Public game an improper place for private...

Public game an improper place for private prayer

Just a few questions about a letter (“Huddling for prayer”) in the

Wednesday edition of the Daily Pilot: Why is the Newport Harbor

football team “huddling for prayer?” And why does the school allow

this in the first place?

The last time I drove down Irvine Avenue, Newport Harbor was a

public school. Has it been converted to a private religious academy?

Some sort of Christian institute?

Just wondering, because I thought “huddling for prayer” in our

public schools was proscribed by the Constitution’s separation

clause.

LARRY PLATT

Costa Mesa

God doesn’t have

a favorite team

Regarding the “Huddling for prayer” letter Wednesday in the Pilot,

I believe the letter writer is correct in asserting that the

photograph of a group prayer ought to be represented as such. But

this letter fanned the flames of what I believe to be a blasphemous

practice.

Is God a sports fan? The God of my understanding would more likely

attend to those facing adversity and injustice at home and abroad in

arenas other than athletic competition. If I see one more athlete

thank God for scoring a touchdown or hitting a home run, I think I’ll

send them a Bible to use as a coaster!

If God is paying humans any attention, it will be on the true

battlefields of life: war, famine, sickness, injustice, despair. Pat

Tillman became a hero after he left the gridiron. Besides, if God had

a direct hand in high school football, wouldn’t he favor Orange

Lutheran over Newport Harbor?

It is wonderful to thank God for our health and to be grateful

generally, especially when these blessings can benefit others as

well. But it is my belief that the God of my understanding does not

lend a hand to specific pursuits that, by themselves, are not humble.

JAY B. LITVAK

Costa Mesa