On women and faith, Harris publicly questioned by NFL legend
By Alan Wooten
The Center Square
Vice President Kamala Harris's comments on faith and women drew questions from an NFL Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion who is also well known for his outspoken religious convictions.
Harris, in a social media post Thursday afternoon, wrote, “One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree: The government, and certainly Donald Trump, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body.”
Just over 90 minutes after her post, Tony Dungy, among many, responded.
“Dear VP Harris:” his social media post began. “I hear you make this statement all the time. Exactly what ‘faith’ are you talking about when you say you don’t have to abandon it to support abortion? Are you talking about the Christian faith that says all babies are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), that God places them in the womb (Jer. 1:5) and that we should not take any life unjustly (Luke 18:20)? Are you talking about that faith or some nebulous, general ‘faith’ that says we’re good enough, and smart enough to make our own decisions? What ‘faith’ are you talking about?”
Dungy’s quotes are from the Bible in Genesis, Jeremiah, and Luke. A 2023 Gallup poll said 3 in 4 Americans identify with a specific religious faith, including 68% with a Christian religion, 33% Protestant and 22% Catholic.
Harris and Dungy are Baptists.
By Saturday morning, Harris’ comment had attracted more than 46,000 likes, 10,000 reposts and 17,000 comments. Dungy’s reply attracted more than 104,000 likes, 21,000 reposts and 9,200 comments.
Dungy, 68, is a retired NFL coach. Undrafted out of Minnesota, he played three seasons for Pittsburgh and San Francisco and coached in the league for 22 seasons. With Mike Ditka and Tom Flores, he is one of only three Pro Football Hall of Famers who won Super Bowls as a player and head coach.
The father of 11 and New York Times No. 1 best-selling author is even more widely known, however, for being passionate about his Christian faith. He's also seen regularly on Sunday nights as a studio analyst of NFL games.
Abortion has consistently polled as one of the consensus top three issues for Americans leading up to the Nov. 5 election between Harris, the 59-year-old Democratic nominee for president, and Republican former President Donald Trump.
Harris, her party, and her role as No. 2 in the Biden administration have been criticized for not squaring up on women's issues related to Title IX rules changes. The changes allow men into women’s spaces, such as athletics competitions, prisons, and public bathrooms.
As it relates to health care, critics note that during the COVID-19 era the Biden administration gave general discharges to the majority of troops – women and men – kicked out of the armed forces for refusing vaccination.
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Comment
Tony Dungy ?
Really do not care about his faith or Harris's faith. Tony Dungy can practice whatever religion he believes in. It is not newsworthy to me. Why The Center Square found this newsworthy is a mystery. Ohio voters made their views on abortion last November. Bernie Moreno wants to change the Ohio voters decision. Nationally, it will decide the outcome. Along with an increase in 1st time youth voters, minorities, and many other disenfranchised tribes. And there are many tribes out there tired of the GOP. Independent voters are fed up with debunked stories about the consumption of pets. And other false statements. Taylor Swift fans surely outnumber Tony Dungy fans.
••••Publisher's note: Nice deflection without ever addressing Mr. Dungy's direct questions. It's a relatively easy "skill."
"Easy" Skill Often The Best Path To Opine
I have a strong feeling about any religion trying to influence government policies. Within each of the religions listed, there are different viewpoints on abortion. Not everyone endorses the opinion of their faith leaders. Liberal vs. conservative viewpoints exist in each faith. Harris can respond to Mr. Dungy. He is outspoken and entitled to express his questions. I just happen to oppose his questioning of her faith. Quoting bible extracts does not make him an expert and the sole authority. He ignores other opinions. A penalty flag on "respect thy neighbor". Her opinion on her faith is her right. In what is a dead heat race now, abortion appears to be the major deciding issue many will vote on this fall. IMHO. I vote my wallet first and foremost. I do better if the 2017 tax cuts are left to expire 12/31/25. Look out for myself. Because local, state, and federal government certainly does not have my best interests in mind. And there will be many more high profile comments coming. The MSM will be on them. Because they cannot really dig and get the facts like the benefits Haitians have brought to Springfield. They are out there. Just took awhile because the MSM tends to focus on the negative sensationalism first. Then the positive news follows from lessor known outlets.
••••Publisher's note: Harris is the one who brought religion to the campaign. Dungy just questioned it. You don't get to ignore the former's stance of bringing religion into her politics while rejecting the latter's. 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct!
Oops!
Thanks for the correction!
Not an alias
"Look out for myself." - from David in his previous comment.
Who is going to look out for the baby in the womb? It ain't Kamala and Walz. It ain't Sherrod Brown.
It is written
Jesus said to the devil, “It is written also, ‘You must not tempt the Lord your God.’”
body
The miracle of carrying a baby, the creation of life, and responsibility of a mother is precious and difficult. I'll never know the full weight of those facts. I believe that when there is a child in an actual woman's womb, there is another body that needs protected and cared for. I still don't have an answer for the tragic assaults or serious medical calamities, but I always thought the most liberal stance on abortion was supposed to be safe and rare. Not, "oopsie" or "I (we) can't afford a child..."
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:5