The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

"I'd like to thank God..." Can sport and religion live together?

steggz new author
Roar Rookie
22nd April, 2012
Advertisement
steggz new author
Roar Rookie
22nd April, 2012
7

I have read with interest two articles this week which looked at the role of religion in sport, one regarding Manny Pacquiao finding God, and another concerning Bubba Watson.

Both articles made some good points, but I’d like to look at the role of religion in the life of many and seek to offer a different perspective.

I should declare my hand first though. I am a Christian, studying theology with the intent of becoming a church minister. I am also a keen sports fan on hiatus from playing cricket and (round ball) football.

The first question that comes up from the two articles this week is this: why do sportspeople feel the need to thank God? Did He do something special for them?

I would dare to say that for many it is not a thanks offered for a recovery shot on the 14th or a great pass in the third quarter. Rather, to thank God or Jesus in that moment is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the role that their faith has in their life.

Shaun Hart is but one example of this. He thanked his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus didn’t take a speccy, He didn’t collect 30 kicks and a dozen handpasses. But who Jesus is for Shaun meant he wanted to publicly name him.

I also do not think that it’s necessarily a matter of ramming religion down the throat of the masses. To thank God is not Bible bashing. Again, I would argue that it is just an acknowledgement of the important place that player’s religious beliefs hold in their life.

The second question is this: How much does God care/interact/intervene with a sporting event? If we’re talking about results, I don’t think God is that interested. If we’re talking about character and temperament, I think God does care immensely.

Advertisement

What I appreciate about Tim Tebow is how striking his humility is. For an athlete such as he, his feet are well and truly planted on the ground. I think he, unlike others, is willing to speak of God whether his team wins or loses.

And it must be said that I believe there are plenty of things God is concerned with on earth, and a lot of those things are more important than who wins in a sporting match. I think it’s misguided to pray for a victory, and said as much on Ben’s article.

So what should sportspeople do with their faith? I think they need to live it out faithfully, seeking to honour God in their actions. Answer questions when asked, acknowledge God when opportunities arise but don’t shove it down people’s throats. Play the game as it was meant to be played, within the rules and in the spirit.

I know this site is not a religious forum, but I’d be very interested in having a friendly discussion on how religion can be represented in sport.

close