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dimossi
Skeptic Friend
USA
141 Posts |
 Posted - 11/18/2002 : 11:20:44
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A sports commentator for The Tennessean, David Climer, seems to think that everyone on the sidelines of a NFL game instantly prays to God when an injury, such as the one Tommy Maddox sustained on Sunday, occurs to a player. Here is what he wrote:
"They say there are no atheists in a foxhole. The same holds for the sidelines of an NFL game in the seconds and minutes that follow this kind of injury. There's nothing like seeing one of your own lying motionless to turn an NFL game into a prayer vigil."
Full story can be read here:
http://miva.jacksonsun.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?SPORTS/sports_story.mv+link=200211184373790
I suggest we write honest, yet respectful, e-mails to this sports commentator, David Climer, and help dispel his misconceptions.
David Climer is a columnist for The Tennessean. He can be reached by email at dclimer@tennessean.com
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"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." [Philip K. Dick, science-fiction author] |
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Gorgo
SFN Die Hard
USA
5310 Posts |
 Posted - 11/18/2002 : 11:42:42 [Permalink]
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What exactly do they expect to happen when they pray? Didn't they all pray before the game that nothing like this would happen?
Maybe if you shot up some of that good speed that the author had you'd understand.
quote:
Originally posted by dimossi
A sports commentator for The Tennessean, David Climer,
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I know the rent is in arrears
The dog has not been fed in years
It's even worse than it appears
But it's alright-
Jerry Garcia
Robert Hunter
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PhDreamer
SFN Regular
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2002 : 13:01:51 [Permalink]
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It seems like Mr. Climer was making use of a mindless cliche in order to make a point about the fellowship shown by players when one of their own is injured, rather than intentionally taking potshots at atheists. Maybe he thinks atheists are rare enough that there's a low probability one will read his column in the first place, or maybe he doesn't think about it at all. I will write him a email, but I'm going to try to limit the invective I was preparing when I read the column the first time.
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I believe that, as a species, human beings define their reality through suffering and misery.
-Agent Smith |
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dimossi
Skeptic Friend
USA
141 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2002 : 13:16:25 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by PhDreamer
It seems like Mr. Climer was making use of a mindless cliche in order to make a point about the fellowship shown by players when one of their own is injured, rather than intentionally taking potshots at atheists. Maybe he thinks atheists are rare enough that there's a low probability one will read his column in the first place, or maybe he doesn't think about it at all. I will write him a email, but I'm going to try to limit the invective I was preparing when I read the column the first time.
Thanks PhDreamer; please let us know if you receive a reply from Mr. Climer. It could be that he is truly ignorant and just needs to be correctly informed. That is why I suggested honesty, yet respectfullness. |
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." [Philip K. Dick, science-fiction author] |
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PhDreamer
SFN Regular
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - 11/18/2002 : 13:32:24 [Permalink]
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Here's what I sent:
Mr. Climer,
Your column in the Nov. 18th Tennessean was, I'm sure, poignant and touching for many, and doubtlessly shows how empathic a species we are capable of being. That said, I'd like to note first, I am an atheist. In that capacity, I have the wisdom to say, unequivocally, your characterization of atheists, or the sideline-lack thereof, is entirely wrong. You apparently subsist under the misconception that religion, or theism of some kind, is a requirement for empathic behavior. It's common, really, to encounter people who hold various misconceptions about what atheists are or are not capable of due to our lack of god-belief. I know several atheists and several more theists. The only thing that is consistently different is the presence or absence of a belief in God. Atheists and theists can both be logical, emotional, peaceful, violent, self-centered, or empathic. If you need more testimony, just consider every ten people you encounter. Chances are one of those ten is an atheist. I would bet that percentage applies to NFL sidelines, as well.
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I believe that, as a species, human beings define their reality through suffering and misery.
-Agent Smith |
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PhDreamer
SFN Regular
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - 11/19/2002 : 12:30:29 [Permalink]
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Well, Mr. Climer is nothing if not responsive. Here's what I got back:
quote:
Wrong on several points. Nowhere is there the suggestion that a non-believer cannot feel sympathy for another human. Reread the column -- it seems it was posted on several websites, considering the response I have gotten -- and you'll note that every player I talked to made reference to prayer or a supreme being. Maybe I hit nine and didn't talk to No. 10. Or maybe the NFL is different than mainstream America (I tend to find athletes follow a more traditional belief/value system, which, come to think of it, might be an interesting column angle). No offense was intended and I think it the column was read minus an agenda, you will see that.
For the record, I respect your beliefs (please don't be offended by that term; I just don't have another) and I assume you respect mine.
Sincerely,
david climer
I'm not sure if I should respond or not. I did reread the column, but alas, no epiphany. I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to make of the "no atheists in foxholes" comment and analogies to it.
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I believe that, as a species, human beings define their reality through suffering and misery.
-Agent Smith |
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Deborah
Skeptic Friend
USA
113 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2002 : 14:10:45 [Permalink]
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Blech. I'm sure he didn't think that people would take his atheist crack so seriously. Actually, I'm not sure I take it so seriously. I just read that article and think he lacks imagination and creativity.
Now, if you wanted to be creative, rather than just emailing the man and getting a non-interesting reply, why don't you get a couple of hundred atheists across the United States together to all pitch in and buy coconuts (or something else) and mail it to him. Leave him dumbfounded. A friend of mine did that to David Letterman. He mentioned it on the show "What's up with all the coconuts". :) |
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