Attention Christian Triathletes! (Page 3)

http://www.aiatriathlon.com/

Nicely said. And it's true of all triathlons, not just the Christian ones - and true of everything we spend money on for ourselves. That's why it's nice that many major religions suggest that we give a 'tenth part' of our income to others. It's not as perfect as the example of Jesus, but if we all gave even that much, the world would be quite a bit better off, wouldn't it?

And I don't give even that much myself. *sigh*. But then, I don't have a 3K bike either! *grin*.

Ryan, this is so true for myself. It is a constant struggle to NOT be selfish. I'm glad this thread was started, it really provokes alot of great thought.

Pam

This post is not made in anger or as a knee-jerk reaction.  I've read the other posts carefully and really thought about what I felt I needed to say.

I guess I opened up a whole new can of worms.  I'm not going to apologize, though, for my beliefs - any more than I would ask anyone else to apologize for theirs. 

These guys are triathletes and are not making their living from the sale of Tri4God merchandise.  Some people wear t-shirts that promote Trek, Cannondale, or QR - just to mention a few.  They buy these shirts because they are awfully proud of what the shirt advertises.  I don't see wearing a Tri4God t-shirt as being any different.

We all use these forums to share our opinions and experiences when we feel that they can benefit others.  If I read a post about the benefits of riding a Radio Flyer tricycle in a triathlon, I wouldn't agree with it, but the writer would certainly be entitled to his opinion, so I wouldn't blast him with negative comments.  I would just move on to a thread that applied more to me.  Posters are certainly entitled to express negative opinions, but why do so when the post is non-argumentative and is meant to be a positive help to those to whom it applies?

As a Christian triathlete, I thought it would be beneficial for other Christian triathletes to know about this organization and, in turn, I have learned about some other similar organizations. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again:  the sport of triathlon is one of the greatest sports in the world.  Regardless of our differences, backgrounds, or beliefs, I can stand side-by-side with you at the start of a tri and we have a common goal of finishing the race and performing to the best of our abilities.

If someone has had a bad experience with a Christian or a religious organization, I am truly sorry.  But you shouldn't let one experience affect your opinion of all religious organizations.  Let me give you an example from my race this weekend.  While on the run,  I had just gotten a cold glass of water at the aid station, when a female triathlete buzzed past me and slapped it out of my hand.  Now if I had formed an immediate opinion that all women triathletes are mean-spirited, and this is indicative of the sport as a whole, I wouldn't be going to swim in a few minutes.  What would be the point?  I choose to find the good in others, even the person that slapped the water out of my hand this weekend!

And in the words of Forest Gump "That's all I'm gonna say bout that!"

As a triathlete, I think its beneficial for any other triathletes to know about any race. Thanks for posting it.. On the whole, I think this thread has been informative, and mostly positive.

And it's good to see you around these parts again.

What?  I haven't seen their AR/AP stuff, but I really doubt that they sell enough to cover the costs of the shirts to get any income more than about $50/month after bills.  Websites aren't free, and I bet a good portion of any 'profits' go to paying for that.  I doubt these people get one cent in their own pockets after all is said and done.

Good thing I'm an unpaid minister then!

I think you're confusing Evangelical with Televangelical.

So, the church that I go to scams little old ladies and fat people?  Let's see, we have a youth ministry - they went to South Dakota to renovate homes.  We have a Food delivery ministry - all the food is donated by members, or local grocery stores.  We have a Coins for Christ ministry, where people CAN donate spare change to help buy school supplies for underprivledged kids.  We have a Single's ministry - they organize their own potlucks and games nights.  I don't see any scams there.

If you're ever at a triathlon that I'm at, I'll still pray for you, as I think you need God's love more than I do.

And I know that several people here have Biblical quotes in their sig lines, but I'll leave you with one that I think may be more fitting:

• It's better to keep your mouth shut, and be thought of as a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt.

Hey, I just found out that God wants us to be triathletes!  Well, maybe not triathletes specifically, but endurance athletes.  Check out Hebrews 10: 35-36

³⁵Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. ³⁶For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

You know, I like that one so much I think it is going to be my new signature. 

As far as running in a Christian Tri, I think it is all in fun and only a little different than any other tri.  No one is controlling any of the athletes and you could get a little preaching.  However, the same could happen in other triathlons.  Christians are everywhere.  I don't see it as a big deal.  If someone makes you feel uncomfortable with a conversation, tell them to please leave you alone.  If that doesn't work - slap the water bottle out of their hand!  - sorry Michael I couldn't resist. 

I agree that there is controversy, but I'm not amazed. It didn't used to be that way, though. In my opinion, it became a polarizing issue when some of us Christians made it a polarizing issue by injecting our beliefs into politics. It worsened during W's second election with the movement of the Christian right, and the push for a theocratic government. And that is rightfully threatening to a good many people, Christians and non-Christians alike.