Do sports and religion teach any of the same lessons?

Rabbi Jonathan Waxman, president, Long Island Board of Rabbis, and rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom, Smithtown:

On the one hand, yes, to participate in most team sports is similar to religion. It is better to be part of a community. There is a greater sense of strength and participation in a group. In Judaism, you need a minimum number of 10 for certain rituals. If you have more, that's even better. Conversely, in sports, if you go above that certain number allowed, you're penalized.

Unfortunately, the way sports has evolved in the United States, winning is everything. For example, the fact the Jets got within a few points of going to the Super Bowl means they had a wasted season. I say there is nothing to that way of thinking.

Religion says you participate at the highest level with all your heart, all your soul and all your might. It is not just necessarily about winning.

Pastor Roger Blackmore, Church at the Movies, Mastic and Ronkonkoma:

I think there are a lot of significant parallels between sports and religion. The first is that they both have a goal in mind. So, the sports team wants to win the prize, and the goal of the person of faith is to reach the ultimate prize, which is to hear God say "well done'' at the end of the race.

Just as an athlete has to train and discipline himself, success in the journey of faith also comes to those who make a dedicated effort to reach the full potential of the life God has given them.

We need to work at every aspect of our relationship to become an all-around religious player, the things seen and unseen as we become the people God wants us to be. Just as an athlete has to lift weights, do aerobics and practice the fundamentals along the way to becoming an all-around good player.

The other significant parallel is that many sports require teamwork. God has made us so that none of us is complete by ourselves. We find success when we each pool our strengths and cover for one another's weaknesses.

Pastor Remo Madsen, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Levittown:

One of the things I think about when I think about sports is that you have a coach to make things really come together. Otherwise, you have a bunch of different philosophies and different ways to play the game. If you have a coach, things come out well. It is the same about God, who coaches us in the same way in faith and how we should live together as a team. God coaches us to work together for the common good of humanity. When there is teamwork and everyone plays his or her position, works to his or her skill level, you can affect the world in a positive way.

I played football as a linebacker in college in Montreal. You have to play your position. If you don't play to your strength as a linebacker, if the defensive back doesn't do his job, the line doesn't work well.

Whether you're a linebacker or a quarterback, doing your job well is critical at that moment to the win. You're also individually important in the whole picture of humanity in God's scheme. I think the ultimate magic of it is when you realize the abilities God has given to you are just as important as the abilities of the next person. There are no glamour positions in Christianity.

Pastor Al Warren, Long Island Alliance Church, Dix Hills:

Sure they do - there's perseverance, teamwork and rewards.

2 Timothy 4: 7-8 is a great sports-related encouragement by the apostle Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award to me on that day - and not only me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."

Take for instance Sunday's Super Bowl. Coaches and players prepare, practice, strategize and study film weeks before the game. During the game, adjustments are made whether things are going well or falling apart. If they persevere and execute the right plays, they can win.

In a life of faith, our goal is more rewarding and eternal, but the strategies can be similar. We also prepare for life by praying and studying God's word. We join God's team at church to do together what we can't do alone. The Lord Jesus is the ultimate head coach and promises His strength and wisdom through every season of life.

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