Football has been a widely accepted sport in a variety of religious backgrounds and is loved by many. Nonetheless, there has been a debate surrounding the topic of whether playing football is considered a sin in Christianity.
Firstly, according to theological scholars, playing football is permissible and in line with Christian teachings, as it can be considered a form of physical exercise. Several Bible scholars point out that physical activity, such as that found in football, is emphasized in scripture. The Apostle Paul speaks of the importance of bodily health, for instance, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, when he says “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?”. Additionally, the scripture in Colossians 3:23-24 speaks of the importance of doing activities with a sense of service to God when it says “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men”. Therefore, it can be argued that sports activities, such as football, can be employed as an instrument to serve God, making it permissible in a Christian life.
On the other hand, there are some who believe that football is in opposition to religious values. Pastor Nile Coates, of the Faith Ministries Church, argues that playing football is against Christian principles, as it introduces an unnecessary desire to win, something that goes against the values of humility and unselfishness taught in Christianity. Many point out that the physical contact in football can be violent and can lead to injury, mirroring the values of aggression and violence, which goes against the idea of living a life with Christian morals.
Controversially, some groups argue that football is immoral simply because it is a sport, with anything other than prayer and bible study discouraged for Christians. This is seen in the words of Pastor Donald Nix, who states “We must not allow ourselves to be conformed to the world of sports and entertainment”.
Ultimately, the notion of whether playing football is a sin in Christianity is complex, as those in favor of the sport and those in opposition to it can both draw one’s attention to seemingly viable points.
Economic Aspect
The economic aspect of playing football is a major focal point of the debate surrounding its acceptance in a Christian lifestyle. Professional football can become lucrative and can reap great economic success, making it attractive to some. It could be argued that this economic success could be used as a vehicle to pursue Christian goals and can be seen as a form of gospel growth when a Christian player chooses to use his or her earnings to serve the church.
However, there are some who strongly disagree with this viewpoint. Evangelist John Paul Jackson, for instance, argues that the pursuit of monetary success can often lead to moral compromise and can distract youth from Christian activities and reflecting upon scripture. In this respect, it can be argued that football should be played in moderation, as unregulated participation in the sport with the goals of monetary gain can be seen as a sin in the eyes of Christianity.
Furthermore, those in opposition to football will point out the potential for debauchery in professional football, with respect to the fact that many football players flout their money and their lifestyle in order to promote their image and gain material satisfaction. In this regard, a life of football may be seen as living an immoral life, thus placing it in opposition of Christian teachings.
It is thus clear that, while some view playing football in a professional capacity to reap financial gain as an opportunity to do good, it cannot be overlooked that those who choose that lifestyle often do so to the detriment of their morality.
Physical Aspect
While it is important to take into account the economic aspects of playing football, it is likewise important to assess the physical consequences that come along with the sport as this is another prominent area of debate. Those in favor of football in A Christian life point out the many physical and psychological benefits. Playing football encourages physical activity, something which is highly beneficial for both physical and mental health. Studies have found that exercise increases focus, boost moods, and reduces stress and anxiety, things which are encouraged in biblical teaching. As such, regular football engagement can be beneficial and seen as a blessing within a Christian lifestyle.
However, it should be noted that football carries with it the risk of physical injury, which can bring with it moral questions. In this respect, it must be considered that football players should take caution during the game, exercising safety in order to protect their bodies from excessive harm. Additionally, when assessing the physical effects of football, it should be analyzed that in some cases, due to the physical nature of the game, football can lead to overly aggressive behavior, something which is not usually seen in religious teachings.
All things considered, it is fair to say that, while there are certain risks associated with playing football, when done in moderation and with safety in mind, football can be seen as beneficial from a physical aspect and in line with Christian teachings.
Cultural Aspect
The cultural aspect of playing football is an area of debate that draws an interesting mix of opinions on whether football is permissible in a Christian lifestyle. Some point out that football can introduce individuals to moral values, such as teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, something which are all encouraged in Christian teachings. Sponsorships, such as those found in the NFL, support charities and introduce avenues for religious activities, such as prayer, making it a vehicle of Christian growth and expansion. Furthermore, some point out that football can be seen as a form of evangelism, with the notion that football can be used to spread the Christian message to a broader audience.
However, the notion that football is a means of Christian promotion is not shared by all, with some arguing that football can often introduce people to cultures and lifestyles that are considered immoral and against Christian teachings. It has been argued that Saints players, for example, have strayed from moral teachings by introducing sexual immorality and profanity through their lifestyles. Additionally, some argue that football can create a false sense of importance and pride and draw attention to celebrities, things which go against the Christian teachings of humility and service.
Ultimately, while football may be seen as unwelcoming of some values within the Christian ethos, when analyzed more closely it may be seen as an avenue of moral growth and religious enlightenment. Football, when played with moral caution and a sense of service, can be seen as a means of bringing a religious message to wider audience.
Environmental Aspect
The environmental side of playing football has become a growing issue within the conversation of whether it is permissible in Christianity or not. Football, when not disciplined and controlled, can become a wasteful and damaging activity with serious environmental implications. Plastic bottles, for example, can often find their way into football stadiums, creating plastic pollution and waste. Likewise, the excessive use of water during football games, specifically on astroturfs and plastic playing pitches, has come into question in regards to its environmental impact.
Despite this, it could be argued that football is beneficial for the environment. A study conducted in 2018 shows that playing football outdoors can actually reduce the negative effects of climate change, as the use of turf and foliage in the football leagues and clubs provides a natural source of carbon absorption. Furthermore, football clubs can initiate green campaigns, such as using solar panels, encouraging the use of recyclable products, and promotion of individual waste-reducing initiatives, all of which can be a form of good stewardship, an attribute highly valued in Christianity.
All things considered, it is difficult to make a judgement as to whether football is environmentally friendly or not as it depends on the context in which it is utilized. While it could be seen as detrimental to the environment, it can also be seen as a means of ecological preservation, depending on the efforts that football clubs are willing to make in order to ensure environmental safety.
Spiritual Aspect
The spiritual aspect of playing football has been scrutinized by both those in favor and those in opposition of the sport. Those in favor of football in a Christian life will argue that playing football can provide spiritual benefit as it encourages an environment of faith and discipleship, with players encouraged to rely upon God’s guidance and support in order to dominate the game. Additionally, athletes can often find community and fellowship within the football environment, something which can provide spiritual nourishment.
Conversely, those against the sport will point that a life in football can distract one from their relationship with God, as it encourages pride and individual success, something which Christianity strongly advises against. Additionally, football introduces an extreme sense of competition and a desire for winning, qualities that can cause one to lose sight of their commitment to God. Lastly, those in opposition to football will point out the potential for negative immorality within the football context, an aspect which can hinder spiritual growth and development.
Ultimately, it is difficult to make a blanket judgement on whether playing football is a sin in a Christian life as both sides draw attention to points of interest. What can be said, however, is that when it comes to football, it is important that individuals be watchful and principled, paying attention to the spiritual implications of their commitments, in order to ensure that they are playing football in a way that lines up with the Christian teachings.
