Braves Boot Conservative Group at ‘Faith Day’

MSNBC ^ | August 11, 2006 | AP

[John W]

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves will mix baseball with the gospel when they hold another “Faith Day” this weekend. But one of the country’s most prominent Christian organizations has been tossed out of the game.

Focus on the Family, a group founded by James Dobson, was barred from participating in Sunday’s postgame activities after sponsoring the first such event at Turner Field last month.

While the team wouldn’t provide a reason for its decision, several gay rights groups on the Web bristled with speculation that Focus on the Family was given the boot for promoting its belief that homosexuality is a social problem comparable to alcoholism, gambling or depression.

[John W]

Be sure to read the entire article.

[TommyDale]

Ah, yes. Atlanta Braves. America's Team. Pure vomit.

[marron]

While the team wouldn’t provide a reason for its decision, several gay rights groups on the Web bristled with speculation that Focus on the Family was given the boot for promoting its belief that homosexuality is a social problem comparable to alcoholism, gambling or depression.

Its not a belief, its reality. But the team is free to do anything they want.

[Onelifetogive]

"Fine, we can have a "Faith Day", but don't you go bringing none of the Christianity crap into my ballpark!"

[YaYa123]

The team is free to do anything.....except win games.

[MAexile]

My Grandfather was a Boston Braves fan, he still follows them now after all these years.

After a disappointing season, this might just push him over the edge.

Go Sox!

[Argus]

Well, they had to make room for the Muslim-American Faith Initiative of America, so they needed to bump somebody.

[TN4Liberty]

You people need to follow John W's advise and read the article. They are still having "Faith Day." In fact, they are having the second one. The only difference is that "Focus on the Family" is not a sponsor.

I think the fact that they had one and are having another is a far more significant story that the elimination of a single sponsor.

[Monterrosa-24]

Ted Turner is Mr. Atheist USA and was Mr. Jane Fonda. Atlanta is one of the faggot capitals of the South after New Orleans, Asheville, and Dallas. This is just more of the same.

[TN4Liberty]

I should have addressed that to All instead of John W.

[cripplecreek]

Not so brave after all.

[Monterrosa-24]

No, I think the significant story is that Pistol Pete's pal, Dr. Dobson and his group are not wanted because...

like Dr. Frank Caprio and other legitimate psychologists/psychiatrists they recognized the dangers of homosexuality.

[PetroniusMaximus]

“That’s pretty much all I know about it, that we want this to be a positive thing to promote the Christian faith.”

That's the Achilles heel of "modern" Christianity.

[ladyinred]

The Braves said it was merely a business decision and they weren’t condoning or endorsing the homosexual lifestyle.

Oh really? Then why is Dobson's group not allowed this year?

[Republican Red]

While I'll give us part of your analysis about my hometown of Atlanta, Ted Turner and Jane Fonda are not associated with the Atlanta Braves.

Time Warner owns the Braves.

As for Christian Days, the article didn't know why "Focus on the Family" was dis-invited. MSNBC surmised the gay angle. I for one don't accept MSNBC as a source for what color the sky is so I would wait for confirmation from other sources. Players, such as Chris Reitsma and John Smoltz are honest and they will tell the whole story.

John Smoltz is the instigator of Christian Day. He is the most upstanding, classy, all around good guys in all of sports. Smoltzy recently worked on Ralph Reed's campaign for Lt. Governor. I doubt someone who supported and campaigned for Reed is plotting against Dobson. No other baseball organization has a Christian Day so while most poster are busy bashing the Braves why don't you ask why your home teams don't have something similar.

[PetroniusMaximus]

"Smoltzy recently worked on Ralph Reed's campaign"

Not something I'd brag about.

[SkyPilot]

But the Braves may have been troubled that Focus on the Family was promoting its Web site www.troubledwith.com, in which the group gives its suggestions for dealing with myriad problems. Under the heading “Love & Sex,” homosexuality is listed along with items such as dating, miscarriage and post-abortion syndrome. The group debunks the belief that homosexuality is caused by genetics, saying that males are often influenced by incest, molestation, exposure to pornography and negative body image. “No solid scientific evidence exists today that people are born homosexual,” the Web site says. “Interestingly enough, genetic predeterminants have also been theorized for alcoholism or depression. Neither alcoholism nor depression is embraced as healthy. Rather, we try to help people who suffer from these tendencies to find relief and recovery.”

Gee - I see what a TERRIBLE crime Focus on the Family committed. < / sarcasm >

[stands2reason]

They said nothing that wasn't true. And they could have truthfully been a lot harsher.

[politicallyincarrect]

>>Ah, yes. Atlanta Braves. America's Team. Pure vomit.<<

"vomit"? This wouldn't mean that you think that deviant sexual behavior is just another acceptable alternate lifestyle, would it?

[politicallyincarrect]

>>Its not a belief, its reality. But the team is free to do anything they want.<<

Yup.. And we get to decide if we want to buy tickets... :-)