-Disclaimer- Anything I write from now on will most likely be posted on www.thisisthenewamerica.com first…I’m mostly keeping them here as an archiving system. If you haven’t gotten a chance to check out that website yet – you should.
Jerry Jones and Jesus
Even a casual sports observer will tell you that there is a distinct connection between religion and sports. The similarities (cult-like followers, television stations, riots, parades, holidays, etc.) are too many to ignore a definite link between the sort of faith put in religions and the faith that is invested in sports figures.
This connection stems from the players themselves and trickles down their sweaty bodies to the loyal fans hoping for a touch of their workout towel. Whether it be a pre at-bat ritual, a post touchdown celebration, or a cure to a public relations nightmare – athletes often lean heavily on religion and faith for a variety of reasons. Recently there have been several examples of this in and around the media : Tiger Woods’ return to faith in Buddhism following his revealed affair, the entire city of Cleveland falling into a deep depression after the loss of Lebron James, and of course the decade old claim by Jerry Jones that the crater-sized hole in the roof of Texas Stadium allows God to watch “his team.” Each situation reveals a religious tendency in both athletes and fans nationwide.
We are a sports-crazed culture. So, what are we doing with it? How are sports and all the great things that come with it being used for the ultimate goal of bringing souls to Jesus? I’m not talking about holding a three on three tournament where we lure unsuspecting ballers to a gym, preach at them for several hours, and then let them play a pickup game on the side court. I’m talking personally – how can we use our own sports biases and loyalties for the cause of Christ?
Personally, I am from the sports-idolatrous city of Philadelphia. We have the greatest fans in the world and arguably the worst fans in the world. But, nonetheless EVERYONE from there is a fan. You’d be hard-pressed to find an individual from South Philly who doesn’t have a vested interest in either the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, or Sixers. It’s a beautiful thing. And, the most glorious part of it is that Jesus’ sacrifice of death and resurrection can be proclaimed through such foolish things!
Our love for sports as a culture leads us to be open for conversations and discussions of an athletic nature. People always want to talk about sports! This past Sunday I was in a coffee shop when an older gentlemen from New York struck up a conversation with me about the Yankees. Then, on Monday a trainer from the gym I go to asked me about the Phillies and revealed he was a Mets fan (gross). The point is, sports fans are everywhere, and they always want to talk about their teams. So, talk with them! Let your biases and loves be known! Once someone talks to me about sports the conversation almost always veers toward what I want to do in life or for my occupation and then – boom. Jesus.
