Please, God, let us win

By Gabe Taylor

Many people across the U.S. see the words "In God we trust" as an answer to the meaning of life.

After all, it is what we see every time we reach into our wallets and purses to withdraw money.

In football, those four words have significant meaning as well.

It is a tradition in football, as in many other sports, to pray as a team in the locker room prior to the game. During the game, many athletes make gestures signaling the skies after a touchdown, and some players thank God for the team or personal success in postgame interviews.

But what happens to the players that pray before the game and drop a wide-open game-winning touchdown pass? Should they fail to mention God when talking to the media because they are struck with the blow of a loss?

This can lead to the thought-provoking argument as to whose side God plays on.

With all the hype leading up to the Super Bowl, I noticed Kurt Warner's remarks, thanking God for having led the Cardinals into the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Warner was simply stating that God was on his side, even if that was not his explicit intention.

If both teams put their trust in God, then it is unfair for a player to mention that it was God who really led them to victory.

Even though the football game is carried out on a significantly smaller scale, the concept is similar to a holy war.

I'm not saying that it is a move to criticize the opponent, but the meaning is still there.

People deserve to give thanks. After all, we see thanks given to family members and friends over the course of our day-to-day lives.

But the problem is that God is a mutual being, no matter how many ways he/she/it is viewed or even thought not to exist.

Religion provides a dimension in sports that can be helpful to many athletes.

Through religion, players can find inspiration and hope.

Nevertheless, we can't forget that religion not only varies between individuals, but also that it is not meant to form a hierarchy in the sporting world based off of that spirituality.

I don't think one team should ever be classified as God's privileged team.

Warner's comments on God are his beliefs, and I respect that. But bringing up God in a sports setting is usually to the dismay of another team.

Sports are meant to be rigorous, competitive and a stronghold for many, but they are not a war of faith, and consequently, should not be treated as one.