I think the confusion comes from church types making football decisions. Personally, I've never met somebody that converted to a church because of a football team, but It's possible it has happened. I have however known people that have no connection to BYU that loved them when they used air it out all the time that are big BYU fans still. I miss that BYU and I only caught the tailwind of it myself.
I think Boise State is doing a better job converting right now.
There's a lot to like in this post. However, I couldn't disagree more about BYU Football and its power of conversion.
Just how many kids grow up with an interest in BYU because of its Football team? Just how many grow up trying to emulate those players? Just how many are stronger socially, academically, and spiritually because of youth activities (like going to the games)?
At least one non-member of the BYU Football team is baptized per year. How many more are attracted to BYU, learn from the program, meet their significant others, because of the Football program?
My father is yet another example. Despite living in Utah for most of his life, he had never really become attracted to the LDS religion until he became a BYU student and helped with the Football program. He became acquainted with folks like Norm Chow and Lavell Edwards, and later became a baptized member.
Sports and the various activities the church (and BYU) sponsor, provide opportunities (both socially and spiritually) for millions. Personally, I think the best choice would have been crawling on their hands and knees to get into the BIG 12. Could you imagine the Football schedule? Or better yet, could you imagine the Basketball, Track, and Baseball schedules? Think the Mariott Center wouldn't sell out every game if they were to play Kansas, Texas, OU, Texas Tech, and Baylor every week? Think the Provo economy wouldn't see a boost? How would exposing BYU to the south NOT benefit the church?
Crawling on their hands and knees, begging to be accepted by the Big 12, was the one and only option. Who cares if the BIG 12 explodes in the next few years? Go Indep again or join another conference.
Unfortunately, you have many arrogant English and Physics professors, whose knowledge of this subject matter is extremely limited, who have large egos, who help make these decisions.
Huge mistake.
The gospel can improve lives. BYU and church decision makers are still people, and have the same weaknesses as those at any other university. BYU may complain about the selfish and greedy BCS people. Yet, when given opportunity... Sadly... they're acting in the same selfish and arrogant way.
I truly am disappointed in BYU. If they cannot find the humility necessary to get into a big conference and actually play competition, then I'm afraid that I, like so many others, will need to find a team who will. Playing no one after week 3, while playing late games in the freezing cold, while dumping your other sports in HS gyms/stadiums, acting as if you're Lebron James, is so disappointing.
For preachers of the gospel, they're doing a poor job by not working WITH others. I'd expect this type of conduct from Lebron or the Players Union. Not from a school whose mission supposedly is to "spread the word."
