Faith & SportS Shaping Life On And Off The Field

A Special Report Prepared by The Washington Times Special Sections Department Faith & Sports: Shaping Life On And Off The Field

Muhammad Ali: Shaped by his Islamic faith...... 3 Tackling life after loss: ‘I have taken hold and Ronald DiNicola will not let go’...... 9 Kevin Reilly

Trusting God brings ‘eternal perspective’...... 4 Benjamin Watson An Olympic medalist’s credo: ‘Success is really being the best you can be on a daily basis’...... 10 Rajeev Ram T ME NT Hank Greenberg: Heroic veteran and baseball’s AR first ‘Jewish superstar’ ...... 5 Ron Kaplan Book Review: ‘42 Faith: The Rest of the Jackie Robinson Story...... 10 cti o nS DE P Michael Taube What you may not see on TV this Thanksgiving season ...... 5

ci a l S e Coach Joe Kennedy Reimaging sports through faith...... 11 Ray McKenna ‘Growing in Faith With Golf Friends’...... 6 Steve Silver O N TI MES Sp e Coaches, athletes, fans and faith in the watching world of sports ...... 12

ASH INGT 710 ESPN Seattle’s podcast shares authentic stories about Shane Williamson faith and sports ...... 7 Brock Huard Relying on faith to find ‘common ground’ in sports...... 13 Liz Darger T HE W ARED BY The best traditions in football should be protected by the First Amendment...... 7 T P RE Jeremy Dys ‘God made me for China’: Eric Liddell, beyond O N TI MES Olympic glory...... 14 Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. ASH INGT

CI A L RE P OR Sport at the Service of Humanity: Pope Francis inspires a global movement ...... 8 A S P E T HE W

| Dr. Bernie Mullin

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Special Sections are multipage tabloid products that run in The Washington Times daily newspaper and are posted online and in PDF form onits website. Sponsors and advertisers collaborate with The Times’ advertising and marketing departments to highlight a variety of issues and events, such as The Power of Prayer, North Korea’s 30 • 2017 • November Thursday Nuclear Threat, Gun Rights Policy Conference and Rolling Thunder Memorial Day Tribute to Veterans. Unless otherwise identified, Special Sections areprepared separately 2 SPECIAL SECTIONS and without involvement from the Times’ newsroom and editorial staff. Muhammad Ali: Shaped by his Islamic faith

Ali’s professional and financial sac- accessible to his fans, never refusing an rifice in the name of faith was unparal- autograph seeker. To stay ever connected leled. It catapulted him into the center of with his public, Ali’s beliefs are com- a moral and generational divide on the memorated at the Ali Center in Louis- war in Vietnam; abroad, it established ville, celebrating his six core principles: his profile, particularly among the poor, confidence, conviction, dedication, as a principled defender of peace. giving, respect and spirituality. Vindicated three years later by the Ali’s rise amid storm-driven times, Supreme Court, he set out to regain and his capacity to change in order to his title and stage his fights across the create meaning for his life, was deeply globe. As his wife Lonnie observed, Ali rooted in his faith. It would allow him “discovered the world wasn’t really black to evolve into the man Robert Lipsyte and white at all. It was filled with many would describe as “a secular saint.” shades of rich colors, languages and religions.” Ronald DiNicola was Muhammad Ali’s By the mid-1970s, Ali had developed personal attorney and adviser for three a more nuanced view of his faith, moved decades beginning in the 1980s and often By Ronald DiNicola away from the Nation of Islam and traveled with him abroad. The Muham- embraced what he described as “true The Muhammad Ali Center’s exterior is mad Ali Center, a 501(c)3 corporation, was uhammad Ali once said Islam.” His evolving faith seemed a chan- encased in mosaic tiles that reveal images co-founded by Muhammad Ali and his “a man who views the nel for his self-awareness and the realiza- of The Champ. ​ Photo credit: Muhammad wife Lonnie in their hometown of Louis- world the same at 50 as tion that his talents and global influence Ali Center ville, Kentucky. The international cultural he did at 20 has wasted were not entirely of his own making. center promotes the Six Core Principles 30 years of his life.” It Edgy rhymes to promote his fights of Muhammad Ali (Confidence, Convic- was a revealing state- gave way to poetry of a different tone, that he became a true believer. To those tion, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and A S P E ment by someone who by age 20 had indicative of his changed attitude toward close to him, he made it clear that he Spirituality) in ways that inspire personal Mwon an Olympic gold medal in boxing salvation. “Rivers, lakes and streams,” would focus his life on securing his and global greatness and provides pro- CI A L RE P OR and was bearing down on the world he said, “all have different names, but place in heaven. His good works are well gramming and events around the focus heavyweight title. It was an acknowl- all contain water; so do religions have documented, with millions of dollars areas of education, gender equity, and edgement that even The Greatest must different names, but all contain truth.” raised for charity, countless relief and global citizenship. Its newest initiative, evolve. The impetus for Ali’s evolution He told students, “There is one God but humanitarian missions, service as a U.N. Generation Ali, fosters a new genera- T P RE over time would be his Islamic faith. many ways to that God; all religions are Messenger of Peace, and securing the tion of leaders to contribute positively

The religious journey of then-Cassius good if you live them right.” release of U.S. hostages in Iraq. to their communities and to change the ARED BY T HE W Clay began shortly after his return from With the 1980s, Father Time closed In his private life, Ali adhered to the world for the better. The Center’s head- the 1960 Rome Olympics. He was feted the window on boxing for Ali with two strict dictates of Islam. He said no to quarters also contains an award-winning with a parade through downtown Louis- crushing defeats in the ring. Then the lucrative financial offers that did not har- museum experience. For more informa- ville, Kentucky, but the fact he could not onset of Parkinson’s Disease became monize with his religious views. During tion, please visit www.alicenter.org.

be seated at many of the restaurants on apparent. It was unclear what would a 1993 visit to South Africa, he declined a INGTASH the parade route was not lost on Clay. become of the fallen warrior, away from $1 million fee for a one-hour appearance Thereafter, at 19, Clay joined the Chi- the lights and the crowd. at a local resort on such grounds.

cago-based Nation of Islam, a religious It was during this period, Ali said, Ali was honest to a fault. He was O N TI MES Sp e and political movement that espoused black nationalism and separatist views. Clay was offended by state-sanc- tioned segregation. But more telling, as a child he was gripped with fear by the ci a l S e

murder of Emmett Till, a boy his age, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

in Mississippi in 1955 for whistling at cti o n s DE P a white woman. Clay’s alignment with the Nation of Islam seems to have been as much a declaration of freedom as a

proclamation of faith. AR

His conversion was downplayed until T ME NT 1964, when Clay overcame long odds in defeating the ferocious Sonny Liston for | the world title. Following the fight, Clay, Thursday • November 30 • 2017 named like his father for a Kentucky abolitionist, announced his conversion and that he would now be known by the name Muhammad Ali. As white America drew its collective breath, Ali, 22, set out to define his future. Ali defended his title nine times over the next three years with athleticism never seen in a heavyweight. He seemed unstoppable until, in 1967, invoking the tenets of his religion, he refused induc- tion into the U.S. Army. He was stripped of his title, convicted of draft evasion This pavilion illustrates how Muhammad Ali put his convictions into practice — and stayed steadfast — during the tumultuous 1960s. and sentenced to five years in prison. Photo credit: Muhammad Ali Center 3 Trusting God brings ‘eternal perspective’

Q : As a professional athlete, you’ve to me, and I am challenging men. I’ve been we’ve been — in New England, when I was been through team changes, great in the NFL with 1,600 men every year for there, and Cleveland, New Orleans and performance days and tough injuries. 14 years. I’ve come across a lot of men who now Baltimore. And what we’ve found is Can you talk about how your faith has are having babies for the first time or maybe that whenever we do some sort of event, helped you through the highs and lows? for the second time, and guys are scared. I whether it’s around Christmas time or A: I would say [it gives] perspective. I was scared when we had our first; I really Thanksgiving, a lot of times people want am someone who can micromanage, I am didn’t know what to expect, and I needed to help other people, but they just don’t somebody who can really get caught up somebody to encourage me. know how. So we want to be a conduit, in his performance. And as an athlete, our So part of my mission in writing the to put people in a place where they can performance is judged every singe day. fatherhood book was to encourage guys — serve others. Every single day, we come in and watch [tell them] that they are needed and that With the Hello Beautiful program, my the film — what did we do well, what did they have what it takes, even if they didn’t wife hasn’t been as active doing this lately we do poorly — and sometimes it can have have it demonstrated to them. And why with the five kids, but early on, she did a you on an emotional roller coaster if you how they treat their children and, more lot of work with young girls on self-esteem, allow that to define you. importantly, how they treat the mother sexual purity, and issues like that ... So, understanding who I am in Christ of their children is important because Q : Last question: I am wondering if and understanding who I am as someone children derive such self-worth from the there is a particular Bible verse that has By Benjamin Watson made in His image, and someone who He relationship between their parents... been coming to mind in recent days? loves and who He died for and for whom And, obviously, the other book, “Under A: For the last year or so, Jeremiah 9:23- The following is a conversation between He made purposes — that gives me eternal Our Skin” — after the events happened 24. It says, “Let not the wise man boast of Benjamin Watson, tight end for the Baltimore perspective. in Ferguson, Missouri, a couple of years his wisdom, let not the strong man boast Ravens, and Cheryl Wetzstein, manager of So it’s given me perspective, even in ago, we all had different emotions. ... And of his strength, or the rich man boast of his Special Sections at The Washington Times, times when I’ve been hurt. Like last year, I I expressed my anger, frustration, my riches, but let him who boasts boast in this: about faith, sports, race relations, fatherhood tore my Achilles [tendon] and was out for hopelessness and my hopefulness, and That he understands and knows Me, that I and a Bible verse that has been on his mind the entire year. It was hard. I wondered eventually my being encouraged because am the Lord who exercises loving kindness, for a while. The conversation has been edited why — after we had moved all the way up of the power of God to really unite people justice and righteousness on the earth. For

T ME NT for length and clarity. here to Baltimore; we didn’t know anybody; and to allow people to repent and to forgive. I delight in these things.”

AR Q : You and your wife Kirsten were my wife had to take care of me, plus five That’s where my ultimate encouragement So that verse ... talks about the fact that part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes children — and it was a really hard, emo- comes from.... just because you’re rich or you’re strong or (FCA) growing up. How did those ex- tional time for all of us. And we understand My prayer for this country ... is that we you’re wise, don’t boast in that because you periences affect you? that God works everything together for the need to be honest about our history and think it’s you. It’s not you. God gives you cti o nS DE P A: We actually met at FCA at the Uni- good. Sometimes that good is not what we about our current situation because of your wealth, God gives you your wisdom. versity of Georgia. I had been involved want it to be; the good might not be enjoy- that history. Things are not great for a lot He gives you your strength. And so if you’re with FCA in high school, and so had she. able. But the good is there because it’s called of people. A lot of people are hurting. A lot going to boast, boast that He’s done those ci a l S e ...My father did a lot of speaking for FCA according to His purpose. You understand of people are offended. A lot of people are things for you. It talks about humility. And across the country — I am the oldest of we were just talking about at the race thing six kids — and we would just get in the in our country now. Entering into that car and go to wherever Daddy was going conversation with humility, I think, will

O N TI MES Sp e to speak that week, and that would be kind get us a long way. of our vacation. So I grew up in FCA, and Then the second part of the verse is later, I transferred from Duke University talking about what God delights in. ... For

ASH INGT to [University of] Georgia, and I met us, it would be kindness in how we can treat Kirsten, who was on the softball team. people, and justice and righteousness. He Part of the reason she wanted to be on said, “I delight in these things,” so those are the softball team was so she could go to things that I want to delight in as a person, FCA again.... We met, became friends and as a father, as a teammate, as a citizen of this

T HE W ARED BY started dating, and got married in 2005 country. I want to delight in those things, after my rookie year.... FCA has always that ... and so you trust in that. angry for different things. And the only way and I want to promote those things. held a special place in our hearts, both So, as an athlete specifically, it’s being we can really solve any of this is to be able T P RE collectively and individually, because of able to trust God when those injuries hap- to be honest with each other and be able Benjamin Watson has been with the NFL O N TI MES the ministry and the influence they have pen and to trust Him when you’re at the top to hold everyone to a standard of justice... since 2004 when he was drafted by the using sport to spread the Gospel. of your game and you win championships... Q : You and your wife Kirsten New England Patriots. He played with

ASH INGT Q : It sounds like FCA gave you a Q : You’ve written books on two re- founded the One More Foundation, the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans CI A L RE P OR community as well as a worldview ally important subjects — race relations which has a Hello Beautiful program Saints before coming to the Baltimore Ravens in 2016. He and wife Kirsten A S P E T HE W and guidance on how to live your life and fatherhood. What is your current for girls. What are your thoughts about

| — something like that? thinking on these issues? those things? have five children, and are co-founders A: I always wanted to be involved in A: I would say both are important to A: The foundation is named One More, of the One More Foundation, aimed at sports; I wanted to play college football all of us. We are living at a time when and the idea is about spreading the love spreading God’s hope and love through and move on from there. And to be a kid a third of our children are being raised and hope of Christ to “one more soul” by service to others. He is author of “Under and go to one of these camps with high without a father in the home ... and when meeting people’s needs. So we do events Our Skin: Getting Real about Race — schoolers who were much older than me you look at the ills of society, whether it providing clothing, shelter, promoting edu- And Getting Free from the Fears and and see them excel at their sport, but also be incarceration rates or poverty, even cation — my wife and I both are college Frustrations That Divide Us” (2015, Tyn- be people of faith — that definitely had a obesity and teenage pregnancy, a lot of graduates, so education has always been dale Momentum) and “The New Dad’s great influence on me. those things can be directly linked to not important to us — and then by partnering Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest And then just seeing how sports is kind having a father in the home. And that’s not with other charities and supporting the Game of Your Life” (2017, Baker Books). of a universal language ... and how people of to say that if you didn’t have a father in the work that they do. Follow him at thebenjaminwatson.com all ethnicities and backgrounds gravitate to home, you’re doomed — that’s not true at In 2009, when we started it, we had the and @BenjaminSWatson. This article is

30 • 2017 • November Thursday sports ... and how, while we’re doing sports, all — but we do see links [to not having a idea that wherever we go, we want to be a excerpted from the full interview online we are using our talents to glorify the Lord father in the home]. blessing to the people around us. And so at The Washington Times. 4 and be able to tell people about that.... So that’s something that’s very important we have done a few events in every place Hank Greenberg: Heroic veteran and baseball’s first ‘Jewish superstar’

would not play on Yom Kippur, that if I, as a Jew, hit a home run. the Day of Atonement and the I was hitting one against Hitler.” most sacred one on the Jewish Rather than wait to be calendar. It was not because he drafted, Greenberg joined the was religiously observant but armed forces in the spring of out of respect for his ancestors. 1941. He was discharged several Alan Dershowitz, the promi- months later, on Dec. 5. While nent attorney and law profes- driving home, he learned the sor, said that “Hank Greenberg Japanese had bombed Pearl Har- was what they all said we could bor and immediately re-enlisted, never be. He defied Hitler’s ste- the first major leaguer to do so. reotype. For that very reason, All told, Greenberg lost three full I think he may have been the seasons and parts of two others single most important Jew to in the service of his country, live in the 1930s.” prime years for an athlete. He That Greenberg — who was thought his playing days were inducted into the Baseball Hall over and said he almost expected By Ron Kaplan of Fame in 1956 — even chose to die in combat. But he did to sign with a team based in return, helping the Tigers win irdie Tebbets, one of those perhaps the most anti-Semitic the 1945 World Series. He retired baseball lifers, said that city in the country says some- after spending the last season of aside from Jackie Rob- thing about his desire to play. his career with the Pittsburgh A S P E inson, the first African Detroit was home to Henry Pirates. American to break the Ford, recipient of the Service Greenberg always said he CI A L RE P OR Major League color line, Cross of the Order of the Eagle, didn’t want to be known as a no one had a tougher time Germany’s greatest honor to a great Jewish ballplayer. Rather of it than Hank Greenberg, the game’s noncitizen. Ford was a propo- he wanted to be known as a Bfirst Jewish superstar. nent of the vicious pamphlet, great ballplayer who happened T P RE In 1938, the sensational slugger for the “The Protocols of the Elders to be Jewish. A number of base-

Detroit Tigers almost accomplished the of Zion,” and blamed the 1919 ball historians have suggested ARED BY T HE W impossible: improve on the otherworldly Black Sox scandal on the Jew- that as Greenberg came closer total of the 60 home runs the mighty ish gamblers who were ruining to the record in 1938, opposing Babe Ruth blasted in 1927. While Green- the national game. managers ordered their pitchers berg’s fans were relishing the chase, the Detroit also “boasted” Father Charles one wanted to face an angry Greenberg. not to give him anything to hit, lest a Jew

rest of the world was more concerned Coughlin, a notorious radio preacher As the 1938 season wore on, news displace the Bambino. But Greenberg — INGTASH about the goings-on in Germany where who similarly blamed Jews for most of from Europe made its way from deep ever the mensch — always took the high Adolf Hitler and his fascist allies were the problems facing the United States. inside the newspapers to the front road, claiming he came up short because

implementing their plan for global domi- Greenberg usually faced the leather- page. Unlike today’s socially conscious he simply ran out of time. O N TI MES Sp e nation, including the extermination of lunged haters on and off the field with a athletes, Greenberg and his contempo- the Jewish people. quiet dignity, but there were instances raries rarely were asked for the opinions Ron Kaplan, an award-winning jour- Greenberg — 6-foot-4-inches tall and where he would no longer tolerate the on current affairs. In his memoir, “Hank nalist and blogger, is the author of 220 pounds — ran counter to anti-Sem- jibes. After some particularly nasty Greenberg: The Story of My Life,” he “Hank Greenberg in 1938: Hatred and ites who claimed Jews were unathletic bench-jockeying by a member of the wrote, “Nobody expected war, least of Home Runs in the Shadow of War” ci a l S e

and weak. He was a symbol of strength Chicago White Sox, he stormed into all the ballplayers. I didn’t pay much at- (2017, Sports Publishing). You can fol- THE WASHINGTON TIMES

for his people, both physically and spiri- their clubhouse after the game, demand- tention to Hitler at first or read the front low him on Twitter at @RonKaplanNJ cti o n s DE P tually. In 1934, in the midst of a heated ing the guilty party face him man-to- pages, and I just went ahead and played. and at RonKaplansBaseballBook- pennant race, Greenberg decided he man. The invitation was declined. No Of course, as time went by, I came to feel shelf.com and KaplansKorner.com. AR T ME NT |

What you may not see on TV this Thursday • November 30 • 2017 Thanksgiving season

By Coach Joe Kennedy with the story of the first Thanksgiving. Today, families and friends continue to The Pilgrims traveled to the New World gather together and thank God for all Professional football on Thanksgiv- in the 1600s seeking freedom from the that He has given us. ing Day has become as much of an Church of England and the King’s rule. For the past 25 years, professional American tradition as turkey. Yet, what They came to America so they could football players have also come together happens after the game — and what is pray and worship God in their own way. before God with thanksgiving. The often not aired by major media networks Despite initial suffering and tremendous Monday Night Football game between — may be the best and most traditional loss, the Pilgrims joined together with the New York Giants and San Francisco way to celebrate the holiday. Native Americans a year after their ar- Americans are generally familiar rival and thanked God for His provision. » see Kennedy | C6 5 ‘Growing in Faith With Golf Friends’

couldn’t retire from business unless I Southwest Florida (and now in Northern had a ministry to take over my free time. MGF chapters) have come to faith or If you knew my wife, guys, you’d under- substantially grown in their faith. They stand that this was non-negotiable. have come to learn about a personal So what to do? Continue working or relationship with the Lord instead of an find a retirement-ministry gig? I’d always institutional, arms-length affiliation with been involved with various church and Him. They have enhanced their relation- parachurch ministries and done my fair ships with one another in their clubs share of leadership in them. But this was because of their willingness to break different. Those were “night jobs,” so to with convention, take a risk, change the By Steve Silver speak. This had to be my new “day job.” conversation and explore their faith-lives This could be for the rest of my life — together. What once seemed awkward oes the title of this article not by my plan, and not on my calendar, is now very natural. Men are attend- sound like an oxymoron? If but on God’s. This had to be taken more ing MGF speaker breakfasts together, you’re a golfer, when was seriously than business if I was to do it ... joining something. I honed in on two inviting their golf friends to join them, the last time you turned whatever it was. of those “spheres,” namely — faith-life bringing their wives and friends to MGF to your walking or riding My retirement ministry search and golf-life. Maybe my ministry was at banquets and joining MGF Fellowship partner and said, “How is it started with the usual obvious can- their intersection? Maybe I could merge groups — where groups of 10 to 20 golf with you and your faith?” didates — my church and respected my faith with my golf friendships in the friends get together weekly to discuss DI’ve never asked that, even though I’ve parachurch ministries and missions. form of a ministry? But could I do that life-issues, what faith has to do with been serious about my faith for many None of these resonated. Being some- without appearing presumptuous, alien- those and what the Bible has to say years and an avid golfer for nearly as what entrepreneurial, I began thinking in ating my golf friends and risking some- about them. All of this in their golf clubs many. Let’s face it — in most cases, that terms of starting something rather than thing important to me? There were no — where the MGF motto has become question would be out of place, inappro- guarantees that I could. With the help of a reality, “Growing in Faith With Golf priate and a nonstarter. Let’s unpack this. exploratory conversations with my pas- Friends.” Convention and good protocol dictate tor and a few close friends, Men’s Golf What is impossible with men is pos-

T ME NT that certain conversation topics belong Fellowship (MGF) was born in 2003. sible with God. What was difficult for me

AR in their proper settings. The “faith/God” Nothing of substance starts easily, and others to conceive 15 years ago was topic belongs in a church setting. Sports, and I won’t go into the learning and already realized ahead of time by God. business, the economy, politics, fam- growing pains associated with the early Where we are now with MGF is just the ily, health and many other topics are de years of MGF. Suffice it to say that I on-ramp of where He is taking us. The cti o nS DE P rigueur for conversation on the course made mistakes — and probably lost big ah-ha for me in all of this has been or in the clubhouse. So why not the topic some friends while learning to swim in that God thinks way bigger than I do. I’m of faith? Good question. this lane. Engaging in faith with peers/ only along for the ride ... the greatest ride ci a l S e When I started seriously considering golf friends in my club was unnatural at of my life! retirement 15 years ago, I had just taken first. But because God was in this and for granted that my faith-life, business- behind it, He was clearing and cleaning Steve Silver is a retired business ex- life and golf-life were separate spheres, up the path ahead. God brought great ecutive, Founder of Men’s Golf Fellow-

O N TI MES Sp e with some common friendships in each. men, some with faith and others with ship (mensgolffellowship.com) and No big deal. All three were working just a glimmer, who caught the vision, got author of “New Man Journey: Finding fine, and I was content to moderate my the idea, came alongside me and helped Meaning in Retirement” (2013, David

ASH INGT conversations and interactions accord- bring MGF into the parachurch ministry C Cook) (newmanjourney.com). He ingly. Can you relate? it is today. and his wife Sandy reside in Naples, Then I was hit by a two-by-four in the Next year we are celebrating our 15th Florida, and Connecticut. They have form of my wife. As I started discussing anniversary of Men’s Golf Fellowship. three children and six grandchildren. retirement with her, she told me that I Many men in country clubs throughout T HE W ARED BY

T P RE as a football coach at Bremerton High To be honest, it never has been. My cur- tough and to always be grateful. As an O N TI MES Kennedy School in Washington state, a job that I rent circumstances have not changed. American, with all of the rights and From page C5 loved and felt called to, for silently pray- I am still a coach without my team. A protections our Constitution provides its

ASH INGT ing alone on the field after games for federal court said that the Constitution citizens, I should have never had to give CI A L RE P OR 49ers on Dec. 3, 1990, captured one maybe 15 or 30 seconds. For seven years, does not protect me even if all I want up everything for what I believe in. Still, of the largest audiences in the show’s I knelt on the field and thanked God for I am grateful to God for his continued

A S P E to do is take a knee and silently pray by T HE W

| history. Prior to the game, the teams’ His faithfulness in protecting the play- myself for a few seconds because some- faithfulness, and I will never stop giving chaplains organized what would become ers on the field. I also praised Him for one might see kneeling in silence. Still, Him thanks. the first joint NFL postgame prayer entrusting me with the responsibility of prayer and thanksgiving are the source circle. Not seen on television, the players coaching my team. of my strength and hope in this battle Joe Kennedy is a former football coach bowed their heads at the 50-yard line After I lost my job, it would have and the ones to come. for Bremerton High School in Bremer- following a tense matchup to honor God been easy to stop giving thanks. I have a With controversy surrounding the ton, Washington, and retired Marine. and thank Him for the opportunity to family who depends on me. I have stu- NFL and National Anthem, televi- He was suspended and later terminated play the game. The tradition continues dents who watched authority figures in sion cameras on Thanksgiving Day for taking a knee to offer a private today. their school fire me for standing by my and throughout the holiday season are prayer at the 50-yard line after football What the Pilgrims and NFL players convictions. It would have been easy to certain to focus on whether players take games. Coach Kennedy is represented knew is that we honor God by giving get frustrated and question God. a knee before the games. However, they by First Liberty Institute, a national thanks to Him through prayer, regardless Instead, as the Bible instructs, I are likely to miss the players who, for an law firm dedicated to defending re-

30 • 2017 • November Thursday of our circumstances. rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and even greater purpose, take a knee after. ligious freedom. FirstLiberty.org. The last couple of years of my life give thanks in all circumstances. That is As a coach, I tell my players to fight 6 have not been easy. In 2015, I lost my job not because my life is without hardship. harder on the field when things get 710 ESPN Seattle’s podcast shares authentic stories about faith and sports done at any level of my career. It has check me if it seemed like it was becom- quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, and people been such an encouragement to hear ing that. This is the Lord’s platform to do I was able to get to know through the so many unique perspectives of faith in what He wants to do, and it is well above conversation we had on the podcast like sports: from Sam Ponder, host of ESPN’s and well beyond anything I could ever major league pitcher Steve Cishek. “Sunday NFL Countdown,” dealing do alone. My goal is to keep it that way I’ve been doing my show on 710 with cyberbullying and sexual harass- by continuing to deliver an authentic, ESPN Seattle for 10 years, but “Above & ment with the support of her husband passionate message with each episode, Beyond” has been a completely different Christian, a former NFL quarterback; to something that seems to resonate with animal. I’ve been able to let people all the former Washington Redskins head coach those that have listened. way in, and the platform allows the same Jim Zorn, whose players accused him You would think that there would be for the guests. Part of me is like, “Man, of forcing his religion on them; to Mr. a lot of feedback in the media world that why didn’t I do this earlier?” Ultimately, By Brock Huard Leaf, whose story of not living up to the I live in, whether it’s from producers, I’m just thankful to have that chance now. hype as a top NFL draft pick is a lot more executives or program directors, but it The first season featured 15 very nor- had no idea that I would spend known than his story of finding faith really is minimal. With this podcast, how- mal people — including myself — simply two hours talking to my old college outside of himself after addiction and ever, the feedback has been enormous sharing the story of their faith. Season rival Ryan Leaf. I had no idea that I time in prison. Hearing of their pain and and overwhelming. The personal emails 2 will be equally as diverse — mentors, would shed tears with 1984 Ameri- struggle, the providence and blessing has have been amazing, and they’ve come friends, total strangers, men, women, all can League Rookie of the Year been such a rich experience. from a whole spectrum of people: school ages, all backgrounds — and, frankly, I Alvin Davis, a man I met for the In the decade-plus I’ve worked in teachers, people in ministry, people of can’t wait to see what doors will open. first time right before we turned on the sports media, I’ve never had the opportu- different faiths, people that have no faith. Imics. And I had no idea that a conversa- nity to fully explore the depth of impact To correspond with those that have been Brock Huard is a former NFL quarter- tion with Hall of Fame wide receiver and my faith has had on my professional impacted, touched and encouraged is the back and current ESPN college football former Oklahoma Rep. Steve Largent career. It wasn’t until my employers, 710 overwhelming part. analyst and co-host of “Brock and Salk” would go so deeply into a broken up- ESPN Seattle and Bonneville Interna- These conversations have hammered on 710 ESPN Seattle. His podcast, “Above A S P E bringing and radical forgiveness. tional, approached me about starting a home something I have long believed: & Beyond: The Intersection of Faith Those are just some of the places podcast about a topic that I was passion- people want authenticity. and Sports,” can be found on iTunes or CI A L RE P OR where my podcast, “Above & Beyond: ate about and was underserved in the The drive to spread real, authentic at AboveAndBeyondPodcast.com. The Intersection of Faith and Sports,” has media that I was able to seize that oppor- journeys in faith has brought out some taken me in the past year. tunity by starting “Above & Beyond.” incredibly powerful stories, both from Tackling the junction of faith and This podcast isn’t designed to be “The people that helped shape my life and T P RE sports in Season 1 of “Above & Beyond” Brock Huard Show” — in fact, I told my faith such as legendary NFL coach Tony

is one of the most powerful things I’ve producer, James Osborn, from day one to Dungy and former Seattle Seahawks ARED BY T HE W

The best traditions in football should INGTASH

be protected by the First Amendment O N TI MES Sp e

loudspeaker. the FHSAA forbade the schools from at the schoolhouse gate, or in this case That is, until the school earned the praying. The association argued that the football stadium gate. The FHSAA right to play in their first state champi- somehow the prayer could be viewed is not supposed to take sides in any of ci a l S e

onship football game in 2015. as an establishment of religion by the their member school’s athletic contests. THE WASHINGTON TIMES

The competition was slated for State of Florida since the state athletic The First Amendment requires that cti o n s DE P Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, at the Citrus Bowl association regulated the game played same level of neutrality when it comes in Orlando, Florida, where the Lancers on city-owned property. to religious speech. Here, the FHSAA would face off against another Christian Some have argued that if private reli- chose to be on the side that is hostile to

school, University Christian School, gious schools want public prayer before public displays of religion. AR

with a similar pre-game tradition. their football games, they should leave At the 2015 championship game T ME NT By Jeremy Dys Prayer before football games is the FHSAA and form their own private between Cambridge Christian School central to their missions. It is meant to statewide Christian athletic association. and University Christian School, the | Tradition is paramount in sports. unite the players on the field with each If that sounds familiar, it might be be- bleachers were filled with the players’ Thursday • November 30 • 2017 Clemson football players rub Howard’s other and their fans in the stands, while cause the same people once suggested families, friends, and fans. Rock for good luck before running thanking God for the privilege of play- that if students want to pray in school, Let us hope the courts stop the onto the field. West Virginia University ing the game. they should leave America’s public FHSAA’s hostility toward religion from players rub a giant block of coal before No one would seriously think schools and attend a religious school. becoming a new tradition in high school the game. Notre Dame players famously that the teams for these two private, They did — and now some are call- sports. slap the “Play like a champion today” Christian schools praying over the ing for religious athletes to leave their sign on the way to the field. loudspeaker of the Citrus Bowl would league and form their own association. Jeremy Dys is Deputy General Counsel for What Cambridge Christian School, violate the First Amendment’s prohibi- Where will it end? First Liberty Institute, a national law firm a small, 2A Christian school in Tampa, tion on the “establishment of religion.” Students should not have to form dedicated to defending religious freedom. Florida, does before kickoff is more No one, that is, except the Florida High their own league to exercise the rights First Liberty represents Cambridge Chris- than a tradition; it’s central to who School Athletic Association. guaranteed to them under the Constitu- tian School. Its case is pending with the they are as a school. Since the school When the teams asked the FHSAA tion. The Supreme Court of the United 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Learn opened in the 1960s, every athletic to use the loudspeaker to offer the pre- States has made it clear that students more at FirstLiberty.org/Cambridge. contest has started with prayer over the game prayer in the cavernous stadium, do not lose their constitutional rights 7 Sport at the Service of Humanity: Pope Francis inspires a global movement

spirit), and sport can do good (ping- After attending last year’s confer- football online and then pass it to their pong diplomacy, etc., and simply bring- ence, the NHL’s Pat LaFontaine and friends via social media. By signing the ing people of different backgrounds Los Angeles Kings’ Luc Robitaille were ball, supporters add their name to UN- together, whether as participants or so inspired by the idea of infusing the HCR’s #WithRefugees petition, which spectators). universal values of faith into sport calls on world governments and fellow With all the challenges currently that they championed the creation of citizens to make sure all refugees can impacting society, particularly with the “This is Hockey” movement and have a safe place to live, receive an scandals and corruption at the highest Hockey’s Declaration of Principles — a education and are able to work so they levels of religion, sports, politics, the joint statement by 17 hockey organiza- can provide for their families. media and entertainment, Pope Francis tions globally advocating the game This June, Villanova University felt it was necessary and timely for of hockey as a powerful platform for and the Big East Athletic Conference faith and sport to remind and reawaken participants to build character, foster hosted a two-day conference for faith- people to the massive power that these positive values and develop important based colleges in North America to two pillars of human life can provide, life skills that transcend the game. come together in finding better ways especially when they work harmoni- Not surprisingly, hockey’s initiative to develop future leaders for our global ously together! received a written endorsement from society by emphasizing and developing At its core, Sport at the Service for Pope Francis. the SSH’s Six Principles among student By Dr. Bernie Mullin Humanity is the opportunity for us At the 2016 conference, a partner- athletes and the campus community. to take all that is good in faith and in ship between FC Barcelona and the We have also witnessed the impact “Challenge yourself in the game of sport, and marry the two for the bet- U.N. High Commission on Refugees and strength of the SSH movement life, as you do in the game of sport.” terment of society. We are encouraged (UNHCR) was discussed to use sport within communities around the globe. It was with these words in 2015 that to see that since the 2016 conference, as a transformational tool to help refu- In September, the inaugural Rome His Holiness Pope Francis inspired the the movement has gained momentum, gees reintegrate into society. This re- Half Marathon Via Pacis was orga-

T ME NT launch of Sport at the Service of Hu- inspiring individuals and sports orga- sulted in the #SignAndPass campaign, nized by the City of Rome, the Italian

AR manity (SSH), a global movement that nizations to embrace this message and launched with the support of soccer Olympic Committee and other sport embraces the unique ability of faith take action to create impactful change stars Lionel Messi and Neymar Junior, and sport to promote positive values, and positive social transformation. calling on supporters to digitally sign a » see POPE | C9 unite people for good and celebrate cti o nS DE P our common humanity, regardless of culture or religious beliefs. The SSH movement really took ci a l S e off in October 2016 with the historic “Sport at the Service of Humanity: The First Global Conference on Faith & Sport.” Held at the Vatican, the event

O N TI MES Sp e was led by Pope Francis, U.N. Secre- tary-General Ban Ki-moon and Inter- national Olympic Committee President

ASH INGT Thomas Bach, who welcomed more than 400 leaders and influencers from the worlds of faith, sport and business. At the three-day conference, delegates discussed how faith and sport could

T HE W ARED BY work together for the betterment of the world. Three key themes — in- spiration, inclusion and involvement T P RE — served as the framework for the O N TI MES discussions. At the conclusion of the global

ASH INGT conference, the delegates unanimously CI A L RE P OR endorsed the Six Principles of Sport

A S P E at the Service Humanity — compas- T HE W

| sion, respect, love, enlightenment, balance and joy — the foundation upon which the movement and its legacy program, Humanity Sports Club, is built. (http://sportforhumanity.com/ declaration-of-principles/) One of the most notable things about the conference was that it was not about organized religion but rather restoring faith in humanity, and reveal- ing more of the infinite goodness that lives in most people. SSH sought to

30 • 2017 • November Thursday refocus the world leaders on the amaz- ing “power of sport” — namely, sport His Holiness Pope Francis arriving at The Opening Ceremony of ​“​Sport at the Service of Humanity: The First Global Conference on 8 is inherently good (for mind, body and Faith & Sport​,” ​ held October 2016 at The Vatican.​ Image courtesy of Sport at the Service of Humanity. Tackling life after loss: ‘I have taken hold and will not let go’

as hospital chaplain, gave me the “last by the Oblate order, followers of St. the quote, “You may be the only bible rites.” I describe in my book how several Francis de Sales. The culture was that your neighbor ever reads,” I am other patients of different faiths in pre- personified by the motto, “Tenui Nec Di- hoping my book helps to spread the op asked to join in a prayer. It seems to mittam” (I have taken hold and will not message. be a part of our nature that whatever let go), and led by men like my baseball Today, I tour the country speaking our faith, we turn to God in a moment coach and mentor, Father Robert Ashen- to groups from all walks of life: cor- of extreme danger or risk. Prayer for me brenner, who personified the qualities of porations, schools, athletic teams and was consistent with my upbringing, and Saint Francis, “The Gentleman Saint,” in faith-based groups. I tell my personal looking back now on the trauma of that his everyday life. story with the hope that my experience experience, I believe my faith helped Salesianum had a profound effect will help others face the demons in their provide strength in the crisis itself and on my life and many other young men, own life. in the years of recovery. including the current commander of the One speaking opportunity affected I have had many years to adapt to my Navy SEALs, a school graduate who re- me more than any other and that was the one-arm world and eventually became turned to speak to the students this year. time I was asked to address the Ampu- pretty good at it. In my speeches, I often The priests, teachers and coaches taught tee Ward at Walter Reed Army Medical tell the story of the hospital counselor us to respect and support our fellow Center in 2005. Just standing before who suggested I buy clip-on ties because man and to understand that faith can be those brave young men and women By Kevin Reilly I would never be able to tie my own a force for good in your life. Recalling was an honor I will never forget. They necktie. As I tell the story, I tie my were looking for answers about what n my recently published book, necktie one-handed — always good for a lay ahead, and I stood before them as an “Tackling Life: How Faith, Family, laugh and some applause. But although I expert on life after traumatic amputa- Friends and Fortitude Kept an NFL survived my physical health crisis, I did tion. As I got ready to speak that day, I A S P E Linebacker in the Game,” I tell of not think I would make it through the was once again asking God for strength my story of how my Catholic faith depression that I experienced with the — the strength to make a small differ- CI A L RE P OR helped me endure the challenge end of my marriage of 20 years. Once ence in the life of these heroes who had that ended both my athletic career and again, my faith became part of a support taken the risk for all of us. Take hold and my marriage. network that included friends, family never let go.

I T P RE In 1979, as I was working to get in and professional counseling. As a result shape to resume my career in the Na- of that experience, I made many changes Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker

tional Football League, I was diagnosed in my life and believe I am a better per- Kevin Reilly is a motivational speaker ARED BY T HE W with a rare desmoid tumor. The large, son because of it. and author of “Tackling Life: How aggressive, cancer-like growth required I was raised as a Catholic and at- Faith, Family, Friends and Fortitude the complete amputation of my left arm tended a parochial school where I was Kept an NFL Linebacker in the Game” and shoulder and removal of four ribs. exposed to the fundamentals of my faith. (2017, Faith & Family Publications)

Even though I was an otherwise healthy I then attended an all-boys Catholic http://tacklinglifebook.com. He lives INGTASH 28-year-old, there was a strong possibil- school famous for its football team. with his wife, Paula, in Wilmington, ity I would not even survive the It was on the football field where my Delaware. Reach him at www.kreilly.

11 ½-hour surgery. dreams were focused, but I soon found com and @KevinReillyNFL52Eagles. O N TI MES Sp e As I was being prepped for surgery that there was more to the institution that fateful day, I was approached by known as Salesianum than undefeated a Catholic priest who, in his capacity sports teams. The school was founded ci a l S e THE WASHINGTON TIMES

same. For leaders in sport, the chal- cti o n s DE P POPE lenge is to model these same principles From page C8 in the way they administrate or coach and to openly and formally incorporate

organizations to engage the community these values within every game and AR

to take a unified stand against racism practice so they become naturally im- T ME NT and discrimination. And in Canada, bedded in the way “the game of sports youth attending the Muskoka Woods is played.” | leadership program participated in a Thursday • November 30 • 2017 two-day workshop led by SSH facilita- Bernie Mullin, Ph.D., is Chairman and tors, designed to inspire youth through CEO of The Aspire Group, a global man- the Six Principles to live a life that agement and marketing consulting busi- values our shared humanity. ness focusing on the sport and entertain- As we move forward, I challenge ment industry. He is a founding director each and every person to find ways to of the Sport at the Service of Humanity bring the Sport at the Service of Hu- Foundation. For more information on manity’s Six Principles to life, both on the Sport at the Service of Humanity and off the playing field. By incorporat- movement, upcoming initiatives and the ing the principles of compassion, re- Declaration of Principles, visit: www. spect, love, enlightenment, balance and sportforhumanity.com or follow us on His Holiness Pope Francis, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, IOC President Thomas joy into our daily lives, we can create a Twitter (@sport4humanity) and Face- Bach joined by faith leaders and young athletes at The Opening Ceremony of “Sport at the society of inclusion and involvement, book (@6principles.sport4humanity) Service of Humanity: The First Global Conference on Faith & Sport,” held at the Vatican, and inspire those around us to do the October 2016. Image courtesy of Sport at the Service of Humanity. 9 An Olympic medalist’s credo: ‘Success is really being the best you can be on a daily basis’

what your responsibilities are and real- of yoga and meditation in their most is what brings success over a long ize that the result or outcome is out of basic forms. The elementary thing that period of time. your control. one can control is breathing , and this But what is success actually? This is I was one of the lucky ones in that alone can have a mind-calming sensa- possibly the most important thing that my parents never pushed any extra- tion. That is why breathing is always I feel like my family, teachers and faith curricular activity on me. They let me the first step in any yoga or meditation have taught me. choose the sports I wanted to play, exercise. More than number of titles and the friends I wanted to make, the girls As I became more serious in my trophies or money, success is really I wanted to date or, just in general, tennis and the level went up, the being the best you can be on a daily which direction I wanted my life to go stresses and pressures became more. basis. That is our duty and our goal, in. The thing that was important was As a junior, it went from playing at my and at the end of the day, that is all we that no matter what path I chose, I was local club to playing at the state level can ask of ourselves. True happiness to try my best in anything that I do, to national and international competi- lies in knowing that you gave it your respect it and everyone around me in tions. After that it was collegiate tennis all in your chosen field, and when it is the process, and finally I was supposed and then professional tennis. There all said and done, there are no regrets. to enjoy it. This, and not winning and was a certain added pressure once As of right now, using this as a mea- losing, was deemed as being most tennis became my job. Before that it suring tool, I am proud to call myself By Rajeev Ram important. was still a glorified hobby, but once I extremely successful. They also let me pick the people decided to make it my choice of career, ports has always been part to whom I would turn to help with there was no going back. I must say Rajeev Ram is an accomplished U.S. of my life. In fact, I do not my tennis. I feel like they would have that any of this added pressure was professional tennis player, winning the have a memory of life that interfered if they thought I made an purely self-inflicted. Throughout my Indiana state singles championship as a was before sports, and spe- unhealthy choice, but as of yet they entire tennis life, my parents have been teen and two National Collegiate Athletic cifically tennis. The same have not. A teacher is another person, strong in their stance for me to do it Association titles in college. Through-

T ME NT can be said about faith. along with parents, that Hinduism puts as long as I enjoy it and only do it for out his career, he has won a total of 15

AR I grew up in a Hindu household, in the highest regard. I am lucky to myself. As the stakes became higher, it ATP World Tour titles, two in singles Sand the thing about the Hindu faith have formed lifelong relationships with was ever more important for me revert and 13 in doubles, and a 2016 Olympic that is different from others is that it some of my coaches, and they have to the mindset of what got me to that silver medal in Rio mixed doubles with is more a way of life rather than an nothing but my utmost respect for the point in the first place — controlling Venus Williams. In 2010, he partnered

cti o nS DE P organized religion. Going to the temple influences they each have had in my what I can control. At the highest level with a tennis organization in Carmel, on a schedule or praying on a schedule life. of sport, when the skill level is equal, Indiana, to create EntouRaj for Kids was not really part of it. What was a Yoga and meditation are corner- winning and losing happens by the and raise money for college scholarships ci a l S e big part of it was understanding that stones of the Hindu faith. Remov- smallest of margins, and the difference and tennis programs. In 2014, EntouRaj respect was of the highest priority, and ing yourself from the stresses of the generally lies in factors such as energy for Kids became an independent 501(c) that the most important thing when uncontrollable can have a very calming level, competitive spirit and prepara- (3) nonprofit. @EntouRajforkids performing any task was to understand effect on the mind, and this is the aim tion. Again, taking care of these details O N TI MES Sp e

ASH INGT Book Review: ‘42 Faith: The Rest of the Jackie Robinson Story

By Michael Taube Mr. Robinson’s daughter, Sharon, told that the public can see his legacy.” into his important decision to bring Mr.

T HE W ARED BY him that “the family wanted me to use as They will, in a whole new light. Robinson to the big leagues. Jackie Robinson’s inspirational story much material as possible ... because her During the “ugly days of his time as It’s no secret that Mr. Robinson has long been immortalized in books mother donated them to the library so a Dodger,” according to Mr. Henry, he faced various roadblocks in the quest T P RE and movie adaptations. He broke major “leaned on the Bible and his personal to desegregate baseball. Clay Hopper, O N TI MES league baseball’s color barrier on April faith to get him through.” It was a trait the manager of his minor league team, 15, 1947. He played for the Brooklyn (now that he shared with Branch Rickey, the the Montreal Royals, “openly declared

ASH INGT Los Angeles) Dodgers from 1947-1956. He team’s owner, who “had his own habit that African Americans were not human CI A L RE P OR won many individual awards, as well as of slipping into churches wherever he beings” in 1946. He was called many vile the 1955 World Series, and is a member A S P E traveled.” This shared interest in Chris- things in public, from his Army days T HE W

| of the Hall of Fame. tianity served as the foundation for this to his baseball nights. There were also Yet, it appears there’s even more to important relationship that changed the issues with other baseball players, who the story about this remarkable sports face of the game they both loved. didn’t want to play with a black man, and hero. Mr. Rickey gave Mr. Robinson “a even some teammates. Ed Henry’s book, “42 Faith: The Rest little hint” when they first met that Through it all, he refused to be of the Jackie Robinson Story,” reveals “there was a divine inspiration for his intimidated. that religion played a significant role push to integrate baseball.” Mr. Robin- Again, it was religion that seemed to in keeping Mr. Robinson grounded, son’s unpublished manuscript alludes soothe his shattered nerves. “42 Faith” focused and determined on the baseball to Mr. Rickey “talking to me about the contains many thought-provoking diamond. Fox News Channel’s chief promise he had to God and to himself speeches, interviews and writings that national correspondent used original when he was teaching sports at college.” prove Mr. Robinson’s belief in God made materials contained at the Library of Although this was a reference to Charles him stronger — and a better ball player.

30 • 2017 • November Thursday Congress, including previously un- “Tommy” Thomas, who “helped shape “I am not the most religious person in known sermons, interviews and an the executive’s feelings about racial 10 unpublished (and revealing) manuscript. injustice,” the sentiment carried over » see JACKIE | C11 Reimaging sports through faith

concluded that sports, with its rituals produce excellent role models such as in terms of their immediate, tangible and psychological attachments, has Mike Piazza, Simone Biles, Tim Tebow, benefit, Tim Tebow’s witness allowed many of the same effects on spectators Clayton Kershaw, Russell Wilson, Philip thoughtful observers to discuss and as religion does! Rivers and Mike Sweeney, even though explain more significant aspects of faith Jesus’ teachings often turned the their positive example usually garners in sports. prejudices, customs and traditions of little public notice. Like Tim Tebow, faith-filled athletes, his day upside down to set them right Tim Tebow created a major contro- coaches and other participants in sports side up. For example, he explained that versy a few years ago by simply kneeling need to consciously speak and act pro- the Sabbath was made for man and not in prayer during his games. While he vocatively to convey that God remains man for the Sabbath. Similarly, sports are was most likely attempting to provide at the center of their sporting activities. made for man and not man for sports. A a strong witness to his Christian faith, In this regard, they must learn a les- proper understanding of sports requires a radical change of emphasis to see By Ray McKenna sports as a true gift from God. With this Godly perspective, we may f God is not the reference point begin to take the many relevant Scrip- for sports, sports will unavoidably tural passages and church teachings devolve into idolatry, worshiping and assemble them as the foundation man as a demigod. This has been for a coherent faith-based approach to our experience over the past many sports. For example, Saint Paul’s epistles years in sports, as all of its prob- are rich with sporting analogies; these lems — such as fan violence, domestic analogies, of course, point to more Iviolence, illegal performance-enhance- important spiritual realities of salvation ment substances, excessive commercial- and eternal life. ism — are traceable to the unfortunate Perhaps the best description of sports de-emphasis and removal of God from ever written come from Pope Pius XII in A S P E sports. “Sport at the Service of the Spirit,” July Our society incorrectly puts star 29, 1945: “Sport, properly directed, devel- CI A L RE P OR athletes on a pedestal of fan and media ops character, makes a man courageous, adulation and then feigns surprise and a generous loser, and a gracious victor. … disappointment when the athlete falls or Sport, rightly understood, is an occupa- is pushed from that pedestal. tion of the whole man… perfecting the T P RE Further, the world of sports is cur- body [and] the mind … to be subservient

rently adrift in a secular free fall, and to the service and praise of his Creator.” ARED BY T HE W some cogent commentary suggests that In other words, we need to turn our Former Washington Nationals pitcher Craig Stammen instructed kids at a recent Catholic sport has become a religion in and of current perception of sports upside Athletes for Christ summer camp. Photo courtesy of Catholic Athletes for Christ. itself. If this sounds hyperbolic, consider down, which will only serve to stand some facts. it right side up. Instead of its current fan reaction and some media coverage son from the marketing genius of Nike,

Naming has always carried great maniacal focus on winning at all costs, of his prayer on the field focused on the which has taken Christocentric themes INGTASH significance to Christians. Recently, a the balanced and historic perspective efficacy of the prayer. For church lead- such as “Cross-Training and Witnessing” couple in the United States named their of valuing competition for its own sake ers, it presented a teachable moment on and used them to sell shoes and sports

child “ESPN” in honor of the ubiquitous must be reintroduced. prayer. Asking whether prayer leads God gear. O N TI MES Sp e worldwide sports network. Similarly, Further, famous athletes have his- to favor one team or player over another Christians and all faith-filled believ- from the catacombs to Christian cem- torically accepted and even appreciated in a contest reveals a fundamental mis- ers must reclaim sports by placing God eteries, burial of the dead has also car- being considered role models. More understanding of the purpose and value at its very core and believing everything ried great spiritual significance. In 2012, recently, basketball legend Charles of prayer. It implicitly reduces prayer else will fall in its proper order. NBC sports reported that many sports Barkley famously opined that athletes to petition (asking God for a gift) and ci a l S e

fans were now being buried in NFL and are not and should not be viewed as role ignores the other significant purposes Ray McKenna is the founder of Catholic THE WASHINGTON TIMES

MLB team logoed coffins. Excessive hero models, and most of the media focus of prayer — worship, thanksgiving and Athletes for Christ, a Catholic sports cti o n s DE P worship of prominent athletes may be their gaze on athletes who engage in forgiveness. ministry (catholicathletesforchrist.org). fairly equated to deification. An aca- disreputable activity. While our disordered sports and He is a Washington-based attorney, demic study at Murray State University Yet, the sports world continues to media culture inevitably views all things husband and father of seven children. AR T ME NT

he wrote, “My concept of religion is of He told the Southern Christian Lead- understand the faith that family, friends | JACKIE people having faith in God, in them- ership Conference in 1962, “ ... as the first and fans put in his God-given abilities Thursday • November 30 • 2017 From page C10 selves and in each other and putting that Negro in the majors, I needed the sup- provided additional strength to his own faith into action. If you can find a better port and backing of my own people. I’ll commitment to faith. example of those four things than a team never forget what ministers like you who the world,” he noted in his unpublished of sportsmen working as a unit, I’d like to lead [the] SCLC did for me.” As well, in a This book review by Michael Taube manuscript, “I believe in God, in the know what it is.” speech to a church in New Rochelle, N.Y., first appeared online in The Wash- Bible and in trying to do the right thing Meanwhile, there was a “prayer army” in 1967, Mr. Robinson noted “I am not ington Times Commentary section on as I understand it.” While he expressed (to use Mr. Henry’s phrase) standing out to be anybody’s martyr or hero” — a July 9, 2017. “42 Faith: The Rest of the certainty “there are many, many better with Mr. Robinson. His personal papers common theme in his public life — but Jackie Robinson Story” is written by Christians than I,” few could match his include letters from ministers, reverends, argued that “[i]f the church of the living Fox News Channel Chief National Cor- ability to turn the other cheek and turn a churchgoers and others that contain Bib- God cannot save America in this hour of respondent Ed Henry and published negative into a positive. lical phrases as well as enormous pride crisis, what can save us?” by W Publishing Group (imprint of Mr. Robinson also made some inter- in his accomplishments. Mr. Henry’s intriguing book has Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins). esting comparisons between sports and This strong attachment to religion added an important new chapter in religion. In his unpublished manuscript, continued well past his retirement. Jackie Robinson’s life and career. We now 11 Coaches, athletes, fans and faith in the watching world of sports

first president to come from field staff. I am blessed to interact with our 1,500 staff around the world who are commit- ted to keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Through FCA, we also have the privilege to see Christ’s impact on some of the greatest sports leaders of our generation. For example, Dabo Swinney, Clemson University’s football coach and friend of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, shared with FCA about his faith and last season’s journey to the national title. Dabo is one of the best examples of how one man’s faith in Jesus Christ has made a difference not only in his own By Shane Williamson life but in countless players’ lives and in the lives of millions of fans. oaches and athletes impact After the 2016 College Football Photo credit: Fellowship of Christian Athletes a watching world through Playoff National Championship Game puts his faith in Christ in all things…” difference in sport and in all areas of life. their sport and the lives they in Tampa, with 74,512 roaring fans inside In eight seasons at Clemson, Mr. Reaching approximately 2 million people

T ME NT lead on and off the playing Raymond James Stadium, and more than Swinney has led the Tigers to eight annually on the professional, college,

AR field. These two areas are 26 million more watching on TV, Mr. straight bowl games, two consecutive high school, junior high and youth levels, interconnected in ways that Swinney said: “Only God can do this. national championship games and the FCA Values are the at the core of the may not be apparent at first glance but, If anybody thinks anything different, school’s first title since 1981. And Mr. ministry. Cin reality, cannot be separated. they’re really missing it. This is nothing Swinney gives all of his success and the Relationships with coaches and ath-

cti o nS DE P In our hero-worshiping nation, one that I’ve done. Truly, only God can write glory to God. letes demonstrate steadfast commitment man had a revolutionary idea 63 years a script like this.” “I think God has honored the way to Jesus Christ and His Word through ago. He said, “If athletes can endorse “As great as that moment was in we’ve done things,” Mr. Swinney says. “I the four FCA Values: ci a l S e shaving cream, razor blades and ciga- Tampa,” Mr. Swinney told FCA Maga- believe that with all my heart. That’s why • Integrity: We will demonstrate rettes, surely they can endorse the Lord, zine’s editor Clay Meyer, “it pales in I said what I said: ‘Only God can do this.’ Christ-like wholeness, privately too.” So Don McClanen, the founder comparison to the journey it took to get We serve a big God — big, powerful — and publicly. (Proverbs 11:3) of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes there. It’s always how you get there.” and He’s real, and I know that. To experi- • Serving: We will model Jesus’

O N TI MES Sp e (FCA), formed an organization that Our magazine editor Clay added, “… ence what I’ve experienced is surreal, example of serving. (John 13:1-17) would help Christians strengthen their [Dabo’s] childhood was not easy, coming but it’s comforting because I know that • Teamwork: We will express our faith so they could serve as role models from a broken home and struggling with He is (real). I know He loves us. We’re unity in Christ in all our relation-

ASH INGT for the youth and athletes of our nation. a difficult relationship with his father. imperfect people, but I know God has a ships. (Philippians 2:1-4) He knew that faith was critical to sound But throughout the difficulties that no plan, and I just try to live my life in a way • Excellence: We will honor and thinking, decision-making and guid- young man should face, Swinney found that can hopefully be an encouragement glorify God in all we do. (Colossians ing people of all ages to a life of true peace in Jesus. He began attending an to others.” 3:23-24) freedom. FCA Huddle at his Alabama high school, The cultivation of Christian prin- There is One who makes all things

T HE W ARED BY I have been blessed to live my life and, in 1986, gave his life to the Lord after ciples by FCA in local communities and possible, who changes lives and who in sports through the Fellowship of attending an FCA meeting. Jesus never nationwide is accomplished by encour- blesses and protects those who follow Christian Athletes for the past 25 years promised that the life of the Christian aging, equipping and empowering others Him. And He even does this through T P RE to help bring the life-changing message would be easy, but today, Dabo Swinney to serve as examples and to make a the exciting world of sports, reaching O N TI MES of Christ to those who may have never coaches, athletes and fans around the heard about the true freedom He offers. globe.

ASH INGT As a husband, father, coach and athlete, CI A L RE P OR God has used faith teaching to grow and Shane Williamson is the President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

A S P E change my life, marriage and family in T HE W

| many positive ways. Every aspect of my For information on how to bring FCA life is a testament to the impact the Lord to your school or campus, visit www. can make through a God-centered sports FCA.org where FCA camps, FCA gear organization like FCA. and FCA events can also be found. I became a Christ-follower as a Fel- lowship of Christian Athletes camper in 1985 at Black Mountain FCA Camp in North Carolina. I was mentored in my faith by a coach and also served as a Camp Huddle Leader. I then followed God’s calling into coaching where I wit- nessed many lives changed by the Lord

30 • 2017 • November Thursday through the ministry. I joined FCA as a staff member in 2002, and now I can say 12 what an honor it is to lead FCA as the Photo credit: Fellowship of Christian Athletes Relying on faith to find ‘common ground’ in sports

orientation on college campuses. My I stepped out of the spotlight and meaningful moment she showed a “lov- participation in Common Ground back into the circle. ing, genuine concern for the welfare of started me — and BYU — on a journey The activity continued with other her neighbor” and taught me an impor- to both gain and share perspective on sensitive statements. My heart sank tant lesson about how I can do the same. this important national discussion. when multiple people stepped forward Upon my return to campus, I was Hosted at NCAA headquarters in for this: “Join me on common ground if able to report on the many significant Indianapolis, Common Ground began you’ve ever attempted suicide because experiences and important dialogue that with all 40 participants standing in a you thought it would be better to be took place. BYU Athletic Director Tom circle. A facilitator called out statements dead than to be gay.” Emotions were raw, Holmoe, expressed a desire for us to By Liz Darger like “Join me on common ground if you and I could feel the pain in the room. examine how we might better educate, are the oldest in your family.” Those We participated in a few other ac- support and model inclusive behavior ports are typically a zero- who shared that characteristic stepped tivities throughout the day designed to for all of our student-athletes, especially sum game. For one side to forward. But the statements quickly break down barriers. The last activity of those in minority groups or who identify win, the other side has to turned much more personal. “Join me on the day we discussed “trigger phrases” as LGBTQ. lose. Any gain by one team common ground if you consider yourself for both faith-based people and LGBTQ We invited NCAA Director of Inclu- requires a deficit by the spiritual.” About two-thirds of the group people. This exercise spurred some sion, Dr. Amy Wilson, to visit BYU so opposing team. It sounds stepped forward. “Join me on common emotionally charged dialogue, and at that we could learn from her and further divisive, doesn’t it? But what if sports ground if you are Christian.” A little less one point I felt particularly singled out. build understanding. In the two days Scould unify? What if college athletics Amy spent on campus, she met with stu- could bring together “sides” that are dents, faculty and administrators from often seen as being at odds to dialogue “All students at BYU should be taught the truths of the all areas of campus. and find common ground? gospel of Jesus Christ. Any education is inadequate The result of these amazing experi- A S P E As an athletics administrator at ences is that we have added diversity

which does not emphasize that His is the only name CI A L RE P OR Brigham Young University, which is and inclusion curriculum to our begin- sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ given under heaven whereby mankind can be saved. ning-of-the-year team meetings and our of Latter-day Saints, I have the blessing Certainly all relationships within the BYU community freshman student-athlete health course, and responsibility to weave my testi- helping us better accomplish the BYU

should reflect devout love of God and a loving, T P RE mony of Jesus Christ and his restored Mission Statement educational goal gospel, into my work with our 630 genuine concern for the welfare of our neighbor.” that “all relationships within the BYU student-athletes. community should reflect devout love of ARED BY T HE W One of the four major educational God and a loving, genuine concern for goals listed in the BYU Mission State- the welfare of our neighbor.” ment is that “All students at BYU should We created a Diversity and Inclusion be taught the truths of the gospel of Council that works hand in hand with

Jesus Christ. Any education is inad- our Student-Athlete Advisory Com- INGTASH equate which does not emphasize that mittee to examine the unique needs His is the only name given under heaven of our minority student-athletes, to whereby mankind can be saved. Cer- educate and promote unity within our O N TI MES Sp e tainly all relationships within the BYU department, and connect our minority community should reflect devout love of student-athletes with resources on and God and a loving, genuine concern for off campus. the welfare of our neighbor.” I love my Savior. My testimony of the As our athletic department and restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that ci a l S e

student-athletes have reflected on this, every person on this earth is a child of THE WASHINGTON TIMES

we have asked ourselves the follow- a Heavenly Father and Mother with in- cti o n s DE P ing question: How do my relationships finite worth and potential. The purpose reflect devout love of God and a loving, of mortality is that we might learn how genuine concern for the welfare of my to become more like them. Each day, in neighbor? my professional and personal life, I hope AR

The past year, as an athletic depart- my devout love of God shows in the way T ME NT ment, we have made a concerted effort The No. 7 ranked Brigham Young University women’s volleyball team celebrated its I treat others, particularly those with dif- to educate and dialogue with our stu- fourth-straight West Coast Conference championship with a 3-0 victory over Loyola ferent lived experiences. I am incredibly | dent-athletes about ways they can show Marymount University. Photo credit: Brigham Young University grateful to work for an athletic depart- Thursday • November 30 • 2017 love and respect to those within and ment where I am encouraged to express outside the BYU community, focusing my faith and teach the truths of the on the following areas of diversity and than half. Then, “Join me on common The facilitator, recognizing the tension gospel of Jesus Christ. inclusion: race and ethnicity, LGBTQ, ground if you are Mormon.” in the room, suggested we stop for the Sports are typically a zero-sum game. and persons of other faiths. I was the only one to step forward. day. I could feel the tears welling up. I The NCAA Common Ground Initiative Much of this focus came on the heels All alone, with everyone staring in tried to hold it together and was suc- seeks to be the exception, and BYU is of BYU’s participation in National Col- silence, I felt anxiety welling up inside. ceeding until Dr. Pat Griffin, who is a honored and grateful to be a part of it. legiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) What were they thinking? How were long-time advocate of LGBTQ rights in Common Ground II, a think tank that they judging me? I felt exposed and iso- college sports, turned around, looked Liz Darger is Senior Associate Athletic brings together LGBTQ advocates with lated, like I didn’t belong. I realized that me in the eye and asked, “Liz, are you Director at Brigham Young University athletic administrators, largely from this is how it might sometimes feel to OK?” It was a remarkable gesture by Athletics (BYUCougars.com). faith-based institutions, to explore be a member of a minority group or the someone I had met only hours before. the often-divisive issues of religious LGBTQ community — judged, exposed, Although Pat comes to this issue from a freedom and gender identity and sexual vulnerable, alone. very different perspective than I, in that 13 ‘God made me for China’: Eric Liddell, beyond Olympic glory

between Liddell and Harold Abrahams, gold; Bring me my Arrows of desire: another top runner who had experi- His intensity of Christian Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold! enced the agonies of anti-Semitism as conviction was already Bring me my Chariot of fire!” a student at Cambridge. When Liddell Then the screen fills with these withdrew from the 100 meter event, out of style and often words in text: “Eric Liddell, mission- Abrahams won, bringing Britain glory. ridiculed, but Eric Liddell ary, died in occupied China at the Liddell had become a figure of ridicule, became one of the most end of World War II. All of Scotland with everyone from athletic officials to famous men in the British mourned.” British leaders unable to persuade him The end. to sacrifice his moral convictions for Empire and the larger But in those few words was the real the Olympic glory he was promised. world of athletics. story of Eric Liddell. Yes, he was one Liddell was left to run the 400 of the most famous athletes of mod- meter race, an event for which he was ern times and the Olympic glory of not favored and to which he knew became one of the most famous men in Scotland. He was also a Christian who he brought liabilities in terms of his the British Empire and the larger world refused to compete on Sunday and racing form. But run he did, and he of athletics. refused to compromise. Unquestion- ran right into the history books, win- Those who have seen “Chariots of ably, Eric Liddell was made to run. By Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. ning the gold medal with a personal Fire” well remember how it ends, with And yet, more than anything else, Eric story that shocked the world, even in the magnificent and sentimental music Liddell believed that “God made me he medal ceremony at the the 1920s. His intensity of Christian of Sir Hubert Parry’s anthem “Jeru- for China.” Olympics is a moment of conviction was already out of style salem” and William Blake’s famous Many Christians are proud to quote rare pomp and ceremony and often ridiculed, but Eric Liddell words: “Bring me my Bow of burning Liddell’s most famous lines from in this informal age. The Chariots of Fire: “God made me fast.

T ME NT ceremonies represent both And when I run, I feel his pleasure.”

AR climax and catharsis, with God did make Eric Liddell fast, and he athletes awarded the coveted gold, sil- ran for God’s glory, but those words Tver, and bronze medals placed around were not actually from Liddell. They their necks. were written by Colin Welland and put

cti o nS DE P It was not always so. in the voice of Liddell, as played by When Eric Liddell, “the Flying actor Ian Charleson. Scot,” won the 400 meter race and the What Liddell did say, and more ci a l S e gold medal at the 1924 games in Paris, than once, was that God made him for there was no awards ceremony. Back China. This is what the viewers of the then, the medals were engraved after movie never learned. Liddell was born the games and mailed in a simple pack- in Tientsin, China, to missionary par-

O N TI MES Sp e age to the victors. But even without ents in 1902. James and Mary Liddell the medal ceremony, there was glory. were in China under the commission Liddell instantly became a hero to the of the London Missionary Society. As

ASH INGT entire United Kingdom and was recog- Duncan Hamilton, author of a very fine nized as one of the greatest athletes of new biography of Liddell explains, as a his age. young boy Eric Liddell simply consid- Americans of my generation re- ered himself to be Chinese. member Eric Liddell largely because of Later, Eric and his brother would be

T HE W ARED BY “Chariots of Fire,” the 1981 British film sent to boarding school near London written by Colin Welland, produced by and would know their parents only David Puttnam, and directed by Hugh through correspondence and brief vis- T P RE Hudson. The film was a surprising its. But China was always on Liddell’s O N TI MES success in both Britain and the United heart. As a student at the University States, winning four Academy Awards of Edinburgh, Liddell became very

ASH INGT including Best Picture. The musical well known as both a runner and a CI A L RE P OR score for the film by Vangelis won preacher. He was especially powerful

A S P E another of the Oscars, and its theme

T HE W as a preacher to young men. Liddell

| is still instantly recognizable to those spoke passionately but conversation- who have seen the movie. ally, explaining that the best preaching To its credit, “Chariots of Fire” rec- to young men took the form of a simple ognized Eric Liddell’s Christian faith talk, in Duncan Hamilton’s words, “as and testimony. His story is insepa- if chatting over a picket fence.” But rable from the drama of his refusal to Liddell’s clear biblical and evangelical compete on Sunday, believing it to be message came through, and powerfully. a breaking of God’s commandment. He preached before, during and Though this determination was well- after his Olympic glory. He returned known before the 1924 Olympics, it to graduate from the University and became internationally famous when Edinburgh shortly after the 1924 Paris heats for Liddell’s best race, 100 me- games and made preparation to go to

30 • 2017 • November Thursday ters, were scheduled for Sunday. China as a missionary, also under the The dramatic plot of “Chariots of 14 Fire” presented a personal competition » see LIDDELL | C15 became legendary and his witness for Gilkey closed his words about Eric LIDDELL Christ astounded even many of his fel- Liddell with these: “Shortly before the From page C14 low Christians. camp ended, he was stricken with a As Hamilton writes: “Liddell can brain tumor and died the same day. sound too virtuous and too honor- The entire camp, especially its youth, direction of the London Missionary able to be true, as if those who knew was stunned for days, so great was the Society. him were either misrepresenting or vacuum that Eric’s death had left.” He taught school, preached and consciously mythologizing. Not so. Liddell indeed died of a brain eventually found a wife, Florence. The evidence is too overwhelming to tumor, suddenly and unexpectedly. With her he had three daughters, be dismissed as easily as that. Amid the The cause of his death only became though he was never to see the third. myriad moral dilemmas in Weihsien, clear after an autopsy. Eric Liddell died After decades of internal warfare and Liddell’s forbearance was remarkable.” in the nation where he had been born. turmoil, China was thrown into the He became the moral and spiritual Indeed, he has sometimes been listed horrors of Japanese occupation during leader of the horrifying reality with as China’s first Olympic medalist. He World War II. that camp. never saw his third daughter. Those horrors are still unknown to “Chariots of Fire” was released “God made me for China.” Eric many Americans, but much of China when I was a seminary student. Like Liddell lived his life in answer to that was submitted to massive rape and so many other young Christians, I saw calling and commission. As Duncan Photo of Eric Lidell courtesy of Eric Liddell Centre murder by the occupying Imperial the movie and was greatly moved by it. in Edinburgh, Scotland Hamilton explains, Liddell “considered Japanese forces. Liddell eventually But, even then, I wondered if Liddell athletics as an addendum to his life sent Florence, then pregnant with their could really have been what so many rather than his sole reason for living it.” third child, and their two daughters to others claimed of him. Langdon Gilkey had gone to China to Canada for safety. It was just in time. Not long thereafter, a professor teach English after graduating from Along with members of the China assigned me to read Shantung Com- Harvard. He found himself interred “Shortly before the Inland Mission and many others, pound by theologian Langdon Gilkey with Eric Liddell. [Chinese concentration] Christians and non-Christians alike, of the University of Chicago Divinity In Shantung Compound, Gilkey camp ended, he was Eric Liddell was forced into a fore- School. Gilkey was in many ways the analyzed what happens when men and taste of hell itself in the Weihsien opposite to Liddell. Gilkey was a theo- women are put under extraordinary stricken with a brain Internment Camp. He would die there logical liberal whose father, famously pressure. He argued that the worst tumor and died the same shortly before the end of the war. liberal, had been the first dean of the moral dilemmas in Weihsien came not day. The entire camp, A S P E In the concentration camp, Liddell chapel at the University of Chicago. from their Japanese captors, but from the prisoners themselves. His point especially its youth, was CI A L RE P OR was that, for many, if not most, of the stunned for days, so great captured, the experience brought out was the vacuum that the worst in them rather than the best.

Eric’s death had left.” T P RE He changed the names of those inside the camp when he told their stories.

There were a few moral exceptions. Eric Liddell ran for God’s glory, but ARED BY T HE W Gilkey wrote of one exceptional indi- he was made for China. He desperately vidual, a missionary he named “Eric wanted the nation he loved to hear Ridley.” Gilkey wrote: “It is rare indeed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believe. when a person has the good fortune to David J. Michell, director for Canada

meet a saint, but he came as close to it Overseas Missionary Fellowship, INGTASH as anyone I have ever known.” Gilkey would introduce Liddell’s collected described how Liddell had largely devotional writings, “The Disciplines

single-handedly resolved the crisis of of the Christian Life,” by stating simply O N TI MES Sp e a breakout of teenage sexual activity that “Eric Liddell’s desire was to know in the camp. In the midst of a moral God more deeply, and as a missionary, breakdown, with no societal structures to make him known more fully.” to restrain behavior, few even seemed Christians must remember that to want to help. Olympic glory will eventually fade. ci a l S e

Gilkey made this observation: There will be medalists for all to THE WASHINGTON TIMES

“There was a quality seemingly unique celebrate. But, will there be another cti o n s DE P to the missionary group, namely, natu- Eric Liddell? At the very least, his rally and without pretense to respond story needs to be told again. The most to a need which everyone else recog- important part of his story came long

nized only to turn aside. Much of this after his gold medal arrived by mail. AR

went unnoticed, but our camp could T ME NT scarcely have survived as well as it did This op-ed by Southern Baptist Theologi- without it. If there were any evidences cal Seminary President R. Albert Mohler, | of the grace of God observable on the Jr., Ph.D., first appeared on albertmohler. Thursday • November 30 • 2017 surface of our camp existence, they com on July 25, 2017 and is reprinted here were to be found here.” with permission. Duncan Hamilton’s 2016 Gilkey had renamed individuals as biography, “For the Glory: Eric Liddell’s he wrote about them, but he described Journey from Olympic Champion to Mod- “Eric Ridley” as having won the 400 ern Martyr,” is published by Penguin Press. meter race at the Olympics for England before going to China as a missionary. Eric Ridley was Eric Liddell, and Lang- don Gilkey was writing of a man he has observed so closely as a living saint. Eric Liddell and Florence Mackenzie were married in 1934 in Tianjin, China. This is the I realized that Langdon Gilkey had same place where Liddell was born in 1902 to Rev. and Mrs. James Dunlop Liddell, told the most important part of Eric Scottish missionaries with the London Missionary Society. Photo credit: Wikimedia Liddell’s story long before “Chariots of Commons​ Fire.” 15 T ME NT AR cti o nS DE P ci a l S e O N TI MES Sp e ASH INGT Don’t miss your chance to get $20 o a year of CRTV, with shows you won’t see anywhere else from conservative luminaries like

T HE W ARED BY Mark Levin, Phil Robertson, Steven Crowder, Michelle Malkin, Steve Deace, Gavin McInnes, Matt Kibbe, and more! T P RE O N TI MES ASH INGT CI A L RE P OR A S P E T HE W

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Oer valid through Friday, November 24, 2017 30 • 2017 • November Thursday 16