193 replies to this topic

[wobgon]

It's always interesting to go back and look at ones actions when things are going bad as compared to when things are going good.

[Damo75]

biolagolfer, on 09 April 2012 - 10:40 PM, said:

Where does the idea that one's faith or "religion" should be kept private come from?

God is the center of a true Christian's life so whenever asked about accomplishments, etc. He will probably be mentioned.

It would have to be a deliberate attempt by Bubba, Webb Simpson, or Tim Tebow to not talk about the most important thing in their life- is that what you want? A fake, incomplete version?

Pretty sure Arnold Palmer has been publicly quoted as saying that a person's religion should be a private arrangement between a man, his maker and no-one else.  Or words to that effect.

I tend to agree.

[biolagolfer]

Damo75, on 09 April 2012 - 11:57 PM, said:

biolagolfer, on 09 April 2012 - 10:40 PM, said:

Where does the idea that one's faith or "religion" should be kept private come from?

God is the center of a true Christian's life so whenever asked about accomplishments, etc. He will probably be mentioned.

It would have to be a deliberate attempt by Bubba, Webb Simpson, or Tim Tebow to not talk about the most important thing in their life- is that what you want? A fake, incomplete version?

Pretty sure Arnold Palmer has been publicly quoted as saying that a person's religion should be a private arrangement between a man, his maker and no-one else.  Or words to that effect.

I tend to agree.

Well, two subjective opinions do not make an authoritative answer.

I think it will always come back to if you agree with the statements or not- anyone who is Christian understands and supports Bubba's statements because Christianity teaches that we all have the same maker and Christ died for the sins of the whole world and it is therefore applicable to all people-while people who are not Christian will tell Bubba to be quiet not simply because they disagree with sharing faith, but because they disagree with/don't want to hear what he is saying.

[Damo75]

biolagolfer, on 10 April 2012 - 12:20 AM, said:

Damo75, on 09 April 2012 - 11:57 PM, said:

biolagolfer, on 09 April 2012 - 10:40 PM, said:

Where does the idea that one's faith or "religion" should be kept private come from?

God is the center of a true Christian's life so whenever asked about accomplishments, etc. He will probably be mentioned.

It would have to be a deliberate attempt by Bubba, Webb Simpson, or Tim Tebow to not talk about the most important thing in their life- is that what you want? A fake, incomplete version?

Pretty sure Arnold Palmer has been publicly quoted as saying that a person's religion should be a private arrangement between a man, his maker and no-one else.  Or words to that effect.

I tend to agree.

Well, two subjective opinions do not make an authoritative answer.

I think it will always come back to if you agree with the statements or not- anyone who is Christian understands and supports Bubba's statements because Christianity teaches that we all have the same maker and Christ died for the sins of the whole world and it is therefore applicable to all people-while people who are not Christian will tell Bubba to be quiet not simply because they disagree with sharing faith, but because they disagree with/don't want to hear what he is saying.

I am Christian...

[johnnypro]

I'm a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ. But I don't see the need, or the appropriateness for that matter, of thanking Jesus on national TV for helping you win a golf tournament.
I'm betting a lot of these people who are applauding Watson for thanking Jesus are the same ones who condemned the great Muhammad Ali for giving thanks and praise to Allah after his fights.
It's just unnecessary. Keep it to yourself.

[Swisstrader98]

johnnypro, on 10 April 2012 - 07:38 AM, said:

I'm a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ. But I don't see the need, or the appropriateness for that matter, of thanking Jesus on national TV for helping you win a golf tournament.
I'm betting a lot of these people who are applauding Watson for thanking Jesus are the same ones who condemned the great Muhammad Ali for giving thanks and praise to Allah after his fights.
It's just unnecessary. Keep it to yourself.

+1 to all that.

As an aside, Bubba now on TGC and crying again! I love the guy, but he strikes me as a bit emotionally unstable. Love the raw emotion, but if Tiger would start balling every time he got on the air ppl would think he's lost it.

Again, I'm a fan because the guy is not cookie cutter, but all the talk of "Bubba Golf", bible readings and crying is making me think twice.

[DieHard519]

Bubba has the right to say whatever he wants about Jesus Christ, but maybe there are different forums to do that.  

This is kind of "tongue in cheek", but what if a player - on international TV - came out and said something to the effect of, "I'm so glad I accomplished this monumental acheivement. It took a lot of my own hard work, strength and mindfulness to overcome many points of adversity in my life as well as on the golf course. Also, the fact that I'm an Atheist and I did it without believing in God, because there is no physical evidence of there being a God, makes it that much more special to me. I'd like to thank the universe and give a big shout out to natural selection!  I couldn't have done it with you."
  

With that said, I really like Bubba's style of play.  Anyone who can go out and think of crazy hook shots or 50 yard cuts with a driver from 300 yards off the deck are very special players IMO.

[Damo75]

DieHard519, on 10 April 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:

This is kind of "tongue in cheek", but what if a player - on international TV - came out and said something to the effect of, "I'm so glad I accomplished this monumental acheivement. It took a lot of my own hard work, strength and mindfulness to overcome many points of adversity in my life as well as on the golf course. Also, the fact that I'm an Atheist and I did it without believing in God, because there is no physical evidence of there being a God, makes it that much more special to me. I'd like to thank the universe and give a big shout out to natural selection!  I couldn't have done it with you."
  

That would be priceless.

On a similar note, I saw a comedian doing a set on TV once and part of the act was along the same lines.  He was wishing that whoever came second would say something in their runner-up speech along the lines of "Well I would have won...if Jesus hadn't made me miss!"

[mich_ping]

yuck, on 09 April 2012 - 10:29 PM, said:

DocHolliday, on 09 April 2012 - 08:36 PM, said:

The thing I like most about Bubba is how much he seems to own who he is (regardless of if you like who he is or not). Sure hes a little goofy, perhaps overly emotional, and he's most def. not much like your average PGA tour player, but hell I love that. In this day and age of political correctness and carefully crafted images the guy just goes out and does his thing. He doesn't seem to be real worried about impressing anyone and he doesn't apologize for who he is. IMO you got to respect that.

As far as the religion thing, seems like the announcers and the media talk about it a whole lot more than he does. Outside of a couple parts of the Feherty interview and the usual "Thanking God" after a win or something he really does not seem to harp on it much. When he does mention it, it seems to be to just be an outgrowth of the guy living his life and doing his thing. Def doesn't come across and attempting to convert the masses or anything. Just my $.02

I agree that Bubba seems more live and let live with regards to his faith.  A couple years ago he was a guest on the Ellen show after campaining for some time to be a guest, since he is a big fan.  I am not sure the more  "judgemental types"  would be Ellen Degeneres fans.  By the way the episode was great and they appeared to have a good time.

I am not sure that "live and let live" people pour out a bottle of wine from the 1700's because they don't drink and don't want it in their hotel room....just send it back or don't drink it.  

I personally thought that he seems really cocky, not funny, in his interview with Feherty. He needs to be a bit more humble and stop interrupting people. I think he gives Christians a bad name. Not that he is a bad Christian....but at first glance, he seems whiny, cocky and flashy....very non-Christian attributes.

[vjswing]

yuck, on 09 April 2012 - 10:29 PM, said:

I agree that Bubba seems more live and let live with regards to his faith.  A couple years ago he was a guest on the Ellen show after campaining for some time to be a guest, since he is a big fan.  I am not sure the more  "judgemental types"  would be Ellen Degeneres fans.  By the way the episode was great and they appeared to have a good time.

Yes, that along with his statement (in 2011) that he was somewhat bothered by Augusta's exclusion of women members...

http://blogs.golf.co...ding-women.html

...makes me think he's not nearly the "reactionary rube" that some people try to portray him as.

[Swisstrader98]

Similar to the MTV awards where rappers do the shout out to Jesus. Just strikes me as funny when ppl take religion into the work place whether that be on the football field ala Tebow, the golf course w Bubba or with Little Wayne winning some dopey award.

Imagine any one of us preaching about the Lord or Jesus or Allah in the workplace. I have a ton of respect for ppl's religious beliefs but also believe they should be personal not public announcements.

[PixlPutterman]

johnnypro, on 10 April 2012 - 07:38 AM, said:

I'm a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ. But I don't see the need, or the appropriateness for that matter, of thanking Jesus on national TV for helping you win a golf tournament.
I'm betting a lot of these people who are applauding Watson for thanking Jesus are the same ones who condemned the great Muhammad Ali for giving thanks and praise to Allah after his fights.
It's just unnecessary. Keep it to yourself.

So you only thank God for the little things and not the big things?

[johnnypro]

No, I thank Him for both the little and the big. But when I do thank Him, I don't kneel down in front of 70,000 people nor praise Him in front of a thousand microphone and TV cameras. I thank Him in private.....in church, in my home, in my thoughts.

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go into your room (or closet.) and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret..." (Matthew 6:5-6 RSV).

Edited by johnnypro, 10 April 2012 - 02:23 PM.

[Prut]

It's just poor taste if nothing else. Just think about all the hungry people in the world praying for a morsel of food for their children whom Jesus is not helping. Bubba's glorifying Jesus over his golf tournament win probably makes them feel even worse.

johnnypro, on 10 April 2012 - 07:38 AM, said:

I'm a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ. But I don't see the need, or the appropriateness for that matter, of thanking Jesus on national TV for helping you win a golf tournament.
I'm betting a lot of these people who are applauding Watson for thanking Jesus are the same ones who condemned the great Muhammad Ali for giving thanks and praise to Allah after his fights.
It's just unnecessary. Keep it to yourself.

[mich_ping]

johnnypro, on 10 April 2012 - 02:18 PM, said:

No, I thank Him for both the little and the big. But when I do thank Him, I don't kneel down in front of 70,000 people nor praise Him in front of a thousand microphone and TV cameras. I thank Him in private.....in church, in my home, in my thoughts.

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go into your room (or closet.) and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret..." (Matthew 6:5-6 RSV).

Perfect quote...nice job.
I have heard the saying, "Always preach, but only use words when necessary". Wearing a $500k watch is not preaching and not leading by example in my opinion.

[Shaank0]

EricZ116, on 09 April 2012 - 04:20 PM, said:

peanutandjelly, on 09 April 2012 - 03:43 PM, said:

PixlPutterman, on 07 April 2012 - 08:05 AM, said:

I must say watching Feherty the other night with Bubba Watson gave me a WHOLE new perspective on him. He seems to have the most solid head on his shoulders about golf and life. Congrats too on their recent adoption as well

if ONLY he would stop crying all the time!!!! it is getting OLD!!!!

You've got to be kidding me.

I agree, I love the emotion, I admitidly am a man who has a tough time expressing emotions for the most part, every time I have felt like crying it has been out of anger and rage. So to see someone start balling over success is great to watch and brings a smile to my face. Hell I knew he was gonna cry before he even picked the putt out of the hole.

He's fun to watch, would even be funner if you could trace every one of his shots on TV. I saw him at the WGC Bridgestone even and it was magical watching him play.
He is a guy who has flaws in the past that sometimes flare up now and again, but you know hes trying to be the best he can be.

and to the people complaining about his beliefs ...I can see how him talking about his faith too gets people a little wierded out. People talking about faith used to weird me out for the most part, A lot of people who have no faith feel the need to impose there's ideas on how faith doesnt exist, and view people who have it negatively.


I don't believe in faith, god, or any of that... but I wish I did. To have a belief that there was a higher power, and to know what you did on this earth means nothing to what is prepared for you after death, not have to worry about my future generations of family living in a world that in my eyes has been corrupt, and deteriorating. Yea I wish I did believe in it.. and if it does exist I sure would love to find it.

[wobgon]

Are we to beleive that Jesus picked Bubba over the other players who prayed for a victory?

[approach11]

wobgon, on 10 April 2012 - 02:47 PM, said:

Are we to beleive that Jesus picked Bubba over the other players who prayed for a victory?

That's not how it is.  As someone said above, it's not "thanks for letting me win", it's "thanks for the blessings in being able to do this".  

And I'd be shocked if BW or any other devout Christian in the field 'prayed for a win'.

[paulshack]

Bubba on morning drive today...what a great man lol funny too ..he said after they signed scorecards bubba joked "alright guys that was fun cya later"

And him and Louis walking up 18thtalking about how ping was 1st 2nd 3rd

He's very emotional but just has fun and loves life!  Great stuff

[markysparky]

full disclosure: I'm an atheist.

Having copped to that, I do find some bible verses inspirational. One of my favourite concepts that sometimes keeps me from judging others too much:

Matthew 7:5: Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

He is far from perfect, as am I. He's got some growing to do, as do I. When I am in the correct frame of mind, I choose to see the person for the good that they do.

I am rarely successful. But it's a good place to aspire to.

And goddamit that wedge was spectacular!

[biolagolfer]

mich_ping, on 10 April 2012 - 02:38 PM, said:

johnnypro, on 10 April 2012 - 02:18 PM, said:

No, I thank Him for both the little and the big. But when I do thank Him, I don't kneel down in front of 70,000 people nor praise Him in front of a thousand microphone and TV cameras. I thank Him in private.....in church, in my home, in my thoughts.

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go into your room (or closet.) and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret..." (Matthew 6:5-6 RSV).

Perfect quote...nice job.
I have heard the saying, "Always preach, but only use words when necessary". Wearing a $500k watch is not preaching and not leading by example in my opinion.

This will be my last post about this since this isn't the right "forum" for it, but taking one quote from the Bible to support a belief is a grave mistake.

It is also known as "proof-texting". If you want to know what the Bible says about something, you have to look at everything the Bible says about it (not just 1-3 verses).

You also have to read it in the context, as Jesus is often addressing real situations of His day and the teachings have to be properly applied to our modern situation.

It is a pretty in depth process to determine the accurate Biblical view on most issues, so I'm just warning against the mistake of taking a single passage at first glance and using it however you wish.

I'm honestly not sure if Tim's "Tebowing" is Biblical or if what Bubba Watson does is, but what the Bible truly says is that Christians are supposed to represent Christ and His teachings which includes sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ when given the opportunity.

I'm saying all this to debunk the false idea that "faith/religion" is between man and God and that's it.

The Bible is filled with public and private verbal proclamation of the Gospel.

I'm not saying it is the only thing Christians should do (I agree actions are as important if not more important)- but it is certainly an important thing that Christians are called to do

I suggest reading all of these in the context, etc. but here are multiple scripture references that are coherent on this topic:


Mark 16:15

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

1 Corinthians 1:17

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not  with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of  its power.     

Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."


1 Corinthians 1:23


But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,

Mark 1:14


Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,

Mark 1:4

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.     

Acts 13:46

And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that  the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and  judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the  Gentiles.

Mark 6:12

So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.     


There are literally hundreds-thousands of such instances in the Bible of believers and Christ himself publicly proclaiming the Gospel- you might not agree with it, but it is what God desires when done properly

Edited by biolagolfer, 10 April 2012 - 07:18 PM.

[4thand11]

Just saw Bubba interviewed on Piers Morgan.  Great interview, he really comes across as a cool, authentic guy. Definitely worth watching if you can catch a replay.

[502 to Right]

If you have an interest in what Bubba has to say about his faith (as well as Aaron Baddeley) you can click the link below.  It is from February of 2011 during the Waste Management Open in Scottsdale.  It's called Rockin' the Open.

http://www.highlands...dia/testimonies

[War Eagle]

The same guys that complain about Bubba whining when he misses a shot or a putt are the same ones that praise Tiger when he drops and kicks clubs. Get real. Bubba is good for golf.

[Jennifer Curtis]

Jesus doesn't matter a whole lot 2 me. I like 2 drink and have sex, so I'm prolly going 2 hell hahahaha. Still I totally luv watching Bubba play golf. (really, how can a tall skinny guy hit a ball 360, or hook it 40 yards on the final hole of the Masters? ... that is jus SICK it is so gud). only reason  I'd kick him out of bed would b 2 do him on the floor hahahahaha. (OMG. I prolly shouldn't say that here haha)

Edited by Jennifer Curtis, 10 April 2012 - 10:35 PM.

[christopherscott2.0]

What I was most impressed with is his solid putter stroke down the stretch. Of course he hits shots that no one else can hit, sorry tiger (current form) and phil. Essentially I describe his game as seve on steroids.

For all those haters: why isn't it ok to talk about religion as opposed to other parts of an athelete's life? Does it bother you when boo talks about loving fishing or tiger mentions how important his father was to Whats wrong with rory constantly mentioning how much he was blessed to have great parents and a small irish town to uplift his journey through junior golf?
Whatever an athelete believes Their blessings and gifts derive from, it's refreshing to hear praise go to someone besides the athelete themselves. Great example; phil wins the 2007 players and gives a big shout out to butch and Dave pelz.

Lastly, after watching the motion that bubba calls a swing win the masters, can we really doubt their was something Devine in play?

[golfpros1]

nothing like the band wagoners.  if he loses the masters, no one cares, wins the masters... screams and fainting by grown men. lol

[502 to Right]

Just watched Bubs on Letterman.  Sheesh.  Letterman is not a very fluid interviewer.  Feherty looks like a top notch pro in comparison.

[wobgon]

approach11, on 10 April 2012 - 05:44 PM, said:

wobgon, on 10 April 2012 - 02:47 PM, said:

Are we to beleive that Jesus picked Bubba over the other players who prayed for a victory?

That's not how it is.  As someone said above, it's not "thanks for letting me win", it's "thanks for the blessings in being able to do this".  

And I'd be shocked if BW or any other devout Christian in the field 'prayed for a win'.

I would not be shocked at all. I am a devout christian and i have prayed for a win many times in many sports. Please let me know if that is a non christian thing to do so i will know if i have been fooling myself for most of my life.

[baseballfrk8998]

Jennifer Curtis, on 10 April 2012 - 10:31 PM, said:

Jesus doesn't matter a whole lot 2 me. I like 2 drink and have sex, so I'm prolly going 2 hell hahahaha. Still I totally luv watching Bubba play golf. (really, how can a tall skinny guy hit a ball 360, or hook it 40 yards on the final hole of the Masters? ... that is jus SICK it is so gud). only reason  I'd kick him out of bed would b 2 do him on the floor hahahahaha. (OMG. I prolly shouldn't say that here haha)

Really? I'm guessing you're a 14 year old boy..

I'm a Bubba fan.. I love the emotion.. One of the things that really stuck out to me in the post round interview was when he said "I never made it this far in my dreams." If you can't appreciate that then what can you appreciate?

Also, I guess we all understand why there are rules against religious discussion now. It usually doesn't take long for those types of things to get ugly.. At least it all stayed pretty civil in this thread..