Vol. 1 No. 1, February 2022

Combining Spirituality and Sportsmanship: The Christian Perspective

Clement O. Fasan, PhD

Abstract

The relationship between sports and religion can be traced to the ancient Olympic Games of 776BC in Athens, Greece. The Olympic Games by then was tagged a paganistic activity and this led to the abolishment in 393 AD. However, Pierre de Coubertin brought back the games in 1896 and he has been regarded as the father of modern Olympics. One of those philosophical beliefs and practices that have pitched Christianity against sports is Asceticism. It is a religious practice that feels the body is evil and must be denied any pleasure so as to be pure and acceptable to God. It is an attempt to discipline the body and the activities practiced including sports which they feel are antithetical to godliness. It is a lifestyle characterised by abstinence from sensual or carnal pleasure.

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