Wimpy athletes and sissy Christians
September 7th, 2007One of the common myths that continue to persist about Christian athletes is that they’re not competitive enough, not aggressive enough, to succeed in the sports world.
A prime example is a recent story I read on mlb.com about Tampa Bay Devil Rays shortstop Ben Zobrist. The writer made a point to mention that Zobrist is a devout Christian, “which has prompted some to question his competitiveness,” the story says.
Let’s see here. Albert Pujols is a Christian. So is Tony Dungy. John Smoltz is, too. Oh yeah, and Sean Alexander. Lance Berkman, Bobby Bowden, Mariano Rivera, Dwight Howard, Joe Gibbs and many others — nobody’s questioning their competitiveness because they are Christians.
“One of the common myths that continue to persist about Christian athletes is that they’re not competitive enough, not aggressive enough, to succeed in the sports world.”
I agree this is a myth and it also applies to non-Christian athletes, secular athletes and atheist athletes. Ichiro and most of the Japanese baseball players are non-Christians and likely, secular in their beliefs. Lance Armstrong is a competitive atheist who has overcome substantial obstacles. I think the drive to succeed depends more upon the talent and character of the athlete in question than on their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
I know he has since retired and died but the first athlete that came to my mind was Reggie White. Christian ordained minister. One of the best defensive ends to play the game.
Ben Roethlisberger is also a professing christian. Jon Kolb who played lineman for the steelers in the 70’s and also compeated if several worlds strongest man competions is a christian I actually attended a small Bible study that he led while he was coaching college football and he was still very competative.
I think allot of this can be laid at the feet of many in the Christian community that hold up these guys as Christian role models. Why do we feel the need to give these guys extra attention just because they are athletes. Why can’t we just treat athletes as athletes. Sometimes I think we fall into the same sort of idolitry that the world has of worshiping these guys, we just do it under the guise of Christianity.