Response to Our Shaken Faith in Football, Essay Example

In his article, Starchan states that Christians should be informed about the violent nature of football. The author talks about two aspects of the sport that are often neglected by the public: the violence of the game, and the violent culture that surrounds the sport. According to the article, in order to fully understand the game’s principles, one needs to study public behavior during the games, and the number of injuries a player suffers, often leading to sudden death. Indeed, Christians should look at all aspects of life from the aspect of religious values. The author goes further, stating that “There is no place in the Christian life for ignoring reality” (Starchan, 2). While agreeing with the principles of the game, such as building team spirit, devoting one’s self to a higher goal, and making personal sacrifices, the game itself is too violent to be supported by Christians who fully embrace the values of the religion.

Some of the arguments stated by the article are founded in the respect of life and dignity, while others express the non-violent views of Catholicism. Christians – according to the author – should avoid unnecessary violence, and football does not fully align with this principle. Indeed, violence is present on court and in the audience. Related to on-court violence, is it really unnecessary to fall and accidentally kick somebody on the face, or is it a part of the game? Is the game’s intention to hurt other people? Indeed, the main goal of the game is to work towards the same goal  as a team, support each other, and push one’s physical boundaries. This said, other sports that could potentially cause injuries should also be ignored by Christians. Weightlifting, for example, can result in serious hamstring injuries. Ballet dancers, taking pride in moving elegantly and gracefully to entertain the audience and get artistic messages out often become disabled after a few decades, and live their lives attached to a wheelchair. They decide to push their limits, and sacrifice their health to entertain. Should Christians boycott ballet, too?

There are, however, some important points that the article highlights, related to football and its fans. First of all, it is true that worshiping players and the game itself is fanaticism. This is a phenomenon that Christians should keep an eye out for.  Further, Starchan does not say that Christians should not enjoy a football game, but argues that they should take care and approach the ideas represented in the media about the players and the matches “thoughtfully and reflectively”. The above statement is important, as it can be applied to almost all aspects of modern life. New trends and fashion, ideas, and entertainment should all be approached by Christians carefully, and measured up to the values of the religion. If no connection is found between the ideology or nature of the new trend and Christian values, the answer is simple. However, if the ideology is close to the values embraced by Christians, but the outcome is questionable, such as  injury, damage to the spiritual health of the individual, or other form of violence, it is important to reflect and meditate.

The author questions whether or not Christians should allow their children participate in a violent game, such as football. There are risks involved, indeed. However, the question is: how great the risks are, and how valuable the benefits provided by participating in a team game, building relationships, learning to sacrifice one’s interest for the higher goal are. The question is likely to be answered differently by each Christian, and the violent nature of the game is open to individual interpretation.

The author himself admits that some non-contact sports and individual high-intensity exercises can leave the person injured, as well. However, he states that football is asking far too much from players, and imposes a great risk of suffering from violence and becoming ill. Described as a great personal cost, injuries are the main factors within the sports that the author argues against. The question is: is violence a result of the game rules and is it required to be violent in order to be a good football player? If the answer is yes, that means that football is violent in nature, and represents something that goes against Christian values. Still, violence is a part of human life, and it cannot be stopped.

Based on the above article’s message, it is clear that football –  just like other sports – should be approached with caution by Christians. Further, fans should not get sucked into a violent football culture, and religious people should stand by their own values. This seems like standing up alone against a hurricane. There are so many violent influences that Christians should defend themselves against. After all, it all comes down to how strongly one is connected to their personal and spiritual values. Those with a deep faith will be less at risk of violent influences than those who do not fully embrace Christian values. The right judgment about football, therefore, can only be achieved through strengthening one’s faith.

Works Cited

Starchan, O “Our shaken faith in football” Christianity Today. 2013. Web.