BYU Sports/Missionary Tool Rant

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by YOhio

This post was in violation of our earlier agreement that you would refrain from discussing BYU athletics.

Dangit, you're right. But I will use the "I couldn't help it" defense here and ask that you represent me.

[Goatnapper'96]

Originally Posted by jay santos

You're too easy on the ALUF. You're pussing out on us Goat.

At present there are enough target rich ALUFs turning into enormous pussies about BYU's unfair advantage with mormons, the same front running ALUFs convinced BYU's demise was eternal 3 years ago because of the impediments resulting from BYU's religiosity, to mock that I get my fill. Orange is not of their ilk so I don't consider him an ALUF.

However, even with Garth and BoylenOver's best efforts PortlandUte might just drag down my star value. I have become his great big white whale!

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by Goatnapper'96

At present there are enough target rich ALUFs turning into enormous pussies about BYU's unfair advantage with mormons, the same front running ALUFs convinced BYU's demise was eternal 3 years ago because of the impediments resulting from BYU's religiosity, to mock that I get my fill. Orange is not of their ilk so I don't consider him an ALUF.

However, even with Garth and BoylenOver's best efforts PortlandUte might just drag down my star value. I have become his great big white whale!

Portland is a heckuva dentist and a nice guy, but waaaaaaaaay too sensitive about your posts and the good natured jabs you take. I gave up trying to convince him that you're ok.

Now, with your permission, I will ensure that your star value matters not one whit, as I will give you my endorsement and have webbie grant you donor status.

[OrangeUte]

my rant got taken a little bit out of context.

tithing to fund part of another's tuitions bothers me, and i know it doesn't go to athletics. that would be another post, which i'm sure exists if i wanted to resurrect it through a search.

i just stumbled across that blog article that i linked, and it made the argument of byu athletics as a missionary tool that gets on my nerves. i understand that there are those closely associated with the teams or athletic programs who often do convert, but i don't know of a single individual who joined b/c BYU fields a good team. However, I have met many who view byu and hence mormon's in a more normal light because of the success byu has in mainstream sports, and because of professional athletes affiliated with BYU or the church - i.e. steve young, danny ainge.

so, my point is really not a big one - byu sports should stick around because they put a good product on the field or court or track or pool, not because it causes conversion. also, as a ute fan, i need opposition in all things - byu needs to remain to be the yin to my yang, the pure white to my crimson and scarlet red, and so on and so forth

[Tex]

Of course people don't join the church because BYU fields a good team. What kind of non sequitur is that? You think that's what that blog says? You think that's what people mean when they say "missionary tool"? That some heretofore heretic watches Max Hall nail Austin Collie on 4th and 18, and experiences the rapture?

Hmmm. That was a very spiritual play.

Nevermind.

[OrangeUte]

well, smarty pants tex, so far it looks like there are those who are distinguishing between PR tool and missionary tool in the poll. apparently there are those who think that a PR tool is different than a missionary tool, as do i.

[Mars]

Sete Aulai was baptized this week.

Curtis Brown was baptized while at BYU.

That's just the very tip of the iceburg that is BYU Football's Overwhelming Church-Growing Powers.

[jay santos]

Originally Posted by OrangeUte

well, smarty pants tex, so far it looks like there are those who are distinguishing between PR tool and missionary tool in the poll. apparently there are those who think that a PR tool is different than a missionary tool, as do i.

Liken it to a company. Missionary budget = direct sales budget. church PR = marketing budget. BYU football is more than PR. It's marketing. If you are uncomfortable calling it missionary $, that's fine, but I would consider that an ALUF type fear.

[Colly Wolly]

BYU football and basketball may actually be hurting the Church. You see, we keep kicking ass up and down the field and court, our opponents and their fan bases are likely filled with a deep resentment of our athletic excellence and sportsmanship. Jealousy is a bitch.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by OrangeUte

well, smarty pants tex, so far it looks like there are those who are distinguishing between PR tool and missionary tool in the poll. apparently there are those who think that a PR tool is different than a missionary tool, as do i.

Then I think you're just splitting definitional hairs. All joking aside, no reasonable person thinks the Spirit habitually testifies at sporting events. When someone says "missionary tool" they are most likely referring to missionary fringe benefits as the result of good PR.