@badlaw
Please don't be ignorant. Soccer as we know it was created less than 200 years ago in Britain. Which god was it dedicated to? Same as basketball. Can you tell me which god basketball was dedicated to?

Do a simple research and don't be sentimental.

I do not think there's anything wrong with sports. According to the Bible nothing is wrong with keeping fit just that it profits little. Pastor Adeboye was a boxer

I do not think there's anything wrong with sports. According to the Bible nothing is wrong with keeping fit just that it profits little. Pastor Adeboye was a boxer

Lord_Reed:

@harakiri
Abeg take it easy with this your history lesson. Was soccer made to glorify any god? Was baseball? Was basketball? The main reason for sports was as a substitute to martial pursuits. As a King or Emperor you need your standing army to always be in top physical condition. Running, jumping, marathons and so on were ways to test the human physique of the soldiers not to dedicate to any god, a practical reason not a sentimental one. Did they do sports on feast days celebrating gods? Yes they did but that did not form the origins.

As for the bible, it does not condemn physical workouts. What the bible says is if you care so much for your body (that will age and die) why can't you care for your spirit (that is eternal)?

***[s]i was really hoping this thread didn't disintegrate into meaningless arguments[/s]***

Did you read my posts or just skimmed through? What part of "most sports" is hard for you to understand? Didn't you see where i mentioned running,wrestling,shot put and javelin as a few examples? In between, are sports such as football,basketball and base ball dedicated towards worshiping the Christian god?

If you had read through my post without a biased mind, you would have clearly seen that the points i got across focused on the symbolism of the sports practiced today with ancient Greek customs and worship. The stadium where all these sports take place has Greek god background. Some of the ceremonies that begin these events have Greek god background (even the entertainment,medal awards and so many other functions performed within the stadium have Greek background). These are straight forward facts not sentiments.

Why can't you people learn to cross check the credibility of someone's posts before rushing into making sentimental comments? The OP wants to know what the bible says about sports. I (and others) have made it clear that sports and Christianity have nothing to do with each other. What on earth is so hard and complex about that to understand?

Na wa oooooooo!

Christians and the Games
The religious nature of the games was one reason for first-century Christians to shun them, for “what agreement does God’s temple have with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, 16) What of sports today?
Obviously, modern sports do not honor pagan gods. Yet, is it not true that some sports are surrounded by a near-religious fervor, comparable to that which existed among the ancients? Moreover, as reports over the last few years have shown, in order to win, some athletes have been willing to take performance-enhancing drugs that endanger their health and even their lives.
For Christians, physical achievement is of very limited worth. Spiritual qualities of “the secret person of the heart” are what make us beautiful in God’s eyes. (1 Peter 3:3, 4) We recognize that not all who take part in sports today have a fierce competitive spirit, but many do. Will association with them help us to follow the Scriptural exhortation to ‘do nothing out of contentiousness, or out of egotism, but to have lowliness of mind?’ Or will such association not result in “enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions”?—Philippians 2:3; Galatians 5:19-21.
Many modern contact sports have a potential for violence. Anyone attracted to such sports does well to remember the words of Psalm 11:5: “Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates.”
In its right place, exercise can be enjoyable, and the apostle Paul did say that “bodily training is beneficial for a little.” (1 Timothy 4:7-10) When he spoke of the Greek games, however, Paul appropriately referred to them merely to illustrate the importance for Christians to have such qualities as self-control and endurance. The goal Paul was striving to attain, above all else, was that of receiving the God-given “crown” of everlasting life. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 6:12) In that, he set an example for us.
exrated from Awake

Bodily exercise profits little.

Christians and the Games
The religious nature of the games was one reason for first-century Christians to shun them, for “what agreement does God’s temple have with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, 16) What of sports today?
Obviously, modern sports do not honor pagan gods. Yet, is it not true that some sports are surrounded by a near-religious fervor, comparable to that which existed among the ancients? Moreover, as reports over the last few years have shown, in order to win, some athletes have been willing to take performance-enhancing drugs that endanger their health and even their lives.
For Christians, physical achievement is of very limited worth. Spiritual qualities of “the secret person of the heart” are what make us beautiful in God’s eyes. (1 Peter 3:3, 4) We recognize that not all who take part in sports today have a fierce competitive spirit, but many do. Will association with them help us to follow the Scriptural exhortation to ‘do nothing out of contentiousness, or out of egotism, but to have lowliness of mind?’ Or will such association not result in “enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions”?—Philippians 2:3; Galatians 5:19-21.
Many modern contact sports have a potential for violence. Anyone attracted to such sports does well to remember the words of Psalm 11:5: “Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates.”
In its right place, exercise can be enjoyable, and the apostle Paul did say that “bodily training is beneficial for a little.” (1 Timothy 4:7-10) When he spoke of the Greek games, however, Paul appropriately referred to them merely to illustrate the importance for Christians to have such qualities as self-control and endurance. The goal Paul was striving to attain, above all else, was that of receiving the God-given “crown” of everlasting life. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 6:12) In that, he set an example for us.
extracted from Awake

@harakiri
Cool down and show me the origin of the most sports you are talking about (I've mentioned the worldwide favourites). Running was dedicated to a greek god? Are you for real? These sports were practiced as a way for standing armies to keep fit in times of peace you are here telling me gods. You are the one who needs to check facts. Marathon came about because of a legendary runner who ran to bear news of a victory on a battlefield and thus Marathons were instituted as a tribute to that guy (he died after performing the feat) and as endurance testing for soldiers. Javelin was a prehistoric weapon and the sport that arose out of it was because soldiers competed to see who could haul them the farthest not because any god told them to. Similarly shot put and wrestling. All military combat forms. Get your facts straight.

Yes Olympics is pagan symbolism  but the sports themselves are not. Don't confuse yourself by substituting Olympic symbolism for the origin of sports. Not even what we call martial arts were dedicated to gods. Yes the people who practiced them were pagans but their emphasis was never the pagan activities people usually associate with them. So according to you eating is done during pagan feasts dedicated to gods so anytime someone eats he is doing it in honour of some god. Please hear how ridiculous your argument sounds.

The OP did not ask if sports are dedicated to Jesus he asked what does the bible say about sports. You are the one getting it twisted.

Hey!

don't disturb yourself, sport is good and nothing wrong with boxing nor wrestling,

these are potentials embedded in us and they all find expression in different ways and field, some its football, athletics, baseball, judo, boxing etc

what the bible says about sport is that it "profit little" in other word all you can get as a result of sport the bible it profit little, when comere  with spiritual exercise

@Daiguiri, this is the 2Timothy you quated;

7. I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. 8 From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but also to all those who have loved his manifestation.



The wrestling bible talks about is not a physical one. Note, Ephesians 6: 3-6, finally go on acquiring power in the lord & in the mightiness of his strength. Put on the complete suit of armor from God  that you may be able to stay firm against the mechanism of the devil, because we have wrestling not against blood and flesh but against the govts, authorities, and the world rulers of this darkness,,,,,.
The bible is in no way encouraging us  to prepare for physical fight as is been practiced today. The wrestle is a spiritual one of which paul knows that the children of God are going to face attacks from the devil hence the need for us to equip ourselves like a spiritual soldier. “ On this account take up the complete suit of armor from God. Therefore stand with your loin’s girded about with truth, and having the breastplate of righteousness and with your feet shod with equipment of goodness of peace. Above all things, take up the large shield of faith , with which you will be able to quench all the wicked burning missiles’’,,,,,,…,
It is no doubt that we need physical exercise for  our healthy living, enhance emotional health, mental alertness, balance flexibility, development of strong bones, muscles and for prevention of ever weight and obesity. However, the origin of so many sports activities, the spirit of competition associated with the world sportst is something one should dig into. As someone has rightly said



From what I can remember concerning Greek mythologies, the running athlete carrying a burning torch in today's olympics is symbolic with the tale of promotheus who is said to have stolen fire from the eternal burning altars of Zeus and his wife Hera. Fire was a symbol of eternity/life in those days. I know I'm deviating right now but everything from the olympics,"christian festivals, days of the week/months and even a lot of practices done in church today ALL have idol worship backgrounds


Sports activities has to be fun partaking, focusing on the enjoyment and benefit of staying in healthy and good shape, but in world sports, winning is everything, this creates an environment where the venerable suffers. It it very low to maintain a balance view of winning and losing in competition. The bible calls unbridled rivalry “ vanity and striving after wind”
World Sports tend to fuel unhealthy spirit of competition

In my view there is nothing wrong with indulging in sporting activities. I am a spirit filled xtian, yet I still create time for sports. I have a 3rd degree black belt in karate, equally grounded in judo, taekwondo and kickboxing. The fact that these sports- commonly categorized as martial arts- look harmful to players does not make it wrong or sinful. It is more like playing chess which is mental exercise or competition.  Martial art is both mental and physical. Having said that, the manner, intention and others associated with practicing or competing may be called to question. If you are young in christianity, some of the things you will notice around sporting faciltities can be a 'put off' - indecent dressing, promiscuity, flirting, anger, vengeance, cheating, even diabolism are very prevalent. That is even when you a competing athlete and not just looking to learn a few moves or grow some muscles.

If you are matured enough, I am sure you can cope. In any case, even in a normal secular work environment today, these things are also very prevalent. Not indulging in sports does not make you any more spiritual. It is a mindset. I used to attend a church where women don't wear ear rings, makeups or pants, yet, I kept confessing my sins everything two days. My christian life changed when i understood that it is by grace i am saved not by my own strength, and that our righteosness is like a filthy rag before God. When  grace comes upon, you would be able to remain blameless in life's encounter. you won't have to force yourself to live righteously. The thing is that, most ministers of the gospel are important persons in the public domain, and can't be seen wrestling or boxing (i am sure Papa Adeboye stopped boxing when he was called into ministry) but the rest of the people not called may pursue  careers in sports if they want to. That is my view. wisdom is profitable to direct. Sometimes I feel I am a stronger, more energetic person when I feed mind, my body, and my spirit. by feeding my mind, I read stuffs and engage in thoughts and ideas creation and learn new things, by feeding my body, I engage in physical training. By feeding my spirit, i engage in the word digest, listen to anointed tapes and preachers and read christian books. I tell you I feel I may live forever!

I will ask my Pastor

stildude:

In my view there is nothing wrong with indulging in sporting activities. I am a spirit filled xtian, yet I still create time for sports. I have a 3rd degree black belt in karate, equally grounded in judo, taekwondo and kickboxing. The fact that these sports- commonly categorized as martial arts- look harmful to players does not make it wrong or sinful. It is more like playing chess which is mental exercise or competition.  Martial art is both mental and physical. Having said that, the manner, intention and others associated with practicing or competing may be called to question. If you are young in christianity, some of the things you will notice around sporting faciltities can be a 'put off' - indecent dressing, promiscuity, flirting, anger, vengeance, cheating, even diabolism are very prevalent. That is even when you a competing athlete and not just looking to learn a few moves or grow some muscles.

If you are matured enough, I am sure you can cope. In any case, even in a normal secular work environment today, these things are also very prevalent. Not indulging in sports does not make you any more spiritual. It is a mindset. I used to attend a church where women don't wear ear rings, makeups or pants, yet, I kept confessing my sins everything two days. My christian life changed when i understood that it is by grace i am saved not by my own strength, and that our righteosness is like a filthy rag before God. When  grace comes upon, you would be able to remain blameless in life's encounter. you won't have to force yourself to live righteously. The thing is that, most ministers of the gospel are important persons in the public domain, and can't be seen wrestling or boxing (i am sure Papa Adeboye stopped boxing when he was called into ministry) but the rest of the people not called may pursue  careers in sports if they want to. That is my view. wisdom is profitable to direct. Sometimes I feel I am a stronger, more energetic person when I feed mind, my body, and my spirit. by feeding my mind, I read stuffs and engage in thoughts and ideas creation and learn new things, by feeding my body, I engage in physical training. By feeding my spirit, i engage in the word digest, listen to anointed tapes and preachers and read christian books. I tell you I feel I may live forever!

NICE! The bold are so true!

Hi friend.there is a place in the bible where sport like athletic is mentioned.first Corinthians 9:24-27(although Paul was using it as an example on how christians should run their heavenly race, but if it was sin he wouldn't have mentioned it) . Check also First Timothy 4:7-8( Paul told timothy to do exercise which is like sport, that it profits little). from these two verses it shows that Sport in it entity is not a sin unless used to worship a particular god that is not Our real GOD. thanks

everything dat exist today is mentioned in d bible(they may nt appear very clear,but u can always trace it).atleast,paul mentioned sports.i love my bible!
KAKA is a true born again xtian n him bein a footballer brings glory to God.i stil remem d speech he gav wen he won world best footballer,he jus cudnt stop acknowldgn God jus like many oda futbalas who lift hands to heaven to thank God.i lov madrid cos of kaka.decent dude.in essence,d motives behind wot we do is wot realy matters.

Paul recommend to timothy "bodily excercise profiteth a little" (refering to sporting activities). Paul withnessed several sports, this elicit his sporting comparism of xtianity. And more so, God is not interested in putting us in boredom as many xtians advocate, just do whatever u do within d confine of love of God, love of one another and good conscience. Forget all this unfounded 'Zeus' , 'hercules' et al story. Sport is good with good hrt jor.

Yes in 1Cor.9:24-27 Apostle Paul admonished christians to learn from the discipline and focus of athlets. He must have been watching them. Also 1Tim.4:8 says "bodily training is of some value, "

@harakiri, i dont know u, but i have to say ur insights are spot on.
I just hope u can appreciate the level of brainwashing the church (actually, religion in general) has been doing for centuries now.
so don't blame anyone if they discard ur write-ups with/without doing their unbiased research, its just goes to show the effectiveness of the system (religious brainwash).

Do people think the American forefathers were stupid for them to right into law the concept of" the separation of church and state".
They had seen what had happened in Europe and all that.

I can't laugh enough at what some pple actually believe with no fact to base it on. "God help us" lol

Beync:


@Daiguiri, this is the 2 Timothy you quated;

7. I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith.
8 From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but also to all those who have loved his manifestation.


The wrestling bible talks about is not a physical one. [/b]Note, Ephesians 6: 3-6, finally go on acquiring power in the lord & in the mightiness of his strength. Put on the complete suit of armor from God  that you may be able to stay firm against the mechanism of the devil, because we have wrestling not against blood and flesh but against the govts, authorities, and the world rulers of this darkness,,,,,.
[b]The bible is in no way encouraging us  to prepare for physical fight as is been practiced today. The wrestle is a spiritual one of which paul knows that the children of God are going to face attacks from the devil hence the need for us to equip ourselves like a spiritual soldier. “ On this account take up the complete suit of armor from God. Therefore stand with your loin’s girded about with truth, and having the breastplate of righteousness and with your feet shod with equipment of goodness of peace. Above all things, take up the large shield of faith , with which you will be able to quench all the wicked burning missiles’’,,,,,,…,
It is no doubt that we need physical exercise for our healthy living, enhance emotional health, mental alertness, balance flexibility, development of strong bones, muscles and for prevention of ever weight and obesity. However, the origin of so many sports activities, the spirit of competition associated with the world sportst is something one should dig into. As someone has rightly said

From what I can remember concerning Greek mythologies, the running athlete carrying a burning torch in today's olympics is symbolic with the tale of promotheus who is said to have stolen fire from the eternal burning altars of Zeus and his wife Hera. Fire was a symbol of eternity/life in those days. I know I'm deviating right now but everything from the olympics,"christian festivals, days of the week/months and even a lot of practices done in church today ALL have idol worship backgrounds


Sports activities has to be fun partaking, focusing on the enjoyment and benefit of staying in healthy and good shape, but in world sports, winning is everything, this creates an environment where the venerable suffers. It it very low to maintain a balance view of winning and losing in competition. The bible calls unbridled rivalry “ vanity and striving after wind”
World Sports tend to fuel unhealthy spirit of competition

plappville on October 17, 2011, 08:49 PM:


Just want to know if its against the biblie for a christian practising sports like Judo, Wresling, Boxing etc.
I ve not come across a verse yet but someone told me, they re not a biblical surported.
What do u know about this? your views are needed plz.

^

First, please without flying off on a tangent, point out to me from plappville's quote above where Olympics was mentioned

Is sport all about Olympics?

I do a few sports, just for leisure or pleasure

Secondly after finishing joking about Isaac sporting with his wife Rebekah

I not only said "Also on record that Paul fought a good fight (i.e. possibly boxing) - 2 Timothy 4:7"

but also said "Judo or Wrestling mentioned in the Bible - Genesis 32:24"

You hammered on 2 Timothy 4:7 but conveniently gave Genesis 32:24 the cold turkey

The bible is in no way encouraging us  to prepare for physical fight as is been practiced today?

However, the origin of so many sports activities?

OK, then how did Jacob later to be known as Israel develop a limp?

Who was Jacob wrestling with?

Who dislodged Jacob's hip during the wrestle?

"olympics,
"christian festivals,
days of the week/months
and even a lot of practices done in church today
ALL have idol worship background"

Hmm-hmm.  Welcome to "Sasha Fierce's" world

!@denitro,
are u really sure of what are saying, tennis been played in pharaoh court,
i don't think that is the real interpretation of it.

^^^^^^^^ Its called sarcasm, duh

foseni:

Hi friend.there is a place in the bible where sport like athletic is mentioned.first Corinthians 9:24-27(although Paul was using it as an example on how christians should run their heavenly race, but if it was sin he wouldn't have mentioned it) . Check also First Timothy 4:7-8( Paul told timothy to do exercise which is like sport, that it profits little). from these two verses it shows that Sport in it entity is not a sin unless used to worship a particular god that is not Our real GOD. thanks

You are right, If it was really sin, Paul wouldn't ve mentioned it or he would ve mentioned it in a negetively.
Thanks and God bless u.

@ o.obim, @sampeter and others, thanks alots God bless u.

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa nna u no try at ollllllllllllllllll

aso ebi:

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa nna u no try at ollllllllllllllllll

How does this contributes? express plz, i dont understand.

Thanks for replying my post. JESUS IS REAL AND GOD IS LORD.
I PRAY THE HOLY SPIRIT OPEN YOUR EYES TO SEE THE TRUE ABOUT JESUS.

GOD LOVES YOU.

To me, and from my meager daily study of Gods true and faithful word, the most important aspect of following Christ is to Love, not Hate. I can show others that i don't need fleshly, lustful selfish pleasures and I can find pleasure and comfort in the LORD. Win or lose, happy or sad I always have Jesus. I love sports! I love running and bicycling and baseball and golf and giving thanks to The Father for my health and the sky and the trees and all His great gifts.

Finding true and lasting principals from God isn't about arguing or being right or wrong nor is it winning or losing a race, It's always about showing love for others before self. Jesus gives us salvation from mercy. In other words, we truly don't deserve His gift, but He gives it to us anyway. so don't hate someone just because they are wrong or see things the way you do, after studying the bible for a few years, God begins to change us, we become more like Him and more and more we are able to know Him and know how He wants us to live.

Gods word is trustworthy and complete. All questions are answered in the bible, we just have to believe(faith) and He shows us.

If I were to answer this question I would say this, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"
Love, mercy and grace in abundance,
JB

strat59: To me, and from my meager daily study of Gods true and faithful word, the most important aspect of following Christ is to Love, not Hate. I can show others that i don't need fleshly, lustful selfish pleasures and I can find pleasure and comfort in the LORD. Win or lose, happy or sad I always have Jesus. I love sports! I love running and bicycling and baseball and golf and giving thanks to The Father for my health and the sky and the trees and all His great gifts.

Finding true and lasting principals from God isn't about arguing or being right or wrong nor is it winning or losing a race, It's always about showing love for others before self. Jesus gives us salvation from mercy. In other words, we truly don't deserve His gift, but He gives it to us anyway. so don't hate someone just because they are wrong or see things the way you do, after studying the bible for a few years, God begins to change us, we become more like Him and more and more we are able to know Him and know how He wants us to live.

Gods word is trustworthy and complete. All questions are answered in the bible, we just have to believe(faith) and He shows us.

If I were to answer this question I would say this, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"
Love, mercy and grace in abundance,
JB

Nice one thanks.

As with most other things, sport in itself doesn't necessarily have to be seen as anti - christian.

Context needs to be considered.

plappville: Just want to know if its against the biblie for a christian practising sports like Judo, Wresling, Boxing etc.
I ve not come across a verse yet but someone told me, they re not a biblical surported.
What do u know about this? Ur views are needed plz.

Hmmm, therefore if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourself to regulations. Do not touch, do not handle. Which all concern things which perish with the using, according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Colossians 2:20-23

The bible speaks for itself!

PastorOluT:


Hmmm, therefore if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourself to regulations. Do not touch, do not handle. Which all concern things which perish with the using, according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Colossians 2:20-23

The bible speaks for itself!

Thanks!

Image123:

Sport is basically entertainment, a pastime, competitive activity. Bible says "Rom 14:20  For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offense. "+Titus 1v15. It depends on your spiritual understanding and situation. Some things are not sin but may be wrong, and may cause others to sin. It is wrong not to keep to time, ti may be a sin or not a sin depending. God sees our hearts and weighs ALL our works. nevertheless, we should not live without concern for others, or satisfy our flesh, or abuse our use of the world. Whatsover we do, we should do all to the glory of God. That something is called sport/entertainment does not mean it's good. Gambling is sport to some, playing lotto is, strip dancing is, swallowing knives, r.omancing snakes, these are all sports. Almost anything can be made a sport.
Jdg 16:27  Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport.


1Corinth 7:31  And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
We as believers are not to love the world, or the things that are in the world, just as someone else earlier posted.

Whatever we meet in this world should be held with'loose hands'. i.e We should be willing to drop them anytime, no matter how much we enjoy them. that should be our attitude to the world and its system.

Love God, love your neighbour as yourself. That simplehard command takes out competition, doesn't it. 'Cause if you truly loved your neighbour as yourself you would not want him to lose, or be hit, as you don't want to lose or be hit. So how the heavens do you win in sport? Take it as a sport, not 'do or die', out of my way, all i care is to win attitude, regardless of what happens to other competitors. Now, that's very hard, maybe humanly impossible to achieve. So we might both be involved in something(a 'good sport'), and my heart may be different from your heart. God sees both hearts, we see two sport men. Whatsover we do, we should do all to the glory of God. If there's a way possible for Judo, wrestling, boxing, gambling etc would glorify God. How it can be possible, if it is possible, by all means, then do it.

Image123,
The bolded is a bit funny.
Sports are not the only competitive events you participate in; applying for jobs is another where you work hard and pray to beat other applicants.

Another one is promotion. You may not wish your colleagues to lose but by praying you move into a competitive position, you are exactly doing that.

Education too, especially in scholarships. You really want to win at others' expense

Even in business. If you set up your business and pray for customers to come your way, you really pray they leave their current preferred sellers for you.

And isn't courtship itself competitive? When you are attracted to a lady and approach her, are you not wishing or praying she abandons all other interested blokes and accepts you?

It's all about demand and supply basics. When supply for anything valuable is low, we compete increasing the demand. Not all get the scarce item. This is an acceptable principle of life

In short, I think this is the weakest argument against sports; that there can't be love in competition.

Cc plapville