judge the actions of any of these individuals. I thought tenure in such positions was longer then to have such turnover involving so many "judges".
jf | 7:14 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008
The real tragedy about all this is that it should not be necessary to even have
this discussion. If everyone would just keep the sabbath day holy in the first
place, no one would even have to make the difficult decision these girls had to
make. The Romans undoubtedly gathered in the coliseum to watch the lions eat
the Christians on Sunday too. Does that mean we should do the same? If no one
went to the coliseum on Sunday in the first place the girls would not have had
to make hard choices like this. If none of you who like to call yourselves
"Christians" went to the football stadium on Sunday, Steve Young would
have found himself playing on Saturday instead of Sunday. Is there anything
that makes sports better when they desecrate the Sabbath? If all you so called
"Christians" would stop going to the coliseum on Sunday, the
gladiators would not find it necessary to make a decision to play, or not to
play, on the sabbath. Good for these girls for standing by their principles.
Shame on you critics that want to see the hungry lions eat on Sunday. Rome,
where are you?
RE: jf, Koufax | 8:49 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008
jf, I see your point from a particular point of view. It would be wonderful if
we already lived in the City of Enoch, after all! But in the here and now,
we've got a lot of difficult decisions to wrestle with--in part due to how
others have chosen to use their free agency.
I'm a bit more inclined to agree with "Sandy Kofax" above. Why is it appropriate for us to judge each other as we wrestle with those decisions? Shouldn't we be more worried about doing what's right ourselves FIRST, instead of what our neighbors are doing?
Who among us is qualified to cast the first stone at Steve Young? (I shudder at the thought of some of the answers I might get, given some of the previous commentary.) We who still believe in keeping the Sabbath need to worry about whether WE are keeping it FIRST. Others will have to be accountable for what THEY do.
I suspect any of us who make it to the City of Enoch will find that it's filled with people who've made THEMSELVES accountable to the Lord--not those who have judged their neighbors without mercy.
I'm a bit more inclined to agree with "Sandy Kofax" above. Why is it appropriate for us to judge each other as we wrestle with those decisions? Shouldn't we be more worried about doing what's right ourselves FIRST, instead of what our neighbors are doing?
Who among us is qualified to cast the first stone at Steve Young? (I shudder at the thought of some of the answers I might get, given some of the previous commentary.) We who still believe in keeping the Sabbath need to worry about whether WE are keeping it FIRST. Others will have to be accountable for what THEY do.
I suspect any of us who make it to the City of Enoch will find that it's filled with people who've made THEMSELVES accountable to the Lord--not those who have judged their neighbors without mercy.
Selfish not Righteous | 5:11 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008
The point is that they should have made the decision PRIOR to taking a spot on
the NZ team. Their actions are simply selfish.
Please, Selfish not Righteous... | 5:44 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008
... I take it you KNOW these players well enough to make that statement? Please
tell us all about them and all their other flaws you know so well!
You see, I feel really bad about myself right now. I'm not really all that good myself, much as I put on a "whited sepulchure" face to the outside world. So I need to tear somebody else down to my level so I can try to feel better. Can you help me out with that, please?
I REALLY need someone like you who knows everyone else's flaws so well. When you're done with the NZ players, let's rip apart Steve Young, Danny Ainge, John Beck, and a whole bunch of other selfish people, too! OK?
Thanks! I'd really feel SO much better about myself if you'd help me assassinate a stranger's character. After all, if it works for you, it's got to work for me, too!
You see, I feel really bad about myself right now. I'm not really all that good myself, much as I put on a "whited sepulchure" face to the outside world. So I need to tear somebody else down to my level so I can try to feel better. Can you help me out with that, please?
I REALLY need someone like you who knows everyone else's flaws so well. When you're done with the NZ players, let's rip apart Steve Young, Danny Ainge, John Beck, and a whole bunch of other selfish people, too! OK?
Thanks! I'd really feel SO much better about myself if you'd help me assassinate a stranger's character. After all, if it works for you, it's got to work for me, too!
I agree.... | 8:51 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008
......with Selfish not Righteous. If they knew all along that they wouldn't
play on Sunday, why did they accept a role on the team that could have gone to
someone actually willing to keep their commitment? Certainly they knew that a
Sunday game was possible beforehand. Backing out of a Sunday game after
accepting a position on the team does not make them noble. It's not honest.
Poster at 5:44, what are you even talking about? You obviously have some issues. Good luck with that.
Poster at 5:44, what are you even talking about? You obviously have some issues. Good luck with that.
I Don't Agree... | 11:19 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008
... but politely, with Selfish not Righteous or I Agree. If every LDS athlete
backed out of competition because it was possible they might have to play on
Sunday, there'd be virtually no LDS athletes in any sport. True?
It's really not that complicated. If you play on Sunday--that's your decision. If you're not going to play on Sunday, be up-front about it from the start. These players did that. So I don't have a problem with what they did. I'm not sure why other people do. Doesn't seem the coach or teammates did--they were informed and knew what would happen.
Speaking of commitment, isn't the most important your commitment to do what's right, as you understand it?
"I agree"--about the 5:44 post--you don't recognize satire and sarcasm when you read it? Over the top, sure, and the writer probably needs a new hobby, but I got it.
Well, that's my piece!
It's really not that complicated. If you play on Sunday--that's your decision. If you're not going to play on Sunday, be up-front about it from the start. These players did that. So I don't have a problem with what they did. I'm not sure why other people do. Doesn't seem the coach or teammates did--they were informed and knew what would happen.
Speaking of commitment, isn't the most important your commitment to do what's right, as you understand it?
"I agree"--about the 5:44 post--you don't recognize satire and sarcasm when you read it? Over the top, sure, and the writer probably needs a new hobby, but I got it.
Well, that's my piece!
Issues? New Hobby? HA! | 2:09 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008
People--whatever.
Yes, I wrote that 5:44 post.
Yes, it was sarcasm.
Yes, few things bother me more than hyper-judgmental people who THINK they know so much more about other people's integrity, spirituality, character, worthiness, etc. than they really do. And when they spout off, they only reveal their own ignorance and intolerance.
Perhaps I can re-phrase my point for anyone who just doesn't get it: STOP JUDGING OTHERS AND MIND YOUR OWN DARN BUSINESS.
THAT'S pretty much the extent of my "issues," as far as I know. I'm sure some of you who know me so well can enlighten us about all my other faults and flaws, though! So knock yourselves out!
Yes, I wrote that 5:44 post.
Yes, it was sarcasm.
Yes, few things bother me more than hyper-judgmental people who THINK they know so much more about other people's integrity, spirituality, character, worthiness, etc. than they really do. And when they spout off, they only reveal their own ignorance and intolerance.
Perhaps I can re-phrase my point for anyone who just doesn't get it: STOP JUDGING OTHERS AND MIND YOUR OWN DARN BUSINESS.
THAT'S pretty much the extent of my "issues," as far as I know. I'm sure some of you who know me so well can enlighten us about all my other faults and flaws, though! So knock yourselves out!
ramper | 11:00 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008
re: 5:44 poster
Being judgmental is a human hobby and flaw. Many times in venues like this we go over the line and become personal with others without really knowing that person beyond a single position on a single item. Weak!
People are responding to an article and each of us is "spouting" off to some degree. People do that each day in deeds and/or thoughts. I certainly don't know anything about your "faults" and "flaws" but I bet they are not as numerous as mine. Your point about not knowing about "other people's integrity, spirituality, character, worthiness, etc." is an excellent point. It is one thing to judge an action (and I certainly disagreed with their actions) and another to judge the reasons/commitment/integrity/ etc. behind that action. I know I have posted in the past and wish I had thought it out better. I am guilty at times of holding the mirror up to others without turning in around to see my own reflection. Of course I have a good excuse. Having my nose broken a couple times boxing does not allow for a good reflection.
Keep posting. But, get a neat tag ID.
Being judgmental is a human hobby and flaw. Many times in venues like this we go over the line and become personal with others without really knowing that person beyond a single position on a single item. Weak!
People are responding to an article and each of us is "spouting" off to some degree. People do that each day in deeds and/or thoughts. I certainly don't know anything about your "faults" and "flaws" but I bet they are not as numerous as mine. Your point about not knowing about "other people's integrity, spirituality, character, worthiness, etc." is an excellent point. It is one thing to judge an action (and I certainly disagreed with their actions) and another to judge the reasons/commitment/integrity/ etc. behind that action. I know I have posted in the past and wish I had thought it out better. I am guilty at times of holding the mirror up to others without turning in around to see my own reflection. Of course I have a good excuse. Having my nose broken a couple times boxing does not allow for a good reflection.
Keep posting. But, get a neat tag ID.
Chris Plummer | 3:42 p.m. Aug. 20, 2008
Too bad for those girls. When all is said and done I think they will regret
their decision not to play on a Sunday. I think a loving God would understand
if they tried their best to worship on a free day that week.
Why worry? | 11:38 p.m. Aug. 20, 2008
I think life would be much easier and happier if we all stopped worrying about a
bunch of nit-picky rules (like what is or isn't breaking the Sabbath) and
simply enjoyed life. I know I feel much freer now. It's a wonderful life!
Enjoy it!
Johnny Utah #9 | 9:13 a.m. Aug. 21, 2008
These girls shouldn't have been allowed to participate on the team if they
were not willing to play on a Sunday. I hope they regret this decision for the
rest of their lives. Playing in the Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity
for only a small handful of people. And to give that up is just plain stupid.
I'm sure that they didn't mention this to their coaches prior to being
selected for the team, because they wouldn't be on the team if that was the
case. They need a quick education and should learn the definition of
'Team'. What a let down for their country and their other teammates.
Uh, Johnny... | 9:35 a.m. Aug. 21, 2008
... you sound kinda bitter about something, man--don't know if it has
anything to do with Sunday or not. What's with the "I hope they regret
this decision for the rest of their lives" stuff?
Come on, Johnny. Live and let live. Don't try to tear down somebody else just because they believe differently than you.
Come on, Johnny. Live and let live. Don't try to tear down somebody else just because they believe differently than you.
So many silly rules... | 9:41 a.m. Aug. 21, 2008
This is exactly why I finally left religion behind. Way too many rules that no
one really agrees on how to keep. Now I simply try to be honest, kind and
joyful--much simpler--and it works for me.
show me the money | 12:31 p.m. Aug. 21, 2008
Steve Young could play on sunday as long as he paid his 10% !!!! Its the same
with all mormons. You can work on sunday and not get in trouble as long as the
church gets its money !!!
kiwi | 9:03 p.m. Aug. 21, 2008
i know these girls & they all come from wonderful active lds families. one
of the girls used to play sundays but made the decision in recent times to no
longer play on sundays and that decision came at a time when she knew her
chances to play in the olympics could be majorly jeopardized, but she followed
through with it despite that shadow over her. if anyone is at fault, it is the
head coach (australian). the nz pool of players is so small that we take whoever
we can to represent us. in our current team, 2 were signed up as recently as
barely 6 months ago from the usa - one whose mother is a nzer & the other
who i believe was born in nz. both have never lived in nz. a third player is
australian but was born in nz when her parents were en-route from italy to
australia. so don't worry about nzers being left out because of charmian
& noni not playing sundays. at least they are true blue kiwis & most
nzers are thrilled they were selected to represent us. we're proud of them!
kiwi | 9:22 p.m. Aug. 21, 2008
thought i'd add something else that may be of interest. as recently as 3
months ago, there were actually 5 lds members in the nz olympic squad. in nz the
lds church college of nz has been one of the top feeder schools for top
basketballers. so many have not made it into the national teams of the past
because of their religion. the current coach obviously felt that charmian and
noni could take the team further by being included in the squad, so made the
decision that he did. charmian was only included in the final squad just weeks
before the team left for beijing, and was not included in the pre-olympics games
in europe & asia. was there some pressure put on her by leaving her out of
those crucial pre-olympic tournaments? what do u think? so all the more reason
why we should be praising her for her stand. it was a miracle - a blessing even
- that she was selected. To those who have said the girls would regret their
decision not to play, i know these faithful girls, and NO, THEY WON'T BE
REGRETTING ANYTHING! & why should they?
kiwi | 9:32 p.m. Aug. 21, 2008
'so many silly rules' - no pain no gain!
'show me the money' - get over it dude. usually the ones who complain about the 10% or any other principle are those who have never paid it, or in the case of principles, never kept it! try faithfully doing it and you might see things very differently. but each to one's own, i suppose.
'show me the money' - get over it dude. usually the ones who complain about the 10% or any other principle are those who have never paid it, or in the case of principles, never kept it! try faithfully doing it and you might see things very differently. but each to one's own, i suppose.
someone regrets it | 1:03 a.m. Aug. 22, 2008
These women knew there was a reasonable chance that a game would occur on a
Sunday, yet they let their wonderful little nation send them to a venue that
most young athletes only dream of ... they should have stayed home if they knew
they wouldn't play under every circumstance ... the coaches should not have
manipulated them � other players would have gladly taken
their place ... that's the issue here! � perhaps the
team wouldn�t have been as strong without these two, but
there are plenty of cases where people, if given a chance, rise to the occasion
� maybe two �less
righteous� girls could have put the team into medal
territory � at least they would have been trustworthy
enough to play any day there was a game ... when people make these high-minded,
�spiritual� decisions, someone else
usually gets hurt or has to clean up their mess ... would someone become a
firefighter with the knowledge that they would not respond to every fire?
� I DON'T CARE who does not work or play on Sundays
... I do care if someone else gets hurt, or is cheated out of their Olympic
dreams, as a result..
kiwi | 3:10 a.m. Aug. 22, 2008
here in kiwiland, these decisions are left to the coach. the coach knew the
girls weren't going to play on sunday so why blame the girls if the coach
felt they were the best to perhaps take the team to the next stage. of greater
concern to the majority of people here in nz is the fact that usa girls were
recruited just weeks away from the olympics & at least two nz girls who did
all they could for the game here in nz all their lives, were deprived of their
dream to represent their country. this happened at the last olympics also when
an australian was brought into the team just prior to the team leaving for the
olympics. suddenly, the fact that they were born in nz or that a parent was a nz
citizen (although the latter seems more palatable than the former), is all they
need to qualify to represent our country. now that's what's more hard
for us to swallow! way worse than two homegrown nzers who the coach knew
weren't available for sunday games yet were still selected. if anyone needs
your ire, go vent it on the coach & the token nzers!
- Page:
- < Previous
- 1
- 2
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
- RSL will play for MLS Cup tonight 3:06 a.m.
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime 3:06 a.m.
- Utah Utes whip SDSU 3:05 a.m.
- BYU records with win 3:05 a.m.
- RSL dancing with soccer stars 3:04 a.m.
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals 3:04 a.m.
- Dixie State campus briefs 3:03 a.m.
- Weber State campus briefs 3:02 a.m.
- UVU campus briefs 3:01 a.m.
- BYU campus briefs 2:59 a.m.
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Can BYU throw vs. Air Force?
- Cougars cruise to victory in Hawaii
- Huntsman blasts media over trip
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Christian leaders not backing down
- BYU records with win
- TCU still has a chance
- Orem man acquitted in tot's death
- Religion cited in deportation fight
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
192 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah173
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?129
- Palin's book shows she's unqualified122
- Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case103
- BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.100
- Jazz finally win in San Antonio98
- BYU records with win95
- Utes knock off rival Aggies93
- Huntsman pleased with Obama87
Latest comments
Beck is extremely smart, he is selling books and is very popular on TV. All...
@Mick, the Federal Govt is run by corporations through contributions and...
Lets bond together and hope for a REAL celebration SUnday night, can hardly...
I was on the playground too and some teachers came out and called us all to...
B.Y.U. has been a consistent a top 25 ranked winner under Max Hall. Hall has...
Did Timp win four in a row or 4 in 4 years?
You have a lot of growing up to do, It seems like you have not cxperienced...
The proposed ethics law puts roughly the same burden on a legislator that a...
Hall ACTUALLY broke the all timme wins record vs WYO last week. I guess...
Sounds to me like Kraig Powell may be a candidate for resignation. So long,...
Advertisements
God didn't change the Sabbath from the 7th day to the 1st day. Romans did generations after the death of Jesus and his disciples. This is part of the great apostasy that Joseph forgot to restore.