Would it be offensive to you?

[Cyclonepride]

I'm just trying to get some perspective on this chaplain issue, as to what percentage of the population would actually be offended. So here is the question, if you were an Iowa State athlete, and there was a chaplain that you were encouraged to see if you so desired, how would you feel about it?

[cybsball20]

The thing that would make me uncomfortable would be the 'encouraged to see' I really think that a chaplain would have a tough time relating to the things I went through as a college student-athlete... I would much rather see the money spent for a sports-psychologist, especially since you could see direct results on the field.

[CyinCo]

The thing that would make me uncomfortable would be the 'encouraged to see' I really think that a chaplain would have a tough time relating to the things I went through as a college student-athlete... I would much rather see the money spent for a sports-psychologist, especially since you could see direct results on the field.

I put "uncomfortable" for this very reason. Although, I think that uncomfortable doesn't even reflect my feelings. I certainly wouldn't be offended. I just don't feel like a chaplain is the right solution to the problem being presented. Sports Psychologist or a Student-Athlete counselor seems more appropriate.

In the end, I really don't care. I only gave my opinion since that is what the poll wanted.

[Cyclone62]

I wouldn't be offended, but I certainly wouldn't like it. I mean, if I had a problem, such as either "I might be gay" or "I got my girlfriend pregnant," the last kind of advice that would truly help me would be from a religious person. "God says this, God said that," blah blah blah. What should I REALLY do about my situation? What are all of my options? How might I find out what's really going on? Telling me I'm a sinner, and need to change my lifestyle because I sin too much isn't going to help any.

[Incyte]

I wouldn't be offended, but I certainly wouldn't like it. I mean, if I had a problem, such as either "I might be gay" or "I got my girlfriend pregnant," the last kind of advice that would truly help me would be from a religious person. "God says this, God said that," blah blah blah. What should I REALLY do about my situation? What are all of my options? How might I find out what's really going on? Telling me I'm a sinner, and need to change my lifestyle because I sin too much isn't going to help any.

Have you ever actually talked to a religious counselor? Your broad generalizations are funny though.

[wonkadog]

Have you ever actually talked to a religious counselor? Your broad generalizations are funny though.

I thought the same thing. Have you ever seriously discussed Christianity with anyone or have you just always seen it as a barrier to you having fun and impeding on your freedoms?

[ripvdub]

A lot of coaches, ESPECIALLY football, like to get through to there players by yelling. I think it would be nice for the players to be able to have conversations with a calm and comfortable person. And they dont have to worry about what the coach will think about what they are saying.

[Cyclone62]

Have you ever actually talked to a religious counselor? Your broad generalizations are funny though.

Actually, I have, quite a few of them too. They've all spewed forth the same crap to me. "Is that moral?" "What led you down this dark path?" etc. Whatever, I really need to stop discussing politics with people I don't know.

[brianhos]

I loved my premarriage religious counselor. He was all about a womans place is in the home, and she should take care of all her mans needs. It was frickin hilarious! My wife got so mad at him that I had to hold her back a few times

But at least religion has one thing right, now I better go see if she is baking me that pie I asked for.

[BryceC]

I have never had that kind of relationship with any religious counselor I've met. I loved my engagement class as well, because it helped prepare me for marriage and taught us a lot about the sharing in our relationship.

And for the record, my wife does all the bills and I am usually upstairs vacuuming or washing dishes during that time.

[DaddyMac]

I put down perfectly comfortable - assuming that the question was more along the lines of "made available for your use, should you wish, in addition to other support services X, Y & Z".

The way I see it, in no way should the student athletes be "encouraged" to see a chaplain over any other type of counselor or support system. Just another option.

[cybsball20]

Ah, the good old pre-marital counseling... I find it especially funny because my fiance is a marraige and family therapist and actually does the same thing, without the religious angle... We are actually getting married in a Catholic church so we have to deal with all the 'family planning talk' and getting tons of crap because we live together now... Fun stuff...

[sodakjoe]

Speaking as someone who considers himself to be an atheist, but grew up in a Catholic family, I would say that I'd be perfectly comfortable with a chaplain. I had many fruitful theological discussions with our parish's priest, even though he and I both knew what my feelings were about the Catholic religion. A good chaplain can put aside sectarian views to give good advice to anyone.

[HILLCYD]

Actually, I have, quite a few of them too. They've all spewed forth the same crap to me. "Is that moral?" "What led you down this dark path?" etc. Whatever, I really need to stop discussing politics with people I don't know.

I am not calling you a liar, but I find it extremely hard to beleive that you have talked to "quite a few of them" based on your comments and attitude. I have talked with a few different pastors in my life in various capacities and none of them were ever judgemental or quote "spewing crap".

On a side note, I find it hard to figure out how this is a political discussion.

[SpokaneCY]

Some of these people are excellent counselors and thats the niche they would fill. I'm all for it and there is no god.