Sports-and-Religion.pptx

A ppt presented by my former student

1. Sports and Religion 2-FSM-A Angelico Cruz Paul Mendinueto Miguel Nicolas

2. Objectives Discuss the following: Social institution of religion. The relationship between sport and religion. The similarities and differences between sport and religion. The role of prayer in sport. The secularization and sports.

3. The Social Institution of Religion

4. The Institution of Religion Origins: The struggle of humanity to survive This allowed humans to create tools that would help humans to rise above the food chain Thirst for answers to life’s dilemmas Lacking scientific knowledge, humans personified nature, creating a universe of spirits that were responsible to natural phenomena ( Prebish , 1993). Earliest form of religion Totemism - using nature as a model of society Animism- duality (two aspects, spirit and physical manifestation)

5. The Institution of Religion How does this relate to sports? Both of the two are taught in the early life through exposure of the ideas. Participation = individuals cultivate more level of sophisticated level of understanding in religion, as they do in sports. Most people who are introduced to sport or religion early in their life are likely to maintain it throughout their life.

6. However….. According to Prebish (1993) “Unlike religion, through, the sport cycle really does seem to be working. There are fewer and fewer adults who have not progressed beyond a child-like understanding of an ever-increasing variety of sports”.

7. Defining Religion Religion: “A system of beliefs and ritualistic behaviors which unite a group of like-minded people together into a social group who adhere to ideals of spirituality” (The Sociology of Sports, 2014).

8. Sociological Perspectives on Religion Three Sociological Perspectives: Functionalism – an idea that there is a general consensus in values and norms in society and that all people willingly integrate the prevailing sentiments into their lives. Conflict – prevailing norms and value of society’s institutions, including religion, are forced upon the members of society that do not adhere to a given religious belief Symbolic Interactionism – how people interact with one another through the use of symbols.

9. Functions of religion Religion Provides Order and Meaning to Life. Helps to provide structure and order in the daily lives of adherents Psychological Support. Function of religion that provides needs psychologically to its followers through emotional and spiritual support Self-Esteem and Identity Affirmation of social status Social Solidarity and Integration As religion continues to alter the identities of individuals, a community of like-minded people forms. Ceremonies of Status Ritualistic behavior among group members reaffirms the social solidarity between them. Social Control Set of rules (The Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule) Provision of Holiday Days that are reserved as special days.

10. The Relationship Between Religion and Sport

11. The Relationship Between Religion and Sport According to Emile Durkheim that the relationship between sport and religion is SOCIOLOGICAL rather than psychological or biological. Because of its ritualistic behavior and use of symbols Charles Prebish believes that because of the ritualistic behavior and use of symbolic language, sport can be qualified as a religion.

12. The Relationship Between Religion and Sport HOW IS SPORT A RELIGION? They are organized institutions, institutions, disciplines, and liturgies and they teach religious qualities of the heart and soul (Novak, 1993). SPORT GIVES MEANING TO A PERSON’S LIFE MUCH LIKE RELIGION AND IT IS ALSO A PRIMARY WAY TO GIVE IMPORTANCE TO THEIR OWN EXISTENCE.

13. Similarities Between Sport and Religion

14. Similarities Between Sport and Religion Belief Systems Both sport and religion have body of formally stated beliefs. True Believers Both have supporters to the ideas of sport or religion. Providing Testimony Both have people who promote their own respective institution. Patriarchical Dominance Both have been dominated by men.

15. Similarities Between Sport and Religion The Worship of Saints and Gods and Superstars Both have their own worship of their respective ideals in their institutions High Councils Both have rules and proper behavior that are designed to maintain consistency within the group Scribes Both have scribes that maintain the history of the social institutions an promote public awareness Seekers of the kingdom Both have hard-core believers and will do anything to reach “the promised land” Psychological Support Both provides emotional support in times of hardships

16. Similarities Between Sport and Religion Pilgrimages to a Shrine Both have a destination to guide their paths through life (Stadiums, Mass at the Vatican, etc ) Buildings for events Both of their believers have a place of worship (Churches, Stadiums) Use of symbols Both can communicate symbolically (using of the rosary for prayer, lighting of the Olympic torch) Written dramas Both have their own created dramas to captivate adherents (Playbooks, training manuals, bible) Scheduled Events Both have events that keeps people in a routine of ritual

17. Similarities Between Sport and Religion Special Days Both have special events that would excite the people (Easter, Passover, March Madness, Super Bowl) Collective Emotions Both have their own way to share their beliefs and share their emotions collectively Ritualistic Behavior Both employ intricate rituals that place events in a traditional and orderly view (Sign of the cross) Competitive Nature Both have institutions that are different from each other (Which religion is the best or which sport is the best?) Prayer Both utilizes prayer to attain favorable outcomes Sense of Identity Both create a sense of belongingness and it gives meaning to life.

18. The Difference Between Sport and Religion

19. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Sports are Real and Religion is Spiritual Religion Pays homage to a world that is not visible, no scientific proof. Adherents are told to have faith in an entity unseen. Sports Real, tangible and visible Does not need proof of its existence because, its already there. Faith to the sport is justified and does not need proof.

20. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Sports are a part of the Here and Now Religion This realm transcends space and time. Speaks of the afterlife, world outside of human confines. Sports The world of sports provides us with concrete time and space situations

21. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Sports are Materialistically Driven Sports Money, money and money. Sponsorships, advertisements, salaries, and business. Materialism and economics play a CRITICAL aspect of sports. Religion Non-materialistic Spirituality and austerity rather than material well-being.

22. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Rationalism Religion Based on spiritual rules and faith and admits its dependence on the nonrational. Sport Based on secular, civil rules that are equally applied to all.

23. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Ritualistic behavior is used differently It is true that both utilizes rituals HOWEVER: Sports Rituals are instrumental and goal-oriented. Religion Rituals are expressive and process-oriented.

24. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Buildings for events Sports Fans/spectators are allowed , and expected to yell and scream in support to their team. Stadiums are viewed as secular meeting places where participants can relax and release inhibitions. Religion Adherents are expected to abide to moral protocols ( eg. being ‘’moved’’ because of spirituality)

25. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Attempts to provide answers to the meaning of life Religion Primary goal of religion is to explain the meaning of life. Sport It is immersed in the secular, everyday world and makes no proclamation to explain the meaning of life.

26. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Clear-cut winners Religion Any answers to life’s questions is suspect. Different religions may yield different answers. No religion has claimed that they are the “winner”. Sports It provides clear-cut winners. There is always a winner and a loser.

27. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Choosing a Religion or Sports Team (or Athlete) to follow Religion Likely indoctrinated to that specific religion. Most likely didn’t had a choice to pick a religion because of families traditions. Sport There is freedom in choosing which team/athlete to support.

28. The Difference Between Sport and Religion Public Display of Religious Imagery Religion Government avoid making public displays of religious imagery. Sports Government quickly admires the teams/athletes.

29. The Role of Prayer in Sport

30. The Role of Prayer in Sport Both sport fans and athletes have been known to pray for favorable outcomes Religious prayer is the preparation for contemplation and discussion with God. Prayer is supposed to reduce the obstacle caused by hyperactivity of individuals’ minds and lives. Keating (1994) Religious people who believe in a Higher Power assume that God can do anything. Prayers is to be open to infinite possibilities. Keating (1995) If God is capable of anything, then certainly influencing the outcome of the game is within the control of God. Prayer is a “logical” path of communication between individuals and God requesting a favorable outcome Athlete may pray for safety and protection during competition for a good individual/team performance and a victory. We see athlete point in the air Muslims athletes who choose to maintain their Ramadan fast even they still participate in sports It’s not just athletes who turn to prayer for a favorable outcome; many sport fans do so as well

31. The Role of Prayer in Sport They make proclamations such as “I promise to be a better person just let my team win” They bargain with God for spiritual intervention 20% of Americans believe that God influences the outcome of Sporting Events ( Beneke and Remillard 2014) The role of prayer in school as discussed previously is a fundamental issue in public schools that carries over in the domain of sports. In 1999, a Texas teenager decided not to lead her classmates in prayer before high school football games because she feared her role in a constitutional battle over prayer in school could get her expelled. The 5 th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this year that student-led prayers were allowable at solemn events like graduations, but the court ruled out prayers before football games. There was a survey that asked, “Should prayer be allowed in sport in public schools?” A higher percentage of males 70% than female 63% were in favor of public-school prayer in sports A number of respondents wrote that they were in favor prayer in public school sports assuming it was voluntary and not forced onto the team.

32. Secularization and Sports

33. Secularization and Sport • The secularization of sport that started during the Roman Empire continued during the Middle Ages. • These were held with great pageantry at the invitation of royalty and displayed the ideals of chivalry. Such tournaments were limited to the upper classes, but folk games were popular with the lower classes. • The Pre- industrial age (incorporating the Renaissance, Reformation and Enlightenment) marked a major period of transition where religious and philosophical debates had an impact upon the sports being played. • Calvinism and Puritanism, for instance, became dominant cultural influences in both Europe and America, and looked upon sports as frivolous, profane distractions from religious observances. • Sports did become popular in universities, which had risen during the Middle Ages, although officials limited the time students played because they did not want it to interfere with academics. • According to the book in statistics a lot of athletes believe in the positive impact of prayer to their performance towards a sport but also indicated that some athletes believe in rituals, magic and superstition rather than following a religious practice.

34. How does religion play a huge role in your life as Thomasian sports leaders? “For me religion played a big role in my life towards my sport by guiding me and serving as my go to place to find that inner peace whenever a competition is about to start. It helped me to think clearly and to have that sense of empty mind and just focusing on what really matters which in my case was the Crossfit competition’’ ( Mendinueto , 2020).

35. How does religion play a huge role in your life as Thomasian sports leaders? “For me, coming from a family that is very religious, religion and prayer played a huge role during my games in basketball. Prayer gave me a boost of confidence because it made me feel safe knowing that I have God by my side everytime I play on the court” (Cruz, 2020).

36. How does religion play a huge role in your life as Thomasian sports leaders? ‘ ’For me religion is very important. I always studied in a catholic school ever since. It keeps me and my team safe during our games and trainings with the guidance of our prayer. We pray before and after our games to thank God for helping us to compete and guiding us to play safe. That’s the importance of prayer.’’ (Nicolas, 2020).

37. Reference: Delaney, T., & Madigan, T. (2015).  The Sociology of Sports: An Introduction  (2nd ed.). Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers.

38. Thank you for listening!