Faith and the Ravens

[Hardbaugh]

I'm happy that the Ravens wear their faith on their sleeve. I think of Matthew 5:15 . Keep doing what you're doing Ravens!!

[Raven Hammer]

[quote name='RavensXTC2' timestamp='1359290101' post='1331959']
Since you asked for opinions, and I haven't seen any post that reflect mine I'll chime in, and be the "black sheep" of this thread. More wars have been started over religion and politics than anyone would care to mention. I didn't care for the Tebow kneel, nor Polamalu, and our own Tucker making the sign of the cross after a successfull play. Consider this; Is it appropriate for Troy to miss a tackle, or Justin a field goal and have the opposition make a sign of the cross on the sidelines? I watch football for skill and strategy and don't care for any team or player that makes it an NFL traveling salvation show. Football is a sport and should not be a springboard for promoting controversial subjects such as your faith, or your beliefs in gay rights (most of you know where that came from). I have no problem with a person being inspired by their faith, or beliefs, but feel it should kept out of the limelight.



I have and always will admire Ray Lewis, I still remember our 2000 run when interviewers questioned his off the field controversial incident and Ray replied: "Football, lets talk football". Fast forward to 2013, I wish Ray would tone it down in his spiritual beliefs in interviews and talk football.

I'll probably get the "tar and feather" treatment for this post, so please use black feathers to make me look like a raven, and paint 52 on my chest....never could afford a #52 jersey anyway.
[/quote]
I don't agree with your insight however I am a big supporter of your right to say it. If it can help people/players and doesn't hurt anyone Whats the harm.

[Tank 92]

Everything I have heard from Ray, Harbaugh and others not only includes words of a Faith in God, but also a faith in each other as a Team. There's nothing wrong with relating one to the other and it only serves to strengthen the bond.

Has Ray been a little over dramatic at times? Yes. But the last time I checked one of the basic rights we have as citizens of the USA is the freedom to practice whatever religion we choose. So feel however you like, but don't persecute or critcize others for their beliefs or the way they choose to express those beliefs.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='cwfRaven' timestamp='1358980925' post='1328083']
I agree with you in the strict sense of this. But, here's another angle to think about...

Most people who believe in a higher power feel that as believers, they should be open about their faith, set a good example, and that in doing so, maybe they will inspire even just one person to follow suit. Anyone in the spotlight is in a unique position to have an impact on others. The Ravens, use their celebrity to make a difference in all kinds of good causes - cancer, bullying, etc. If seeing their faith leads just one person away from some bad choices and into a better life, I think that's a pretty good cause. And while I don't think God makes the wind blow the ball right into Torrey's hands, I do think that he puts people in a position to help others.

So maybe it's not that God is helping the Ravens win but instead, that He is using them, their celebrity, and their vocalness about their faith to reach someone that might not otherwise be reached.
[/quote]


Well said.

[Ravens_fan]

[quote name='Uncle Dready' timestamp='1358806981' post='1324745']
I'm atheist. When someone starts off on a god-rant, I tune-out, including athletes...someone's faith doesn't affect me at all...If it works for them, then great. I tend to believe that skill and preparation has more to do with game-outcomes rather than one's faith.
[/quote]

That pretty much sums up my feelings. I don't subscribe to Ray's views, but it doesn't bother me. To each his own.

[MTRavensFan]

[quote name='cwfRaven' timestamp='1358980925' post='1328083']
The Ravens, use their celebrity to make a difference in all kinds of good causes - cancer, bullying, etc. If seeing their faith leads just one person away from some bad choices and into a better life, I think that's a pretty good cause. And while I don't think God makes the wind blow the ball right into Torrey's hands, I do think that he puts people in a position to help others.
[/quote]

Very, very well said.

I don't think anyone is claiming that faith is a substitute for preparation and hard work. Quite the opposite - faith is what gives you the courage to keep working, to keep striving in the face of what looks like insurmountable obstacles. To hear everybody tell you what you can't do and then go do it.
Many of our Ravens have relied on faith to survive tremendous personal hardship far beyond what happens on the football field, and I admire them for speaking openly. While Oher and Torrey's stories have been made public, there are many others equally as heartbreaking if you dig a little. Great article on McPhee on the front page, great article on Chris Johnson in the Sun recently.

I find the strength and courage these men have shown in holding their families together inspirational, as well as the profound sense of family that pervades this locker room. That includes a loving sense of tolerance for those outliers whose views or behaviors we sometimes find annoying - kind of like embarrassingly weird Uncle Frank, who you invite to Thanksgiving dinner regardless.

This team is truly something special, and you can't help but believe