A New Jersey high school football coach, Marcus Borden, petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court last Monday regarding his bowed head and kneeling on one knee during the prayers before football games. A rather vocal opponent, some spokesman representing the “school authorities”, says it’s nothing more than psychological coercion on the part of the coach, since students might feel obligated or pressured to pray even if they don’t believe in prayer.

There’s a difference in “faith” and “religion”. And doesn’t the First Amendment read something along the lines of the United States Congress prohibited from making laws respecting the establishment of religion? I could be wrong, but I don’t think the coach is a member of Congress - so I’m a little confused. We have to make concessions every single day in this country. Some of the concessions I make include following the speed limit - even when I disagree with it. Yeah, I know - I run the risk of getting a ticket. Well, I run the risk only when the day comes I can’t sweet talk my way out of a ticket. But that’s another story. My point is when did it get so convoluted and, well, wrong to have faith? What happened to the belief that two people could have different viewpoints regarding their faith and beliefs, but could still maintain a healthy respect for the other’s beliefs without it being wrong? My mom was raised as a strict Catholic - complete with Catechism classes, Mass and more than her fair share of Sisters with rulers, ready to rap knuckles at the drop of a hat. You should see her handwriting. It’s beautiful because of the importance of penmanship during the days of her Catholic school education. That said, she’s tried her best to make me understand why Confession is necessary and the importance of it in the Catholic faith. I respect that and I respect and trust her beliefs. We were fortunate to have been raised, even with my Dad’s Baptist upbringing and Mom’s Catholic upbringing to respect and honor the differences. The goal was to believe. Period. Have faith when none seemed to be found. Say your prayers. Have a healthy dose of fear.

And I can’t remember a single high school football game that didn’t begin with a prayer over the intercom - whether it was from my high school days or even more recently as my son’s high school days. It was never a problem and if there was anyone in attendance who disagreed, at no point was any disrespect shown to those who did choose to participate. I know this because no one in my hometown felt it necessary to go to court over it. Don’t get me wrong - I’m as faithful as one can be, but I’m not religious. And I’m not sure that’s a bad thing. My point is, with 95% of all high school sporting events beginning with prayer, it just seems insane to me for someone to refer to this New Jersey high school coach’s bowed head and kneeling as psychological coercion and further, it’s even crazier that the Supreme Court must be petitioned to decide this.

With so many other urgent matters that require the attention of the Justices in the Supreme Court, this shouldn’t be one of them.

All of the discontent regarding religious freedom, what’s appropriate and what’s not, where it’s OK to display and where it’s not, it can all be solved with one simple word: respect. Believe me, there’s never been a time I was ever pulled over that I thought I was wrong and the police officer believed he was wrong. But a healthy dose of respect sure took me farther (well, along with the sweet talk) and is the one reason my driving record is perfect.