Religion: Wanted: Christian Sports

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Can football coaches be Christians? Can athletes become outstanding laymen in the church? Apparently not, says James W. Carty Jr., religious news editor of the Nashville Tennesseean in the current issue of the Methodist monthly Together. He quotes a pessimistic sports photographer: "In games, sportsmen divorce their conduct from their religious principles." and Editor Carty, a member of the Disciples of Christ, agrees 'that "this dark stain in our sports fabric" has spread over the whole athletic field.

"Nothing counts but victories, no matter how achieved. I have searched long, diligently—and in vain—to find more than one individual who is outstanding both as an athlete and layman.* I have learned that to be a good sport in the concept of athletes and coaches one must 1) win at any cost. 2) cheat if necessary—but don't get caught, 3) feel that victory, not having fun. is important."

The churches should start a mission to athletes, says Carty. College chaplains should challenge coaches and players to become "Christian sports" and "persuade alumni to ease off on this pressure for victory streaks and place the pressure . . . on fun and 're-creation.' Until this is done, our games are going to be pagan festivals, not Christian contests."