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Racing and Religion

Discussion in 'Sports Forum' started by RodH, Feb 10, 2004.

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  1. RodH

    RodH <img src ="http://humphrey.homestead.com/files/Rod

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    In NASCAR, lines blurred between racing and religion

    By PAUL NEWBERRY, AP Sports Writer
    February 9, 2004
    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- When Bobby Labonte takes the green flag in Sunday's Daytona 500, he'll be racing for victory -- and the Lord.

    The hood of Labonte's car is both a shameless movie plug -- "The Passion of the Christ," coming soon to a theater near you -- and some new-style proselytizing for the Gospel.

    Yes, witnessing has moved from the revival tent to the fast lane.

    "It's a chance to get the word out," Labonte said about the ad on his car. "Someone who is curious about Jesus and has never been saved sees the race and says, 'Hmmm, I'd like to see what that's about.' ... Maybe we can change their minds."

    NASCAR racing and the Christian faith have often worked hand-in-hand, from infield services for drivers, crewmen and officials to the pre-race invocation to the annual break in the schedule for the Easter holiday.

    Now comes a car promoting "The Passion of the Christ," a soon-to-be-released movie that already has drawn lavish praise from conservative clergy -- including the Rev. Billy Graham -- but angry denouncements from Jewish groups fearing it will stir up anti-Semitism.

    For Labonte, it was a no-brainer to plug Mel Gibson's film on the No. 18 car, especially since the movie focuses on the seminal event in the Christian faith -- the crucifixion of Jesus.

    LINK TO ARTICLE ON YAHOO.COM
     
    #1 RodH, Feb 10, 2004
  2. robycop3

    robycop3 Well-Known Member
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    I think it's GREAT that two sports that are considered as un-Christian as sports can be-pro rasslin' and NASCAR(because of the traditional sponsors of NASCAR) are being represented by more and more Christians! We've had football, baseball, & boxing represented by Christians for years now-glad to see Christianity in other sports also!

    I've also noticed that more and more pro GOLFERS are Christians. We useta have a joke-"Latter Day Saints-the OFFICIAL CHURCH of the PGA". But I believe that's outta date now.
     
    #2 robycop3, Feb 15, 2004
  3. Dan Todd

    Dan Todd Active Member

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    This boy for one - is glad NASCAR season has started.

    It gives me something to do Sunday afternoons - beside taking a nap!

    Dan - big NASCAR fan
     
    #3 Dan Todd, Feb 16, 2004
  4. drp737

    drp737 New Member

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    I am also glad to see NASCAR underway and would like to point out that NASCAR is the only sport that could claim to still be a predominantly Christian sport. You mention the NFL as being represented by Christians for years but they fine players for wearing hats with crosses on them during interviews. On the other hand the leadership of NASCAR have always endorsed and continue to endorse a prayer before every race and even a church service for the crews and drivers before each race. So, as far as the Christian background goes, I believe that NASCAR surpasses all other sports. It is also the sport with the largest percentage of conservative athletes, although there are only 43 in any given race and most come from the Bible belt.
     
    #4 drp737, Feb 18, 2004
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