Religion in Sports

Whether it’s the sign of the cross, the point up to the skies or the genuflect after a score, overtones of religion in sports is not uncommon. Often, religion can be thought of as a personal or private matter. As long as the athlete performs to expectations, what they do and believe is their choice. However, what happens when sports and religion intersect? In this article about religion and sports, we’ll explore the role of religion and how it affects various athletes’ ideals and beliefs. We’ll also look into which religion doesn’t allow you to play sports in certain conditions and how religious athletes have responded.

What role does religion have in sports?

Historically, religion and sports were closely intertwined. Sporting events often had ties to religious ceremonies or festivals. These events acted as powerful symbols or metaphors of the transcendent. For example, the Olympic Games, held by ancient Greeks, were more of a festival or a celebration for their gods rather than merely a sporting event. While sports have become more secular today, religion still continues to have an impact. On a psychological level, studies have shown religion and spirituality enhance performance in sports. As with any human beings, athletes face their fair share of challenges and often cite religion as a key factor in overcoming their adversities. ... Read More

Christian Athletes Who Play & Pray

While some athletes may shy away from mixing religion and sports, others are devout Christians who openly share their faith. Read on as we look into some of the top Christian athletes and how their faith has been instrumental in their professional and personal lives.

Tim Tebow

Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow is known for being vocal about his Christian faith, both on and off the field. In 2007, Tebow won the Heisman Trophy with the Florida Gators, setting various school and national records. Known for wearing John 3:16 on his eye black, the media attributed the NCAA message ban on eye paint as “The Tebow Rule.” Additionally, his propensity for kneeling on one knee and bowing his head to honor his faith started the term “Tebowing” by fans and media. After college, Tebow played in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles. Tebow is currently playing baseball in the New York Mets organization and continues to publicly share his religion through motivational speeches, books and media. ... Read More

MLB Legend Darryl Strawberry Nominated as The Keynote Speaker for the 10th Annual Harvest of Hope Gala Fundraiser

Darryl Strawberry Speaker Fee

A Keynote Speech By Darryl Strawberry About His Journey With Recovery

Former MLB player Darryl Strawberry will speak about his struggles with addiction, and his road to recovery that ultimately led him to be the man he is today at the 10th annual Harvest of Hope Gala Fundraiser hosted by The Good News Rescue Mission.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 6 at 6 pm at the Redding Civic Auditorium,  700 Auditorium Dr, Redding, CA 96001. For more information and tickets, please visit: ... Read More

MLB Legend Darryl Strawberry to be Keynote Speaker at Kannapolis, NC Appearance and Charity Fundraiser – Apr 6

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KANNAPOLIS, NC – MLB Legend Darryl Strawberry will be the keynote speaker at a charity fundraiser luncheon plus he will make an appearance at a VIP Meet and Greet prior to the opening game for the Intimidators minor league team in Kannapolis, NC on Thursday, April 6, 2017. The opening game appearance will take place at the Intimidators Stadium, 2888 Moose Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083. Source: Kannapolis Intimidators News ... Read More

Join Former St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher Andy Benes at Evansville, IN Autograph Signing – Jan 7

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EVANSVILLE, IN – Join former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes at the Night of Memories autograph signing in Evansville, IN on Saturday, January 7, 2017. The autograph signing is scheduled to occur between 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. During this time Andy Benes will be a guest at the autograph session and will make an appearance to meet and greet fans and sign autographs and memorabilia. The event will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Vanderburgh 4-H Center, 201 East Boonville-New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47725. Source: Night of Memories ... Read More

Join Former Chicago Cubs Great Bill Buckner at Des Moines, IA Autograph Signing – Dec 9

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DES MOINES, IA – Join former Chicago Cubs great Bill Buckner at Des Moines, IA autograph signing on Friday, December 9, 2016. The event will be hosted by The Fergie Jenkins Foundation charity. Bill Buckner will make an appearance from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to meet and greet fans and sign autographs and memorabilia. The event will take place at MC Sports, 3850 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310. Source: MiLB.com ... Read More

Join Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Largent at Mill Creek, WA Autograph Signing – Dec 3

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MILL CREEK, WA – Join Former Seattle Seahawks wide reciever, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former U.S. Congressman, Steve Largent at Mill Creek, WA autograph signing on Saturday, December 3, 2016. Steve Largent will make an appearance and will be there to meet and greet fans and to sign autographs and memorabilia from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event will take place at Mill Creek Sports, 15704 Mill Creek Boulevard, Suite #5, Mill Creek, WA, 98012. Source: Mill Creek Sports ... Read More

Former MLB Pitcher Jim Morris Named as Keynote Speaker at Kansas Agri Business Expo – Nov 17

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WICHITA, KS – Former MLB Pitcher Jim Morris (“The Rookie”) has been named as the keynote speaker at the Kansas Agri Business Expo in Wichita, KS where he is scheduled to speak during breakfast on Thursday, November 17, 2016. The event will take place at 8:30 a.m. in the Eagle Ballrooms at the Wichita Hyatt Regency Hotel, 400 W Waterman St, Wichita, KS 67202. Source: High Plains Journal and Midwest Ag Journal ... Read More

Super Bowl Winner Kurt Warner Among Ten Candidates Who Should be in Hall of Fame According to ESPN Article

kurt-warner

ESPN – NFL star and Super Bowl Winner Kurt Warner has been ranked by ESPN writer Kevin Seifert as one of ten candidates who should be in the Hall of Fame. According to an ESPN article on August 4, 2016, although Warner was one of the best quarterbacks in league history he was not among those enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2016 and should not be forgotten. Source: ESPN ... Read More

Baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz Speaks About Pitching With Mike Francesa on WFAN Radio Show

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NEW YORK (WFAN) – Baseball Hall of Famer and MLB Network analyst, John Smoltz appeared with Mike Francesa on a WFAN radio show on June 23, 2016 and spoke about pitching. Smoltz offered some sage advice about how today’s pitchers are brought up under a very different philosophy than he was. Source: CBS New York ... Read More