Sports in society - Essay Example

Sports in Sociology to insert Unit of Affiliation Due Sports in Sociology In the world of sport, man has internalized the concept of supernatural intervention as the basis of success. Thus, this reflective treatise attempts to explicitly contextualize ideas and beliefs surrounding religion and their influence on success as claimed by athletes around the globe. Besides, these comments are categorized into themes attributing success to supernatural influence. Reflection on religion as influential in performance and achievement through intervention of a supernatural power has existed since the beginning of the ancient world.

Man has always believed in existence of supernatural power and established religion to practice the art of worship of the supernatural being (Higgs, 1995). Across the globe, the main religions include Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism (Forney, 2011). In the famous interview with Jonathan Edward, a British jumper and Olympic champion, he declined to participate in the World Championship in 1991 because it was held on his worship day on Sunday. Later, he confesses of strong belief in God who is the source of his success.

Besides, the NFL quarterback called Kurt Warner advised a fellow team member to seek religious intervention since the Lord is with the team. Specifically, he points his finger to the sky after every score to appreciate the supreme power. He argues that faith and religion in part of his career and that his team depends on God’s endorsement to flaunt. Nathan Scheelhaase and Tim Tebow, Illinois quarterbacks, share the same sentiments with Kurt Warner that religion is an identity concept. Besides, the former NBA Mutombo Dikembe and MBL Jeff Kent have deeply religious state of mind.

Interestingly, these athletes have internalized the influence of religion and the vital role played by supernatural power in their success (Arnold, 2011). As a matter of fact, Edward boycotts a major event since it clashes with day of worship. Besides, Kurt Warner always kneels down in the field before every game and attributes success to God. ReferencesArnold, P. (2011). Religion and Sports. New York: University Readers. Forney, C. (2011). The Holy Trinity of American Sports: Civil Religion in Football, Baseball, and Basketball.

Georgia: Mercer University Press.Higgs, R. (1995). God in the stadium: sports and religion in America. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky.Links to interview articleshttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-433499/Edwards-jumps-job-crisis-faith.htmlhttp://garciamedialife.com/2011/11/30/athletes-and-religion-seems-to-be-working-for-the-broncos/http://www.dailyillini.com/index.php/article/2011/10/for_some_illinois_athletes_religion_is_a_central_part_of_their_identityhttp://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2011/12/03/bleacher-reports-25-most-religious-athletes/http://bleacherreport.

com/articles/962060-the-25-most-religious-athletes