Jesus and Boxing

Does Jesus belong in boxing? At the recent Andre "S.O.G" Ward, Carl Froch U.S press conference Dan Goossen said
"Every fight is a different level for Andre Ward. The American public will recognize his face, his faith, his clean life, his family life, loyalty and a viciousness inside the ring that I believe is second to none."
Despite theincongruity of using his Christian faith and professional viciousness in the same sentence, he seems to suggest that being a Christian role model is crucial in getting the full support of the American public. Is he being a little simplistic? Obviously Andre's moniker whilst maybe humbly acknowledging his place below God, displays how closely his faith and boxing are entwined. Manny always makes a point of praying in the corner, Floyd would like to thank Jesus, even Tyson Fury is now thanking Jesus after trying to take someone's head off, and then apologising for saying he wanted to kill his opponent in the fights lead up. As an atheist I find it weird at best but what I am really wondering is what other Christian Boxing fans think about it? I have posted here on Boxing talk but feel free to move it if you think it belongs elsewhere Mods.

Old testament God loved a good tear up, so if the old mans anything to go by, Jesus loves a brawl too

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Does Jesus belong in boxing? At the recent Andre "S.O.G" Ward, Carl Froch U.S press conference Dan Goossen said
"Every fight is a different level for Andre Ward. The American public will recognize his face, his faith, his clean life, his family life, loyalty and a viciousness inside the ring that I believe is second to none."
Despite theincongruity of using his Christian faith and professional viciousness in the same sentence, he seems to suggest that being a Christian role model is crucial in getting the full support of the American public. Is he being a little simplistic? Obviously Andre's moniker whilst maybe humbly acknowledging his place below God, displays how closely his faith and boxing are entwined. Manny always makes a point of praying in the corner, Floyd would like to thank Jesus, even Tyson Fury is now thanking Jesus after trying to take someone's head off, and then apologising for saying he wanted to kill his opponent in the fights lead up. As an atheist I find it weird at best but what I am really wondering is what other Christian Boxing fans think about it? I have posted here on Boxing talk but feel free to move it if you think it belongs elsewhere Mods.

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Good post Beanz,
I've never understood WTF christianity and/or jesus had to do with "the sport of boxing". Holyfield was one of my all-time favs, but it used to irk me how eaten up he was with muther-fuckin jesus. I mean I wanna watch a fight, and not have to hear an earful of holy roller bullshit.

Chris Byrd used to be one of the worst jesus freaks ever, I loved it when Ike Ibeabuchi knocked the stuffing out of this clown:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMhtDsHfTEk

well most fighters (Holyfield and Byrd for example) found strength in their faith, it might sound stupid to some but it's basically what fueled them and their records speak for themselves so it must have done something right

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Originally Posted by ElTerribleMorales

well most fighters (Holyfield and Byrd for example) found strength in their faith, it might sound stupid to some but it's basically what fueled them and their records speak for themselves so it must have done something right

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I'm sure it helped them or at least they believe it did, just saying, I wish the holy rollers would keep that bullshit to themselves and out of everyone else's face. That goes not just for boxers, but all proselytizing and/or preaching type christians.

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by ElTerribleMorales

well most fighters (Holyfield and Byrd for example) found strength in their faith, it might sound stupid to some but it's basically what fueled them and their records speak for themselves so it must have done something right

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I'm sure it helped them or at least they believe it did, just saying, I wish the holy rollers would keep that bullshit to themselves and out of everyone else's face. That goes not just for boxers, but all proselytizing and/or preaching type christians.

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I get what you mean but it's not only the Christians, plenty of Muslim fighters would preach on about how Allah gave them strength, Ali, Tyson, Hamed, and Khan all spring to mind

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Originally Posted by ElTerribleMorales

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by ElTerribleMorales

well most fighters (Holyfield and Byrd for example) found strength in their faith, it might sound stupid to some but it's basically what fueled them and their records speak for themselves so it must have done something right

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I'm sure it helped them or at least they believe it did, just saying, I wish the holy rollers would keep that bullshit to themselves and out of everyone else's face. That goes not just for boxers, but all proselytizing and/or preaching type christians.

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I get what you mean but it's not only the Christians, plenty of Muslim fighters would preach on about how Allah gave them strength, Ali, Tyson, Hamed, and Khan all spring to mind

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Oh I know, the only reason I didn't mention Muslims was because the OP was mainly referring to jesus/christians. It's kind of comical to imagine Tyson converting to Islam, he might make a good terrorist though, just promise him plenty of crack cocaine. ;)

Jesus has got no business in boxing, not with those hands.

Faith should be kept out of all sports , if some sports men and women want to believe in a god of some kind thats up to them. But as a spectator i dont wanna here it.

Do you no what get's too me, when a boxer beat's the other fighter, and they say some thing
like this I have to thank God.? If god love's everybody doe's he love the winner more.?:confused:

I find most people that drone on about their religion pretty stupid and annoying. I donlt really care what imaginary friends people have, nor do I appreciate these people somehow believing that they have some duty or right to tell me how to live my life. They can all fuck off, as far as I am concerned.

Well Im a God lover, but it irks me too.;)

If I was fighting and the other guy beat me and said thank you Jesus.
I would say post fight interview "I was doing fine until Jesus butted in!"

Same goes the other way for me too... If I won "I'd really like to thank Satan for the win, I realize that the other fighter was Cristian so I dont want to wreck his faith or upset him and have him think Jesus likes me more, "so umm someone kicked ass tonight :D it must be the other guy then eh?" :-\

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Originally Posted by Andre

"I was doing fine until Jesus butted in!"

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;D

That bastard put something in his water.

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Originally Posted by X

I find most people that drone on about their religion pretty stupid and annoying. I donlt really care what imaginary friends people have, nor do I appreciate these people somehow believing that they have some duty or right to tell me how to live my life. They can all fuck off, as far as I am concerned.

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That's like one of my posts, but in blue. Nice one.

I too find it weird that they thank god/jesus for hepling them beat someone up. Madness. Utter madness.

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Originally Posted by Fenster

I too find it weird that they thank god/jesus for hepling them beat someone up. Madness. Utter madness.

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I Agree.

Now if Byrd and Holyfield met, on who's side would God be on ? would the fight end a draw?
Also If a muslim boxer and christian boxer fought, could the winner proclaim that his God is the better?

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Originally Posted by Dia bando

Do you no what get's too me, when a boxer beat's the other fighter, and they say some thing
like this I have to thank God.? If god love's everybody doe's he love the winner more.?:confused:

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Maybe the winner is the one who prayed more. ;D

Generally, one's religion is important to that person, and being famous gives one a platform. If you don't want to hear what someone has to say, turn off the TV after the fight.

I tend to believe people should be private about their religion but can't say I've ever given much thought to professional athletes speaking about their faith post event. Seems pretty insignificant to me.

Whilst I don't believe God has favourite boxers or actively assists one fighter in beating up another I don't see the problem in someone having an attitude of grattitude for any blessings that happen to them in this life.

I also don't see anything threatening in it but I guess for an atheist who has accepted he is nothing and his life meaningless, an alternative world view where believers see themselves as valuable and loved would need to be ridiculed and rejected else the atheist might think he has got a raw deal.

Bent would justify boxing and his religion by saying that he would never throw the first punch in the ring. Herbie Hide finished him anyway.

Why not he had a pretty good cross :-\

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Originally Posted by Saddo

Why not he had a pretty good cross :-\

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bwhahaha pisser.;D

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

Whilst I don't believe God has favourite boxers or actively assists one fighter in beating up another I don't see the problem in someone having an attitude of grattitude for any blessings that happen to them in this life.

I also don't see anything threatening in it but I guess for an atheist who has accepted he is nothing and his life meaningless, an alternative world view where believers see themselves as valuable and loved would need to be ridiculed and rejected else the atheist might think he has got a raw deal.

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Thats all very true.

Many people think of it like the Jehovas comming around and knocking your door though.

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

Whilst I don't believe God has favourite boxers or actively assists one fighter in beating up another I don't see the problem in someone having an attitude of grattitude for any blessings that happen to them in this life.

I also don't see anything threatening in it but I guess for an atheist who has accepted he is nothing and his life meaningless, an alternative world view where believers see themselves as valuable and loved would need to be ridiculed and rejected else the atheist might think he has got a raw deal.

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Being an atheist is the alternative world view. People were not even comfortable revealing that they were atheists until the 18th century but that is really beside the point. Atheists are not threatened by a boxer thanking Jesus post fight any more than they are troubled by your ridiculous assertion that only a believers life has meaning. The thread was not posted in order to ridicule Christians, but to ask what people thought of the notion of Jesus and Boxing. I have an attitude of gratitude for every precious second because I don't believe in an afterlife. All publicity is not good publicity, and a Boxer whose life does not reflect Christian values thanking Jesus for material blessings that their saviour rejected, whilst taking part in a violent sport that again runs so against the grain of their faith, that they have to pray that God protects their adversary before attacking him, would seem hypocritical even to a lot of Christians.

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

Whilst I don't believe God has favourite boxers or actively assists one fighter in beating up another I don't see the problem in someone having an attitude of grattitude for any blessings that happen to them in this life.

I also don't see anything threatening in it but I guess for an atheist who has accepted he is nothing and his life meaningless, an alternative world view where believers see themselves as valuable and loved would need to be ridiculed and rejected else the atheist might think he has got a raw deal.

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Being an atheist is the alternative world view. People were not even comfortable revealing that they were atheists until the 18th century but that is really beside the point. Atheists are not threatened by a boxer thanking Jesus post fight any more than they are troubled by your ridiculous assertion that only a believers life has meaning. The thread was not posted in order to ridicule Christians, but to ask what people thought of the notion of Jesus and Boxing. I have an attitude of gratitude for every precious second because I don't believe in an afterlife. All publicity is not good publicity, and a Boxer whose life does not reflect Christian values thanking Jesus for material blessings that their saviour rejected, whilst taking part in a violent sport that again runs so against the grain of their faith, that they have to pray that God protects their adversary before attacking him, would seem hypocritical even to a lot of Christians.

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Great post and good thoughts considering the mislead Christians of today..

In the days of Yeshua : to turn the other cheek ment to tempt the Roman soldier into the double slap which means he just announced he would fight you as an equal not as your owner to a slave.

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

Whilst I don't believe God has favourite boxers or actively assists one fighter in beating up another I don't see the problem in someone having an attitude of grattitude for any blessings that happen to them in this life.

I also don't see anything threatening in it but I guess for an atheist who has accepted he is nothing and his life meaningless, an alternative world view where believers see themselves as valuable and loved would need to be ridiculed and rejected else the atheist might think he has got a raw deal.

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Being an atheist is the alternative world view. People were not even comfortable revealing that they were atheists until the 18th century but that is really beside the point. Atheists are not threatened by a boxer thanking Jesus post fight any more than they are troubled by your ridiculous assertion that only a believers life has meaning. The thread was not posted in order to ridicule Christians, but to ask what people thought of the notion of Jesus and Boxing. I have an attitude of gratitude for every precious second because I don't believe in an afterlife. All publicity is not good publicity, and a Boxer whose life does not reflect Christian values thanking Jesus for material blessings that their saviour rejected, whilst taking part in a violent sport that again runs so against the grain of their faith, that they have to pray that God protects their adversary before attacking him, would seem hypocritical even to a lot of Christians.

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I am interested to know how your life has real meaning beyond some arbitrary value that you assign to it. You are merely a replicating biological organism whose (actually whose is wrong as it presume real personhood and soul which of course you deny) sole purpose is to survive long enough to mate and perpetuate the species. What value does your life have exactly?

I'm not looking for an argument or trying to sound hostile, on the contrary I am genuinely interested as to how you find purpose and meaning in an empty, materialist universe devoid of spirit, justice and a plan. If we are all just part of a cosmic accident and will cease to exist a few decades after birth what lasting, real meaning can you possibly have?

Does a rock has meaning to its existance? As it will outlive you by thousands (or hundreds of.millions.in your timeline) of years, then logically it must have more meaning than yours?

Bilbo this is not a meaning of life thread. This is a thread in BOXING TALK about Jesus and BOXING. I am quite happy to engage with you in another more appropriate area should you wish to exercise your Christian empathy in ascertaining how atheists lives are more meaningful than inanimate objects like rocks.

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Bilbo this is not a meaning of life thread. This is a thread in BOXING TALK about Jesus and BOXING. I am quite happy to engage with you in another more appropriate area should you wish to exercise your Christian empathy in ascertaining how atheists lives are more meaningful than inanimate objects like rocks.

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Fair enough. Create a thread if you Wish explaining how your life has more value than a rock. I would argue no, seeing as ultimately you are merely an evolved rock according to your own belief system, and one which exists for maybe 0.0000001% as long as a nice bit of granite.

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Being an atheist is the alternative world view. People were not even comfortable revealing that they were atheists until the 18th century but that is really beside the point. Atheists are not threatened by a boxer thanking Jesus post fight any more than they are troubled by your ridiculous assertion that only a believers life has meaning. The thread was not posted in order to ridicule Christians, but to ask what people thought of the notion of Jesus and Boxing. I have an attitude of gratitude for every precious second because I don't believe in an afterlife. All publicity is not good publicity, and a Boxer whose life does not reflect Christian values thanking Jesus for material blessings that their saviour rejected, whilst taking part in a violent sport that again runs so against the grain of their faith, that they have to pray that God protects their adversary before attacking him, would seem hypocritical even to a lot of Christians.

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Although it just seems like "showtime" the little post fight "thank you jesus" doesn't bother me. What irks me is guys like Byrd, Holyfield, et al, who would sometimes for example, be singing and dancing on the way to the ring, with their favorite gospel music blaring. That's just promoting/selling christianity and/or whoring yourself out for jesus, and doesn't have a damn thing to do with boxing.

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Being an atheist is the alternative world view. People were not even comfortable revealing that they were atheists until the 18th century but that is really beside the point. Atheists are not threatened by a boxer thanking Jesus post fight any more than they are troubled by your ridiculous assertion that only a believers life has meaning. The thread was not posted in order to ridicule Christians, but to ask what people thought of the notion of Jesus and Boxing. I have an attitude of gratitude for every precious second because I don't believe in an afterlife. All publicity is not good publicity, and a Boxer whose life does not reflect Christian values thanking Jesus for material blessings that their saviour rejected, whilst taking part in a violent sport that again runs so against the grain of their faith, that they have to pray that God protects their adversary before attacking him, would seem hypocritical even to a lot of Christians.

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Although it just seems like "showtime" the little post fight "thank you jesus" doesn't bother me. What irks me is guys like Byrd, Holyfield, et al, who would sometimes for example, be singing and dancing on the way to the ring, with their favorite gospel music blaring. That's just promoting/selling christianity and/or whoring yourself out for jesus, and doesn't have a damn thing to do with boxing.

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They arent selling or promoting it as a plan by the church as such, 99% of Christians are under the misconception that they dont have to live their faith as much as they are saved if they profess Christ to others. Thats their faith, It relives them (They believe) of their own responsibility of the consequences of their own words and actions.

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Bilbo this is not a meaning of life thread. This is a thread in BOXING TALK about Jesus and BOXING. I am quite happy to engage with you in another more appropriate area should you wish to exercise your Christian empathy in ascertaining how atheists lives are more meaningful than inanimate objects like rocks.

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Seriously Beanz, don't you have better things to do with your time then attempting to "debate" a religious bigot and/or condescending nitwit like bibbo?

Keep in mind:
#1. First Law of Debate: Never argue with a fool ~ people might
forget who's who.
#2. Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
#3. When having to deal with a godist/creationist bigot on a boxing forum, ignore is bliss.

cheers

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Bilbo this is not a meaning of life thread. This is a thread in BOXING TALK about Jesus and BOXING. I am quite happy to engage with you in another more appropriate area should you wish to exercise your Christian empathy in ascertaining how atheists lives are more meaningful than inanimate objects like rocks.

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Seriously Beanz, don't you have better things to do with your time then attempting to "debate" a religious bigot and/or condescending nitwit like bibbo?

Keep in mind:
#1. First Law of Debate: Never argue with a fool ~ people might
forget who's who.
#2. Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
#3. When having to deal with a godist/creationist bigot on a boxing forum, ignore is bliss.

cheers

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Shall we take this to the off topic board? I've actually added a post on this so please continue.

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Originally Posted by Andre

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Being an atheist is the alternative world view. People were not even comfortable revealing that they were atheists until the 18th century but that is really beside the point. Atheists are not threatened by a boxer thanking Jesus post fight any more than they are troubled by your ridiculous assertion that only a believers life has meaning. The thread was not posted in order to ridicule Christians, but to ask what people thought of the notion of Jesus and Boxing. I have an attitude of gratitude for every precious second because I don't believe in an afterlife. All publicity is not good publicity, and a Boxer whose life does not reflect Christian values thanking Jesus for material blessings that their saviour rejected, whilst taking part in a violent sport that again runs so against the grain of their faith, that they have to pray that God protects their adversary before attacking him, would seem hypocritical even to a lot of Christians.

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Although it just seems like "showtime" the little post fight "thank you jesus" doesn't bother me. What irks me is guys like Byrd, Holyfield, et al, who would sometimes for example, be singing and dancing on the way to the ring, with their favorite gospel music blaring. That's just promoting/selling christianity and/or whoring yourself out for jesus, and doesn't have a damn thing to do with boxing.

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They arent selling or promoting it as a plan by the church as such, 99% of Christians are under the misconception that they dont have to live their faith as much as they are saved if they profess Christ to others. Thats their faith, It relives them (They believe) of their own responsibility of the consequences of their own words and actions.

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Spreading the word is a requirement of sorts for the "serious christian", that translates to, preaching/proselytizing and bringing new converts into the church. I call it whoring yourself out for jesus.
As for "relieving them of their own responsibility of the consequences of their own words and actions", so does making the claim that you're doing something in the name of god/jesus. Christians who claim to be doing "god's bidding" are flat out psychopathic liars.

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Originally Posted by Memphis

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Bilbo this is not a meaning of life thread. This is a thread in BOXING TALK about Jesus and BOXING. I am quite happy to engage with you in another more appropriate area should you wish to exercise your Christian empathy in ascertaining how atheists lives are more meaningful than inanimate objects like rocks.

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Seriously Beanz, don't you have better things to do with your time then attempting to "debate" a religious bigot and/or condescending nitwit like bibbo?

Keep in mind:
#1. First Law of Debate: Never argue with a fool ~ people might
forget who's who.
#2. Never argue with an idiot, they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
#3. When having to deal with a godist/creationist bigot on a boxing forum, ignore is bliss.

cheers

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Shall we take this to the off topic board? I've actually added a post on this so please continue.

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If you havn't already done so, Memphis, please do.

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by Andre

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by Greenbeanz

Being an atheist is the alternative world view. People were not even comfortable revealing that they were atheists until the 18th century but that is really beside the point. Atheists are not threatened by a boxer thanking Jesus post fight any more than they are troubled by your ridiculous assertion that only a believers life has meaning. The thread was not posted in order to ridicule Christians, but to ask what people thought of the notion of Jesus and Boxing. I have an attitude of gratitude for every precious second because I don't believe in an afterlife. All publicity is not good publicity, and a Boxer whose life does not reflect Christian values thanking Jesus for material blessings that their saviour rejected, whilst taking part in a violent sport that again runs so against the grain of their faith, that they have to pray that God protects their adversary before attacking him, would seem hypocritical even to a lot of Christians.

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Although it just seems like "showtime" the little post fight "thank you jesus" doesn't bother me. What irks me is guys like Byrd, Holyfield, et al, who would sometimes for example, be singing and dancing on the way to the ring, with their favorite gospel music blaring. That's just promoting/selling christianity and/or whoring yourself out for jesus, and doesn't have a damn thing to do with boxing.

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They arent selling or promoting it as a plan by the church as such, 99% of Christians are under the misconception that they dont have to live their faith as much as they are saved if they profess Christ to others. Thats their faith, It relives them (They believe) of their own responsibility of the consequences of their own words and actions.

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Spreading the word is a requirement of sorts for the "serious christian", that translates to, preaching/proselytizing and bringing new converts into the church. I call it whoring yourself out for jesus.
As for "relieving them of their own responsibility of the consequences of their own words and actions", so does making the claim that you're doing something in the name of god/jesus. Christians who claim to be doing "god's bidding" are flat out psychopathic liars.

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More so in group belief when choosing who to side with and who to go to war with.

I believe that I have character and something bearing resemblance to an extremely lacerated soul, but there is no god. When the suffering is over, it is truly over.

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Originally Posted by miles

I believe that I have character and something bearing resemblance to an extremely lacerated soul, but there is no god. When the suffering is over, it is truly over.

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Religion teaches the dangerous nonsense that death is not the end.
~ Richard Dawkins

What gods are there, what gods have there ever been, that were not from man's imagination?
~Joseph Campbell

I have found Christian dogma unintelligible. Early in life I absented myself from Christian assemblies.
~ Benjamin Franklin

This is hilarious. I've never seen what amounts to a 5-10 second phrase about a person's faith in a post-fight interview get people so riled up.