Sports and the Values of Abba's Way

Sports is mental and physical competition against oneself and others regarded as an end in itself.

It is therefore unlike war which is generally seen as a means to an end. Though it may have many of the trappings we associate with war.

Sports can be anything from Bobby Fisher playing himself in chess to innumerable teams taking the field against innumerable teams.

What then do values have to do with sports?

The values of Abba's way have to do with everything.

They are inferred from the way Jesus taught and followed. They are implicit in the daily prayer we are to use.** They can be willed. That is they can be practiced and should be the basis for daily work and play.

They are tolerance, helpfulness, democracy and non-idolatry.

Applied to sports they have far-reaching implications.

Tolerance refers to the openness of sports to all comers and to the development of one's capacities to be resilient when provoked physically or mentally.

Democracy underlies the openness of sports to all persons and also affirms the right of all players to a voice. It would come into play in the event of any bullying activities related to sports, advocating for fair and open processes and measures against cruelty.

One point that needs examination is whether the pressure to create commercially viable sports militates against efforts to insure that everyone who wants to has access to the change to grow and develop in the sport of their choice.

Helpfulness

I think sports can readily be seen as a laboratory for helpfulness and likewise a place where selfishness is easily perceived and discouraged.

Non-Idolatry

Non-idolatry is particularly relevant to sports since much of our society is idolatrous when it comes to preferences, competition and winning.

But sports is an end in itself. It is finite. Thus far and no farther. To make sports into a god from any angle is to transgress against the First Commandment.

I think there are some quite egregious and distasteful aspects of sports. But few of them are in opposition to the values of Abba's Way.

Good taste and the avoidance of hype is desirable but not mandated.

I am bothered by the moralism of many who write about sports. but that is also not as serious as intolerance, anti-democratic behavior, idolatry or an unhelpful attitude.

Here is the text of the Abba prayer Jesus gave us to use on a daily basis.

Abba whose home in heaven is
Hallowed and holy is your name
Let your realm come your will be done
Till earth and heaven are the same

Give us this day our daily bread
Forgive the wrongs that we have done
As we forgive those who do wrong
Lead us not into temptation

Deliver us from evil Lord
And safely guide us to your shore
Yours is the power to heal and mend
Yours is the glory evermore

Sports and The Values of Abba's Way