The Theology of Ray Lewis
This article articulated my thoughts exactly. Being from Charm City, of course I am excited about the home team, their big win, and have a fond admiration for all the players. But I get antsy when any sports star attributes their win to having “God’s favor” or anything like that. Some may say that they admire Lewis for his outspoken faith; I find it dubious and misguided (although well meaning).
Whenever anyone asks me whether God has a hand in the outcome of sporting events, I have a ready answer. I point to the three little league baseball seasons I coached with a fellow Episcopal priest: We never had a winning season. Granted we weren’t exactly down on our knees in the dugout or teaching our players the proper way to cross themselves in the batter’s box. But you’d think God would have at least sent one power hitter our way or blessed us with an outfielder who could actually track fly balls.
There’s been a lot of talk about God’s role in sports the past few weeks. Sports Illustrated even ran a cover story with the headline “Does God Care Who Wins the Super Bowl?” featuring a picture of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis emerging from a body of water with his hands clasped in prayer.
Source: The Huffington Post
