"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
More than a Game: A Theology of Sport
Return to the book list for this category.
Jeremy R. Treat, Themelios 40.3 (2015): 392-403
His conclusion is that: “Sport is more than a game, less than a god, and when transformed by the gospel, can be received as a gift to be enjoyed forever”. He sets out his argument from creation, suggesting that Adam and Eve were “not only commanded to develop God’s creation, they were also called to delight in it”. He also offers a superb summary and demolition of dualism
He sees justification through faith in the death of Jesus as setting sportspeople free from having to justify themselves through their accomplishments, and therefore able to accept sport as God’s gift to be enjoyed.
The quest to understanding the purpose of sport raises for him the question “of whether sports only have intrinsic good or whether there is also instrumental good”. While noting Lincoln Harvey’ arguments to the contrary he is comfortable with sport as “a platform for evangelism or a classroom for morality” provided they are “first and foremost a playground for receiving and enjoying the goodness of the Creator”. In another memorable phrase he adds that sport is a gift which is “to be enjoyed for its intrinsic worth and stewarded for the glory of God and the good of others”.
In looking briefly at competition, which he sees as a difficult aspect of sport in terms of looking one’s neighbour while trying to beat them, he wisely cites my article on Competition as Relationship!
An excellent short essay which values sport as a gift of God to be enjoyed with thanksgiving.