IN JULY / AUGUST The Rector wrote
Dear Friends,
Well, the World Cup is on and Wimbledon is about to begin, so despite the fact that there’s a cold wind blowing, it must be summer! By the time you read this, the excitement of the World Cup will be over. This four-yearly phenomenon has intrigued me, although I am not a sports fan of any description and write from a perspective of almost perfect ignorance (is that what we call soccer?) But even I watched that match of England versus the USA, amazed that the USA managed to draw, instead of being annihilated during the first five minutes.
I have heard people compare football to religion. I admit that it can become a problem if it becomes idolatrous – a false god. No false god will ever keep its promise of fulfilment; and football, although absorbing for millions, can no more be the answer to the “meaning of life, the universe and everything” than the number 42.* Fortunately, most fans realise this, but during World Cup season, they sometimes forget. In the words of the psalmist (Psalm 147) God does not take pleasure
“in the strength of the horse,
nor delight in the legs of a man…”(!)
The word ‘fan’ is an abbreviation of fanatic, suggesting the worst aspects of religious adherents, including intolerance and even violence. Football, like religion, has sometimes been used as an excuse for violence and the display of devotion by fans has sometimes been seen as over the top. But this may be a matter of taste. Then, of course, there is all the peripheral stuff that has developed around football; vuvuzelas this time, although irritating in their own way, may be less irritating than endless coverage on the activities of the “WAG”s. Too much “razzamatazz” as we would say back home.
As I watch the occasional match, even in my ignorance I can marvel at and appreciate the skill of the players. It seems incredible how they can shoot – or head the ball – so accurately past their opponents and into the goal (well, sometimes, anyway!).
And perhaps this is a real part of the attraction of the game: that God has created us with the ability to stretch ourselves to perform such amazing feats with our bodies, as well as with our brains.
The Bible records the wonder of humankind, made in the image of the Creator, and how their skill and beauty bring glory to God. This is true of all creation, including plants and animals, but is supremely true of humanity in its work, crafts, artistic ability and sport. The speed, strength, stamina and skill of footballers and other sportspeople rightly bring delight to those who watch.
“I praise you
because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful.” (Psalm 139.14)
“You made [humans] a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honour.” (Psalm 8.4-6)
An additional skill demonstrated by the players is the teamwork, timing and coordination demanded of them. That communal aspect of the game is also reflected in the spectators, fans and followers, giving us something in which to share. They are our team, about which we can talk with strangers as well as friends. It provides a sense of community and connectedness often lacking in everyday life. True community, founded on our shared relationship with Christ, is more enduring than any provided by a sporting event, contributing both to the strength and attractiveness of the church.
But football can still be fun to watch!
Steve Prior
* Douglas Adams, “The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy”