Juan Smith is a hard as nails oke. He once worked as a bouncer in Bloemfontein, but his bread and butter is still moering people.
He's a good player, and he's a Cheetah, but I don't know why - it irks me when these guys (Danie Rossouw did it to when he was awarded Man of the Match) get airtime and the first thing they do is 'praise the Lord'. Can't you guys do that on hands and knees before you go to bed, you know, like, in private.
Posturing in Public
I think the reason there's this public display, with a bit of spluttering, is because they are not used to or comfortable with praise and adulation, they're used to the arena. And thus to deflect criticism, and calm their own nerves, they call on God for moral support (and support in the sense of a moral backbone).
It may make sense to them, but I really think platforming and broadcasting your beliefs ought to be more private, and more humble. And in the context of rugby, it doesn't quite work does it? It's not a game based on love, but toughness, and the ability to tough it out. I thought that much was obvious.
Grandstanding
Today on the way back from lunch we walked by three or four peculiar gentlemen dressed in white and green tartan collared shirts, standing at the curbside in Rosebank, but looking really out of place. As we stepped past, one of them said: "Can we share with you about our glorious God? Will you accept him as your saviour?" "Er...Let me think about that: NO!"
Church Currie Cup
I have a suggestion though: A Church Rugby League. Soccer has it's PSL and MVELA, we've got the Currie Cup and Super 14, but why stop there? With so many Christian rugby players in our own rugby teams (Boks like Habana, Smith and Roussouw, the Blue Bulls etc) and even the international players (remember the Tongan and Fijian Faithful?), what we really MUST see is a battle of the denominations. That way everyone can wear their Jesus is King t-shirts, and may the best player...er...I mean PRAYER win. There can be a special service after the game - after all the moering - for the man of the match and the various captain's to humbly give thanks for the source of their strength and superior strategy. Fans can applaud them or lay hands on them at the same time. Ah men brother.
5 comments:
agree,wonder who they blame when they lose?
Seriously, think one sticks ones neck out by publically proclaiming to be a christian as then you dare not have double standards
you can proclaim to be who you are by the simple evidence of your life, what is self evident by your actions. I mean, if I am successful at anything, or you, and you credit Tony Robbins, or a book you read on Lance Armstrong, or Allah or Buddha, people would go: "Ummm...thanks. We really just wanted to give you the award and see how happy you were and hear your story." Getting the belief system behind it is one step to far, unless it's solicited...
exactly! thats what I meant by double standards, you are then judged by whatever you do - like when people with a fish stuck on their car's bumper err in traffic - people say "look at that idiot and he's a christian too!"
I have been thinking the same thing for so long. I am so glad someone finally came out and said it. They should keep it to themselves, as religion is supposed to be a private matter. I think theory behind the 'uncomfortable with praise' is just brilliant and true. I will never forget when the Bulls wore there 'Jesus is King' shirts after winning a major rugby tournament. It was embarrassing. It is just something unrelated to rugby matters.
I disagree, if you have a true faith in Christ, He has an impact on every aspect of your life. Sure, people need to live up to what they believe, but we are all human - and we all make mistakes.
Post a Comment