1. Chapter 15 Religion and Sport

2. Chapter Outline Religion and Sport in History
Christian Influence on Sport
Sport and Religions Other Than Christianity
Use of Religion in Sport by Athletes
Use of Sport by Athletes to Promote Religious Beliefs
(continued)

3. Chapter Outline (continued)
Use of Religion by Coaches, Organizations, and Owners
Organizations Using Sport to Promote Religion
Using Sport to Promote Christian Colleges and Secondary Schools
Conflict Between Sport and Religion
Chapter Summary

4. History of Religion and Sport
Greek festivals honored gods.
Christian emperor banned sports for their violence.
American Puritans saw sport as sin.
Muscular Christianity, value of benefits of physical activity.
Religion and sport both considered “opiate of the masses”?

5. Christian Influences on Sport
Churches attract people through sports and gymnasiums.
YMCA, Springfield College, basketball
Athletes use religion to conquer fears and find deeper meaning in sport.
Reinforces code of conduct.
Instills Protestant values such as hard work, self-discipline, striving for success.

6. Judaism and Sport Maccabiah Games Early American boxing
In postwar period, emphasis in Jewish families on education, not sport
Hank Greenberg, Sandy Koufax, Shawn Green both lauded and criticized for not playing baseball on Yom Kippur

7. Islam and Sport Every action is meant to glorify Allah.
Women banned or wear traditional dress, but they are beginning to have greater impact on international sport.
For males, no prohibition against sport participation, and sport and games have long been a part of the expected teachings.
Muhammad Ali is an example.

8. Use of Religion by Athletes
Justify commitment to high performance.
Reduce pressure and uncertainty.
Enhance bonds between teammates.
Guide moral decision making.

9. Discussion
What examples of religion in sport do you see on the gaming fields and on TV?
Do you condone those examples?

10. Use of Religion by Coaches, Owners, and Organizations
Team unity
Moral code for athletes
Being a religious role model for players
Prayer breakfasts at Olympic Games
Informal prayer at school events
Faith nights in minor leagues
Christian outreach at Olympics for years

11. Use of Sport to Promote Religion
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (1954)
Athletes in Action
Pro Athletes Outreach
National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA )

12. Use of Sport to Promote Religious Schools
Notre Dame in football
St Joseph’s in basketball
Brigham Young University in football, Director’s Cup

13. Discussion
Have high schools or universities that you, friends, or family are involved with placed an emphasis on religion? What was the rationale for that emphasis?
Are sport and religion always compatible?

14. Conflict Between Sport and Religion
Violent nature of some sports
Athletes’ ways of overcoming internal conflicts, justifying their dedication to sport, and validating their sport experience
Separate beliefs
Question of meaning and value

15. Internal Strife
Study of Athletes in Action members: One- third of 31 athletes admitted reaching a crisis in their careers trying to reconcile their religious beliefs with their sport.
Not surprising: Religious strife is global reality and has been for centuries.

16. Discussion
Have you ever had to reconcile your sporting experience and any religious beliefs you might hold?