Epic Photo: Give them credit, they spelled God right

Some of you may have detected a hint of sarcasm when I talk about topics like religion and politics. While I'd like to apologize to our religious readers, you've got to admit that some Christians in this country really play to stereotypes and overall just make an absolute mockery of what they believe in.

Meet the Glory for Christ Football League.

(Religion and football obviously have been done before, Notre Dame anyone?)

...the McDaniels huddled with two other families and formed a team of 18 players ages 12 to 18.

Blessings fell at their feet. A college abandoned football and provided affordable uniforms and gear. A private high school canceled its season, and the team, now called the North Georgia Falcons, assumed the schedule.

From that small seed has sprouted the Glory for Christ Football League, eight teams composed of home-schoolers and students at small Christian academies.

Two other families?! That's it. I shudder to think how many children were in each family or how many minivans it takes to man a football game.

The McDaniels and others have since warmed to Georgia’s policy, content to operate independently and set their own bylaws. Glory for Christ has hung a “no girls allowed” sign that contrasts with the state association’s policy.

But don't forget to take a look at the Glory for Christ Babymaking and Cooking League. Coming to you soon!

The notion that home-schoolers wanted to play football was largely foreign until quarterback Tim Tebow helped the University of Florida win two national titles. Tebow, who competed on a high school team, demonstrated that a home-schooler could absorb a playbook as well as the Book of Deuteronomy.

I bet you that New York Times writer thought he was borderline Rick Reilly when he wrote that last line.

“It’s so fun to be in a Christian environment, with people that care about people,” said Zach, who played last season while raising his grades to attain a college scholarship from the state. “They gave me a second chance.”

But once a player becomes a Falcon, Roger McDaniel said, “if you mess up one time, you’re gone.”

Again, it's that Christian forgiveness that we've all grown to love and adore.

Three Glory for Christ teams participated in a recent Saturday jamboree in Ball Ground, about 50 miles north of Atlanta. Afterward, the players kneeled and bowed their heads.

“What a great afternoon of fellowship,” Roger McDaniel said, beginning an upbeat minisermon as the players’ kin widened the human circle. “The Lord loves football, too.”

Gag.

Listen, having been to a private Christian school and a public school, I have to say that the public school environment was much more effective in preparing me as an adult. I kind of get offended with these stories about private and religious groups turning their noses up at public schools like we're some simmering pit of sin and debauchery. If you're trying to go out and serve the world, and minister to people - shouldn't you actually live with your people?

This sort of "head in the sand" philosophy and overall isolation only serves to drive bigger divides between mainstream America and religious America. I mean just look at those lines in the article and can you really say that's a healthy or realistic mindset?

And how are these kids going to handle being out on their own if they get a shot at college football after being celled up in this religious league away from real world temptations and pressure?

Just questions to ask yourself.