Super Bowl XLI - Dungy and the Lord? (Mostly for Americans!)?

Question

Several times in his pre- and post game speeches, Colts Coach Tony Dungy referred to 'the Lord' getting him (and Smith) where he was today.

In the UK something like this would get you some odd looks and if you mentioned 'the Lord' in your acceptance speech, you'd get at best, an embarassed silence.

Do you think this indicates greater differences between UK and US culture than might at first be evident, or is Tony Dungy unusual in voicing his beliefs so publicly?

And if the former, do you think such differences could ever make it difficult for the US and UK to communicate and cooperate together (ie if and when we get an atheist Prime Minister?)

Sensible answers please, because I'm really curious!

Thanks Damien and Kevin. Those are exactly the sorts of answers I'm not looking for. You wanna edit?

EnviroDude. I don't say crediting God is wrong, but, certainly in the UK we are generally less outspoken about such things.

Thanks Danagasta. I'm so glad I don't have to worry that the UK will be declared the 'Great Satan' or that a Priministerial gaffe will lead to WW3!

Got me there Kevin. I did want your honest opinion. The fact that I don't much care for it when I got it is I guess, my bad.

Thanks Andrew. I guess what I'm thinking is that Tony Blair and George Bush are both comitted Christians. So they share a common ground, whatever their politics. I wonder if future Presidents and Prime Ministers will find it more difficult to 'get close' if the US and UK views on religion drift further apart?

Answer 1

I believe this has to do with the fact that both coaches are from the southern united states and african american. The reason I say that is because religion in the south is a big part of life. It is as normal as eating or breathing. Also, I haven't met an african american family in the south who is not religious to some point. But it all goes back to the reason why americans left britain. Religious persecution. Which in turn, made religion a huge part of our society. If you look at our money it says in god we trust. Our president speaks about god all the time in his national addresses. It is mentioned in our constituion. It is engrained in our culture.
However, I don't think it would matter what religion the prime minister is. We deal with many other countries whose beliefs are different. It shouldn't matter.

Answer 2

I'm glad Tony Dungy placed more emphasis on the fact there were two Christian coaches , more than the 2 black coaches story.
Europe ,sadly, has fallen away from faith and this is only a sign of the times. The European Union is and will continue to be a key player in end times events unfolding on a daily basis. Even though the majority of Europe might not believe it , Jesus IS returning for His church fairly soon which will trigger the 7 year Tribulation period.

Answer 3

Pretty cool stat...but I think Someone on Mike and Mike said it best a few years ago. "We're making progress, when its not a big deal". Like other people said (albeit while complaining) it would be great to have Hispanic coaches, and Russian coaches, but the fact is that those cultures don't play football. If you look at the NFL, its 55% black, 40% white, and like 5% every other race, so its only natural that there would really only be black and white coaches...this wouldn't even be an issue if there weren't racist owners back in the day that wouldn't give these guys a chance...I just hope that sometime soon.. this really won''t be a story.

Answer 4

It is sad that the Europeans would look that way regarding such a statement.

There is nothing wrong with crediting ones faith in God for significant achievements. Whether it is not being smashed by a car that runs a light, getting the job you've been looking for, or that great raise you needed, giving thanks to God is an acceptable practice.

Will it make it difficult in politics - No. But, I do think that it will make life difficult for the EU if an atheist PM were elected in the UK.

Answer 5

It is a cultural difference. I noticed that in the UK, people aren't very outspoken about much at all by comparison. They aren't as ready to tell people what they think as we are, so it would seem. We tell people what we think and if they don't like it, they don't have to listen to it. That's generally why we see people from the UK as being more reserved as well. It's just a cultural difference though, that's all that is.

You might understand the American view of sports after reading about a game called anetsodi or Cherokee Stickball. Everything was done to make your particular team or town win---religious bits included. I really think we have that indigenous mindset now.

Answer 6

I think UK blacks are smarter than US blacks. Our blacks still live in the 5th century where they were slaves YESTERDAY (which is why they celebrate everything, like the first black man to go to a walmart at 9:19am on a Sunday on an overcast day) and that the invisible man in the sky controls all their actions and they thank him everytime they take a dump.

We tend to stay away from them as much as we can.


Edit: Hey nobody, if you didn't want an honest answer you should have said so.

Answer 7

Americans believe in god, that's so silly

Edit: Kevins answer is funny