There are Demons in Your School!

02/15/2011

4 Comments

 
Pastor Donald Crosby wants you to know there are demons at Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, GA. They’re on the walls, they’re in the gym and they’re on students’ clothes. The kids root for the demons. They are even proud to call themselves demons. They think it’s awesome.

The demons are the school mascot. They are the Screamin’ Demons, named after the 7th fighter squadron at Robins Air Force Base. The squadron earned the nickname in the South Pacific.

Pastor Crosby doesn’t like it. So much so that he’s started a petition to exorcize the demons right out of the school. He says, "Hundreds of children gather into one place at one time chanting 'Go Demons.' It's the equivalent of us gathering into a church on Sunday morning and saying 'Go Jesus' or 'Hallelujah Jesus.’” He has a thousand signatures that agree with him.

What do you think? Does Pastor Crosby make a good point? If there is separation of church and state, should a public school have a mascot associated with religion? Are you comfortable with kids calling themselves demons? What about angels? Am I crazy or does the Crosby have a point? Share your thoughts.

The USA Today article
 


Comments

Debra
02/15/2011 7:24pm

I looked up the term demon. "Supernatural power", "spirit" and "divine power" were several meanings given. This school's nickname came from an Air Force squad, not the horned, red minions of Satan our culture associates with the term. I would have an issue with a throng of people cheering for the devil - but this isn't who they are supporting; they are rooting for their children/friends/neighbors. If their mascot looks like the one pictured, I would suggest that it be changed to reflect the intent of the nickname.

Crosby has a point, but any nickname/mascot would probably have someone who would have an objection to it. Demons/angels/saints and other team names are not indicators of the school or its society. I don't think most people give much thought to their school's mascot or choose their school based on this consideration. By questioning it, Crosby has forced the school to consider why/if the nickname is acceptable to the community.

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Mad Pastor link
02/16/2011 2:19pm

Great points Debra!

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Jen
02/16/2011 3:48pm

I don't think the separation between church and state is an issue in this story b/c the meaning behind the mascot is from an Air Force squad and not due to religious references. However, Crosby has made it about that because of petition. I do think that the mascot needs to reflect the intent of the name (like Debra) and not look like a devil, as I believe it does to some extent in the video clip you posted. I also think that the school should educate the students on the history of the name in some way.

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Dan
02/17/2011 6:49am

I personnaly don't like to see the devil or demons used as mascots, but that is my own personal opinion. Just like when little kids dress up as the devil on Halloween. I just couldn't imagine Jesus with all he has done for us looking down and seeing his little children dressed as his enemy. It is funny though that in the NBA the Washington Wizards changed their name from the Bullits due to it being offensive and negative.

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