Lecture 15Chapter 15: Religion and SportHistory of Religion and SportGreek 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”?Numbing agent of the masses of people (pain killer)Distraction from social issues (poverty, depression, etc.)Christian Influences on SportChurches attract people through sports and gymnasiums.YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association), Springfield College, basketballBasketball and volleyball invented at a YMCA (Massachusetts)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.Judaism and SportMaccabiah GamesAthletic events for JewsEarly American boxingIn postwar period, emphasis in Jewish families on education, not sportHank Greenberg, Sandy Koufax, Shawn Green both lauded and criticized for not playing baseball on Yom KippurIslam and SportEvery 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.Converted from Christianity to MuslimAt one time the most known human being in the worldUse of Religion by AthletesJustify commitment to high performance.Reduce pressure and uncertainty.Enhance bonds between teammates.Guide moral decision making.Discussion: What examples of religion in sport do you see on the gaming fields and on TV?Do you condone those examples?Rock N RollinShowed up at almost every major sporting event wearing a rainbow afro wig and would always be on TV with a sign that had the bible verse “John 3:16” written on a poster.Ended up in prison for a bomb threatUse of Religion by Coaches, Owners, and OrganizationsTeam unityMoral code for athletesBeing a religious role model for playersPrayer breakfasts at Olympic GamesInformal prayer at school eventsFaith nights in minor leaguesChristian outreach at Olympics for yearsUse of Sport to Promote ReligionFellowship of Christian Athletes (1954)Athletes in ActionOrganization that puts good athletes on All Star type teams that travel and gives their testimoniesPro Athletes OutreachNational Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA )Use of Sport to Promote Religious SchoolsNotre Dame in footballSt Joseph’s in basketballBrigham Young University in football, Director’s CupDiscussion: 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?Conflict Between Sport and ReligionViolent nature of some sportsAthletes’ ways of overcoming internal conflicts, justifying their dedication to sport, and validating their sport experienceSeparate beliefsQuestion of meaning and valueInternal StrifeStudy 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.Discussion: Have you ever had to reconcile your sporting experience and any religious beliefs you might hold?SPTE 110 1st Edition Lecture 15 Chapter 15: Religion and Sport 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”? o Numbing agent of the masses of people (pain killer)o Distraction from social issues (poverty, depression, etc.) Christian Influences on Sport- Churches attract people through sports and gymnasiums.- YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association), Springfield College, basketballo Basketball and volleyball invented at a YMCA (Massachusetts)- 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. Judaism and Sport- Maccabiah Gameso Athletic events for Jews - Early American boxing- In postwar period, emphasis in Jewish families on education, not sportThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- Hank Greenberg, Sandy Koufax, Shawn Green both lauded and criticized for not playing baseball on Yom Kippur 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.o Converted from Christianity to Muslim o At one time the most known human being in the world Use of Religion by Athletes- Justify commitment to high performance. - Reduce pressure and uncertainty.- Enhance bonds between teammates.- Guide moral decision making. Discussion: What examples of religion in sport do you see on the gaming fields and on TV? Do you condone those examples?  Rock N Rollin- Showed up at almost every major sporting event wearing a rainbow afro wig and would always be on TV with a sign that had the bible verse “John 3:16” written on a poster. - Ended up in prison for a bomb threat  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 Use of Sport to Promote Religion- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (1954)- Athletes in Actiono Organization that puts good athletes on All Star type teams that travel and gives their testimonies - Pro Athletes Outreach- National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA ) Use of Sport to Promote Religious Schools- Notre Dame in football- St Joseph’s in basketball- Brigham Young University in football, Director’s Cup Discussion: Have high schools or