Athletes expressing faith face challenges

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By Nate Taylor | Saturday, August 9, 2008 10:52 PM CDT | () comments

One of many questions to consider when athletes talk about religion is where do you draw the line?

What’s appropriate and what’s not? To some, religion must not be mentioned in connection with athletics. Even though some athletes in the Quad-Cities are getting involved in religion, others don’t welcome the idea.

Although some athletes and fans did not want to talk on record about their dislike of religious athletes, others say they believe religion has nothing to do with sports. They want the two to stay seperate.

“I would just say that people have a misconception to what it is to be an athlete with faith,” said Tim Schneckloth, who is the director of the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has worked with the Quad-City Steamwheelers for chapel services. “The biggest misconception is that we’re trying to force our religion on others. I believe it’s a choice to make.”

One problem that comes up for skeptics is whether an athlete is really of religious faith or are they just saying all the right things. Quad-Cities River Bandits manager Steve Dillard thinks today’s society has made it difficult for athletes to express their faith.

“This world that we live in has a lot to offer,” Dillard said. “I think people think everything is OK except religion.”

Schneckloth tries to explain the recent trend by telling others that athletes are like everyone else.

“I think there is a fear in our culture to talk about faith because it can be such a volatile subject,” Schneckloth said. “You can’t separate religion and sports. It’s who these athletes are.”

No matter the argument, people such as Dillard and Schneckloth understand that others will disagree. They also know that people have their right to disagree on how athletes show their faith.

Then again, Schneckloth said he doesn’t think religion has crossed the line yet.

“Hopefully, people will look at them as people and not just as athletes,” he said. “I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

Nate Taylor can be contacted at (563) 383-2477 or ntaylor@qctimes.com.