SMGT 3501 sport and religion

religion

belief that supernatural forces influence human lives, avenue for maintaining and transmitting beliefs, provides a guide for moral conduct. Shared beliefs and values that people use to give meaning to life

fellowship of christian athletes

combats delinquency, elevates moral/spiritual standards in sport, be accounted for by God. targets high school and college athletes and coaches

secular

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual matters; denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis

the protestant ethic

elements of this are comparative with the spirit of ethos of sports: worldly ascetiscism, goal directed, rationalization, individualism, achieved status, work and time ethic; success, self discipline, hard work

Religions provide people with a set of meanings and influences why study: (ideology, actions and relationships, ideas about the body, movement, physical activities, and sports)

how are religions defined and why do sociologists study them

promotes spiritual growth, recruit new members, promote feudalistic beliefs and evangelical orientations

how do christians and christian organizations use sports

sport as religion

involves increased uncertainty about an important event just like religion which a way to cope with stressful situations

sports contrast to religion

secular(material world)/sacred (supernatural world), lockerrooms/churches, stadiums/sacristy, warmup drills/prayers, halftime talks/sermons

ymca, aia, fca, pao organization

spiritual organization meant to provide healthy activities for young workers in the cities

-For Athletes: determining the worth of sport participation as an act of worship when: -violence and intimidation are part of the game -aggressive pursuit of personal success is expected -there is an emphasis on self-promotion -the separation of chuch and state -not everyone who participates in sport has similar religious views, which creates interest issues. -lead to favoring of those with similar beliefs

what are issues and controversies associated with combining religious beliefs and sport participation

Differences Sport: secular, based upon victories (here and now), rooted in fact competition, rituals/events are instrumental and goal oriented, spirit of achievement and conquest Religion: sacred, goal = transcendence, rooted in faith, cooperation, rituals/services = expressive ad process oriented, spirit of humility and love Similarities: Gods/Famous athletes, places of worship/fields/stadiums, scribes/journalists, devotion to god/team

what are the similarities and differences between sports and religions

-christianity is the most popular religion in north america. -Sport in north america is closely linked to christian leaders and organizations -christian attitudes values and practices have been dominating force in north american sport they are highly correlated

why are christians more vocal about this combination than are other people whose religious beliefs are not based on christiantiy

-religions use activities like sports as effective tools to promote the lord's work social service is essential to religious leadership, church sponsored rec and sport programs offer services to those who may not be able to find them elsewhere -promotion of sport is used to strengthen fellowship among congregation -promotion of religion is used in sport to cope with stress by providing opportunities to dramatize anxieties and reinforce self confidence. Religion invokes a sense of "doing something about it" in uncertain undertakings where practical knowledge and techniques alone cannot guarantee success

why have people combined sports and religious beliefs