A Manichean Worldview

Since we're in the midst of the NFL playoffs and our local Pro Bowl stacked squad is once again relegated to watching the games on TV like the rest of us, it's a good time to remind Vikings fans of the lurking dangers of apostasy. When your team is not in the playoffs, there is a temptation to find another team to cheer on. There is nothing wrong with that in principle. Unless of course that other team is your hated divisional rival.

Since there seems to be some confusion on the matter, allow me be perfectly clear: as a Vikings fan you in good conscience can not in any circumstances ever pull for the Packers. EVER. When it comes to the Purple and the Green and Gold, the choice really is as simple as black and white. There are no shades of gray. You are a Vikings fan OR a Packers fan. But it is a metaphysical impossibility to attempt to be both. EVER.

It's easy to be seduced by the lure of Lambeau, Favre, and knee-walking inebriation. But you must not succumb to it in any way lest you never get back on the path of righteousness again. There are those who have gone over to the Dark Side, but they never return. You cannot serve two masters.

Although Vikings fans are wandering in the playoff wilderness, it's not only a time of suffering and tribulation. There still is room for joy, albeit of a different nature. My favorite Super Bowl was XXXII when the Broncos downed the favored Packers. Seeing the Packers lose and knowing that the hopes and dreams of their fans had been crushed was about as good as a Super Bowl gets for a Vikings fan, especially considering our own shortcomings in the big game.

So hold fast Vikings fans. Hope that the Giants continue their improbable run and end the Packers season next week. Know that even if the Packers win the NFC Championship they will more than likely have to face the Patriot juggernaut in the Super Bowl. Watching Randy Moss help win a title for New England will be a little tough for Vikings fans to take. But watching him do it against the Packers will be far more sweet than bitter.