IN THEORY:

A baseball fan recently sued the Yankees after he was ejected during the singing of “God Bless America” because he left his seat for a bathroom break. Police say Bradford Campeau-Laurion was acting in a disorderly way, leading to the ejection. No matter the circumstances, do you think it’s right for a baseball team to compel its fans to remain at their seats during the playing of “God Bless America?”

It sounds as if there is more to this incident than simply a man getting up to go to the restroom during the playing of “God Bless America.”

But to answer the question, no, I do not think fans should be compelled. The vast majority of us will gladly enjoy the presentation of “God Bless America.” Those who want to use it as an opportunity to take a restroom break should not be hindered, in my opinion.

After all, a big part of the way God has blessed America is by giving us a country where we still have some freedoms, even the freedom to be inappropriate at times.

Pastor Dwight Tomlinson

Liberty Baptist Church

Newport Beach

Considering the diversity of religions, it would seem best not to have any particular religious ceremonies or songs associated with ball games.

To play a religious song and expect those of other faith — or of no faith — to conform as worshipers during such an activity is beyond reason.

But the Yankees’ management and the police who were employed to keep order seem to believe that everyone should be forced to treat the playing of a religious song as a religious activity in a church, with full homage and reverence. That is asking for trouble.

Not all baseball fans are Christians, so other musical choices with no religious overtones would be more appropriate, and would not lead to such otherwise unnecessary confrontations.

Jerry Parks