Daily Archives: November 15, 2008

Ohio State’s Tom Ryan

Posted on November 15, 2008 | 1 Comment

I wrestled during the Russ Hellickson era.  When Tom Ryan took over the Ohio State wrestling program after Russ retired, I have to admit, I was biased against him.  I mean, c’mon, Russ was the man.  Anyone who rubbed shoulders with him came to that conclusion.  His impact on my life puts him in the company of an elite group of men.

But, ever since Ryan took over in 2006, my Buckeye pride has only increased.  He’s done a heckuva job. He took the Bucks from a 45th place at NCAA’s the year before he took over to 2nd place last year.   In just two short years, he’s revolutionized not only the Ohio State University wrestling program, but he’s energized the sport of wrestling in the state of Ohio.

What’s more, he’s a heckuva guy.  He has a strong faith in Christ, and he cares about each wrestler not just as a wrestler, but as a man.  He develops them physically, mentally, and spiritually.

For example, he requires each team member to complete a certain amount of community service.  Ryan has three goals in regards to his wrestlers: win, graduate, and impact lives.  Most coaches out there, whether in the little leagues, high school, or college, merely stress that first goal.  Ryan’s philosophy puts him head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd.

Here are a few videos featuring coach Ryan.  Be thankful that a man like this is molding the next generation of men:

Reunite in the Afterlife

Overcoming

Dream big

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Fires in Southern California

Posted on November 15, 2008 | 1 Comment

Whenever the Santa Ana winds blow, fires happen. This time is no different.

Fires in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties have consumed many acres of land, homes, and even parts of Westmont college.

Yorba Linda and Brea are also experiencing trouble.

Hugh Hewitt has more here.

Please pray for the safety of those affected by the fires.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

But It’s a Religious Argument!!!

Posted on November 15, 2008 | 2 Comments

I was at a teacher training the other day, and I overheard some teachers talking about the Mormon church supporting Prop 8. They were howling about the Mormon’s support and saying that they should have their tax exempt status revoked.
“It’s separation of church and state,” they said.

I didn’t enter into the conversation. I stayed waaaay clear. Frankly, I was kinda tired about talking about it and hearing about it. Or maybe it was just cowardice on my part.

At any rate, afterwards I was thinking about a few questions.

What’s the big deal with religious people or a religious group supporting a certain policy? Why think that’s a violation of the “separation of church and state?” I want to ask these folks: “what, do you think the Mormons (or any other religious group) shouldn’t have a vote, or should they not have a voice?”

And, really, what’s “separation of church and state” supposed to mean anyway? Where is that in the constitution (hint: nowhere.)?

What’s the First Amendment say? “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of a religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

I stress the “prohibiting the free exercise thereof” part.

Anyway, why think that “separation of church and state” is what the Founders had in mind when they penned the First Amendment?

What religion does Proposition 8 establish? Jews, Christians, Mormons, Muslims, and the members of many other religions agree with the Proposition. While many of the motivations to support it might be religious, the arguments themselves are such that people of many faiths (or no faiths) can agree with them. If the arguments don’t establish a specific religion, then they don’t violate the establishment clause.

Also, consider that many people *oppose* Proposition 8 due to religious motivations.

This is the case with almost *any* policy position in which people try to marginalize a certain viewpoint for being religious: the death penalty (Mother Theresa opposed it because “Jesus would forgive.”), an Obama presidency (many evangelicals, like Donald Miller supported him), and many of Obama’s economic policies. If my conservative viewpoint is out of bounds for being “religious,” then so are the opposing points of view.

Bottom line: This screaming about “religion in politics” is a bunch of bunk. Its all just to marginalize a viewpoint they don’t hold. Don’t fall for it.

→ 2 Comments

Posted in politics, religion, Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

There’s a Cost

Posted on November 15, 2008 | 1 Comment

The Mormon church, after a firestorm of protests at its gate, face a boycott.

Restaraunts and businesses face financial repercussions.

Some have lost their jobs. There is even an ‘anti-gay ‘blacklist” floating around out there.

Death threats? Yep.

Some of my friends now have strained relationships due to their support of Proposition 8.

Should we now play the victim and develop a martyr complex? No. We aren’t victims, and any cost we face pales in comparison to the cost demanded of true martyrs. We’ve chosen our path; no one forced us to vote that way, afterall.

SSM proponents, of course, have every right to boycott. That’s the way this country works, and it can be a good way to let your voice be heard.

But hey folks, guess what: your convictions might actually cost you something now.

And you know what? That’s allright. Seriously. Anything that wakes us up out of our comfort-induced stupor ain’t all that bad.

This is something my generation is not used to. We are used to believing whatever we wish, virtually cost-free. Not so much this time around.

So what should be our reaction?

Three things.

First, should you just back down? Should you apologize? No. ‘Love’ does not mean that you must acquiesce to a destructive lifestyle. If you voted yes on Proposition 8, have the backbone to stand by your convictions, come hell or high water. The times demand men and women who will count the cost and refuse to be bullied.

Like I quoted a few blogs ago: ‘screw your courage to the sticking place.’

I don’t know what I’d do if I were in that place. I hope that, should I face such a cost, I would follow my own advice.

Second, in addition to some guts, what we will need in the coming months and years is a large number of people who not only stand for conservative, pro-life, traditional marriage, and biblical principles, but folks who can defend and articulate them well. On this issue of traditional marriage, if you are not in that place, you can start educating yourself here.

Third, Christians especially need to continue to reach out in love and care to those who identify as GLBT. My church’s outreach to the Padua House in Long Beach is an excellent example.

All three are necessary if we desire to make a difference. We cannot risk being out of balance. The stakes are too high.

See also: Michelle Malkin’s post.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in politics