In the Pews: Why does God let the Detroit Lions suffer?
In honor of Thanksgiving tomorrow, we thought it appropriate to respond to a question that came from our wonderful director and videographer, Kent Neigebauer of Ann Arbor. An avid Detroit Lions fan since he was a boy, Kent asks, "Why does God let the Lions suffer?"
In light of the 2008 season of 0-16, in light of the fact you have to ask if the game will be aired or another black out, in light of the fact that our #1 draft pick has scored more shoulder injuries than touchdowns and in light of many other depressing statistics and records, it is a very valid question. We attempt to respond to it in this video. What do the Lions have to do with faith? Well, if you have to ask, you're probably not a Lions fan.
Darcy Crain-Polly is the Associate Minister at The First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor.
Comments
treetowncartel
Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 10:20 p.m.
I enjoy these pieces and I don't even watch the accompanying video. Look at it as Solom(sp) and Gomorrah(sp), you got the redwings onn side of town and the Lions on the other. One might thinkl of Joseph and his techniciolor drreamcoat, but the famine has bween much more than 7 years and bumper crops are not on the way anytime soon. It will probably rain frogs before we see an NFC championship in Detroit.
Speechless
Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 9:37 p.m.
Football, especially as played at the pro level, has long been intimately linked with frequent, sometimes intensely painful discomfort and injury, all above and beyond the usual agony of competitive failure on the playing field. For their own part — and as an expression of empathy by proxy — the NFL's fan base has the opportunity to share in the players' weekly, on-the-field suffering. They can accomplish this through bearing witness to each home team defeat, and thus, on the emotional level, carry a heavy cross for the world of hurt that the embattled players feel. Such a lofty means of spiritual engagement has been richly endowed upon Lions followers for many years.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.
I've thought this entire series has been in poor taste. More appropriate for private conversation than a semi-public blog. But if she wants to contribute to the derision of christianity, more power to her.
David Briegel
Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 5:30 p.m.
Top Cat, You don't suppose the Patriots could also be Christians? Nah!!! Bill, What are YOU thankful for?
Bill Wilson
Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.
Darcy, Frankly, this attempt at humor is in very poor taste.
Top Cat
Wed, Nov 24, 2010 : 12:56 p.m.
Perhaps a little payback for what the Lions did to the Christians back in the Roman days.