NFL cleans up SBC church

Am I to assume that you believe this church was stealing because they planned to show the Super Bowl?

I take it you are anti-Super bowl party. IF that's the case, don't do one! It's that simple.

I know of churches that do this as a ministry of their church, and hundreds receive Christ and are saved. If we were able, we'd have one at our church tonight, but we don't have the right set-up. I'd love to invite everyone in our little town over to watch the agame on a big screen, feed them supper and snacks, and share the gosple with them at half-time. What a great opportunity!

 

There must be some kind of double-standard. Sports bars do this kind of thing every Sunday (so I'm told - they're not the kind of place that I frequent). I've never heard of the NFL threatening these places. Maybe someone can "pursuade" them to change their mind about the big screnes and churches.

But still, by your OP, I take it that you're against this kind of thing being hosted by churches: "This is a great blow for those who believe that the church should be a social center and a snack bar." I still see it as a great opportunity to reach lost folks for Christ.

 

The NFL does not make or pass laws, but they do have a copyright on their broadcasts just like any broadcast.

Most people probably do not consider this stealing so I doubt it does much to their witness. However, to be on the correct side of the law, the church could write to the NFL early next season, explain that they will host a not for profit event and will not use various trademarks in the promotion of their event. Then with expressed written consent (provided it was granted) they could resume their tradition.

By the way, for the same reason it is illegal to show any show or video (unless specifically stated) in your church. This includes Christian films for the most part, unless one purchases a license. There are some licenses available which allow the church to show videos from multiple companies that make this easier.

Many churches project, print, or record on sermon tapes hymns that are still under copyright. Unless they are accompanied with an active CCLI#, this is also illegal, although I've never seen it harm their witness. Have you?

 

I have never heard this as a stated doctrine of a church, but I doubt it applies much here anyway. Most churches that would take such a flippant attitude toward the mission of a church would probably not go through the trouble of a Super Bowl Party.

 

It is bad enough that so many Christians even consider sports on Sunday, let alone fight to have them shown in the church.

Lord help us.

Whatever happened to considering the Lord's Day....He only asks for ONE day a week and we can't even give that!

Cheers,

Jim

 

Most view it as a missions event.. Paul used Mars hill in the same way.
I too have seen souls saved...during halftime. You replace halftime with a service...

A lot of churches don't have Sunday evening services anyway. They would not be replacing one with the Super bowl. It would just be a fellowship event for the community...

Am I reading this right, is it illegal to view the super bowl on anything bigger than a 55 inch TV?

And why allow sports bars...

To me it is a slap in the face of Christianity, to pick out churches, and allow other businesses to do it.

We had Bible Study tonight, and some came that don't otherwise.

It is apparent though that sports have became the new religion of America.
More money, and time is spent for sports than anything else.
People teaching kids it is ok to skip church for ballgames will have to answer to God in the end.

 

Dungy did more than give a cursory acknowledgment to God. I think that speaks volumes for him as a man and more importantly as a Christian. He has always been open about his faith, as all Chrisitians should be.

 

I enjoy sports. I had never heard of a Super Bowl party at a church. We have service and Bible or doctrine class. However if a church is going to show anything at church, they need to go by the copyright rules and laws. If anyone is to go by the law, I believe it should be Christians, if we don't what are we saying to the world?

 

Maybe it is, maybe not, but let's not pretend this is something new. The Super Bowl has been a big deal pretty much since its inception.

#1, yes, I think we can know some things about Dungy and Irsay when they publicly thank the Lord after the biggest win of their team. I can't imagine why you have a problem with this.

#2, there was no profanity coming from Dungy's lips.

 

My thoughts exactly.
While I like football itself, the pageantry of the Super Bowl is as pagan as they come.
To mix the Super Bowl with church on the Lord's Day is, I believe, and insult to God and His holiness.
Enjoying sports on a personal basis is a personal decision. But mixing a pagan event with the public worship of our Lord and Savior is a disgrace and sacrilegious.

 

Very true.

Sports have become just like the beverages that sponsor them, ok in moderation, but have long been in a state of total obsession.

 

I agree totally. Have church and if people don't want to show up, that's their choice. I myself recorded the game and started watching from the beginning when I got home last night from evening services. Fortunately I was able to skip over the halftime "show" (and I use the term loosely). :thumbs:

 

I haven't heard anything about mixing it with public worship, but evangelism.

If our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, how is any sporting event we attend any different than what we do in church? The purpose of church attendance may vary and that might have some bearing here. I would not want to mix worship and the super bowl either, but evangelism sounds pretty reasonable.

 

Is that a serious question?

 

Also wanted to point out there was no profanity coming from Lovie Smith's mouth either and he is also a professed Christian.