Boise State’s Coach Means Well, But Is His Faith Dividing Fans?

A recent opinion piece published in the Idaho Statesman surrounding Boise State's football coach Spencer Danielson has sparked an intense and public debate. The topic? Danielson's constant mention of 'Jesus Christ' in his public appearances.

While his mentioning of Jesus may be topical on social media and beyond this week, due to the op-ed--it's been something front and center since Danielson took over as head coach and something tells us that it's been cause for conversation long before now.

Published in the Idaho Statesman, well known local Rabbi Dan Fink wrote that while well intentioned, Danielson should be aware that sometimes, he may be unintentionally excluding those around him--including the hundreds of thousands that may be watching or supporting Boise State football.

Fink, who served for 30-years as a spiritual leader to Boise's synagogue, spoke from the heart and from experience. He shares stories of his own life--where he and those of the Jewish faith have often found themselves as the 'minority' and historically persecuted for their faith, by Christians in the name of religion.

In one particular excerpt, Fink speaks on personal experience:

How do non-Christian Broncos experience being essentially excluded from an activity that is so clearly prized — and led — by their head coach? I can guess the answer to this question because many years ago, when I played high school football, my own coach frequently led the team in Christian prayer. What he prayed for — integrity, sportsmanship and freedom from injury — was universal enough, appealing to people of all faiths and of none. But when he inevitably concluded, “We ask this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ,” my heart always sank, because I knew that this “we” did not include me...

In a country where nearly 70% of its residents identify as Christian (and here in Idaho, where about the same percentage of residents do the same) this may be a take or feeling that many of us have not had to experience.

A sense of exclusion--intentional or not--is not what Jesus (the man that most Christians believe to be the human-incarnation of God) would hope to bring.

Spencer Danielson has proven time and time again that he is a man of integrity, leadership, and yes-- strong faith. It was clear before being named head coach that the players WANTED to play (and win) with him at the helm. It was clear when he was named the head coach that his team WANTED him in that seat. And of course--as the season ended, many players very publicly shared their joy in having been coached and mentored by him.

Let's not get it confused: Spencer Danielson is 1 of 1. We're blessed (no pun intended) to have him in Boise.

It's just as clear, however, that his well intentioned focus on Jesus--which he aims to make very public--may, at times, be having the opposite of his intended impact.

After the publishing of Rabbi Fink's open letter to Coach Danielson, that became apparent.

Perhaps the worst part? Folks wanting to back up Danielson's Christianity were acting far from Christian. What ever happened to treating your neighbor as you would like to be treated? Perhaps that all goes out the window on social media?

Some people's comments are just ridiculous. 

As expected, the issue has now grown into a much larger question.

Are Danielson's remarks--and the public's debate of them--bringing out the worst in people and causing more harm than good?

Some people just can't be nice. It also seems that some people don't understand Jesus or what He stands for.

All of this noise and debate brings out nasty comments and a rhetoric that seems to go against any sort of 'freedom' that many of these same folks demand. It also puts a beloved head football coach in an awfully tough position--we know that Coach Danielson would never tell someone 'too bad' or 'f*** off' ?

Loving Jesus means loving all--as the Christian tradition teaches, 'all' are made in 'His imagine and likeness'.

"Love Jesus, Work Hard, and Treat People Right", says Danielson. Some of these folks online should read that again.

Read Rabbi Dan Fink's article, HERE.