Sports & Religion Share Similarities

INDIANAPOLIS STAR
By Rev. Nathan Day Wilson

INDIANA - Here we are, Indianapolis, on the eve of that nearly religious experience we more properly call the Super Bowl. Yes, I said a football game is nearly a religious experience. The Christian or New Testament has many athletic images, including 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Galatians 2:2 and 5:7, Philippians 2:16 and 3:14, 2 Timothy 2:5 and 4:7 and Hebrews 12:1-2. Life is a race, so keep the faith. Throw off that which slows you on this race. There's need in life to exercise self-control, like a disciplined athlete. Whether the Super Bowl is a religious experience or not, one key difference between the two remains: The Super Bowl is relatively short-lived. Fortunately, the guidance and grace available through religious belief and practices do not have to be transitory. They can last forever. And everyone can be in this game. [link]