I know it's an Astros topic, but it would probably end up here in the end... Astros host Faith Night on 8/11 As a jewish Astros fan, I have to wonder, "What about us?" The Astros have a "Faith Night" planned for this Saturday, which includes a testimonial by Lance Berkman and a Christian rock concert. The message, IMO, is that you only have faith if your christian. Just call it what it is...Christian Night. I'd be much more ok with that than saying it's something all encompassing when it isn't. Bash me, disagree with me, agree with me...I don't really care. I simply don't agree with calling it Faith Night and basically doing everything in your power to chase away fans of non-Christian beliefs. That may not be the idea or the plan, but it sure as hell feels like it.
The Astros aren't a public institution, they have every right to associate themselves with a religion and do whatever they like. If they want to rename themselves the Houston Crusaders for Jesus, they could do that as well. They could do a Jewish night as well for the 25 Jewish fans in the stadium I suppose.
As I understand it, they are going to have Lance Berkmans testimonial and the concert before the game. Afterwards they will open the gates to the general public. I wouldn't be caught dead going to one of these things but its nice for the church crowd and it will not overlap with the game. So I can't really say I have an issue with this. Technically it is "Christian Night" as opposed to "Faith Night" but I don't think it is offensive. Politicians describe themselves as people of faith as opposed to Christians although we all know that is what they mean.
Unfortunately, your reasoning probably has the laws of marketing working against it. Same reason stores owned or founded by individuals named Bloomingdale, Kohl, Saks or Bergdorf still have Christmas sales, lest they forsake a good 50% of their annual revenue. I wonder if the Mets or Yankees try to do anything respectful for Rosh Hashanah (unless the regular season is nearly over by then?)
You're right about this, and I don't think it's a big deal either (although it'd be nice if they renamed it, I can understand the frustration). But I think his frustration doesn't come from a legal standpoint, but rather a social one. He's just expressing his frustration.
I would goto a Jewish night. I think there are many evangelicals who would do it too if it's open to the public.
I would go, but only if they replaced the crappy Aramark hot dogs they sell with Hebrew National or Nathans!
There are 25 Jewish fans in the stands at any given Astros game? Stupid logic breeds stupid logic, homey.
i'd probably skip jewish, christian, or muslim night, but i'd definitely hit hot israeli IDF women night...
This makes me uneasy. I have no problem with these guys sharing their faiths with people in the context of their lives. But I'm kinda weirded out by them having a special night for it at the ballpark. That's not what others paid to see. To the extent it's encouraging to someone, I think that's great...but I would look for different ways to do it. I was encouraged by Hakeem's faith, though he doesn't share mine. He came and spoke to my church once. I can find truths in his faith that I believe are God's. But I sure as hell don't remember Islam Night at the Summit. Yeah, they're a private enterprise. But they're also a public trust. We kicked in tax dollars big time for these guys to stick around. And this franchise is extremely healthy in large measure because of those public funds. MLB is granted anti-trust exemptions from Congress. I agree it's a private business...but it's also a little more than that.
Interesting point of view MadMax. I didn't initially think of it this way, but I can see merit in what you state above. I often get a bit blinded by my beliefs when these things crop up. My initial reaction to this was, "This is great. Nothing wrong with it. They are a privately owned organization." But it is a bit more complicated than that. It's just an interesting "forum" in which to do this. Although, God is in all things, and He certainly has a hand in this and will use it for good. Anyway..........carry on.
