Strong Links of Religion in Sport - Essay Example

Sporting is one of the fields where strong links of religion has played part. Sports always bring together people of various religions, political positions, social classes and myriad beliefs. In sports, several people always link their winning beliefs to supernatural powers linked to their gods. In certain occasions, some people always perform sacrifices to their gods in order to accord them the power to will. The winning spirit and routine of the Dallas Cowboys is tied to the super belief in the supernatural being. However, the question of whose god, amongst the competing teams is stronger. The winners, if holding spirits in the same, always link the most to their gods for handing them victory. However, this is not the case because winning games are subject to fate. The Super Bowl is one amongst these games linked to religion. Super Bowl serves as a major religious festival to Americans relevant to conservation of the culture. Joseph Price , in the article, “The Super Bowl as Religious Festival” retrieved on February 23 2014 from http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=1375 asserts that in such events, various personalities always become party, thus elevating the spirits and enthusiasm amongst those in attendance. As a cultural event, Super Bowl serves to reinforce religious myths connoting national innocence as well as apotheosis. The issue of religion and banking is of crucial importance. Vicente Sansano asserts in his article, “ Islamic banking, halal banking” retrieved on February 23, 2014 from http://www.webislam.com/articles/68057-islamic_banking_halal_banking.html that several issues have arisen following the possibility of Islamic banks offering loans and finances to people of different religions. The issue of accessing such banks has been a subject of discussion following the terms and conditions of borrowing from halal banks. However, it is welcoming that Islamic banks share risks, lend money to borrowers as well as grant credits. This is similar to other banks owned by other religions. However, it is worth noting that Islamic banks lack financial speculation. They focus most on real money. The issue of religion and politics has been a major subject of concern. Nicholas Didonato, in the article, “Five ways religion can influence politics” retrieved on February 23, 2014 from http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/06/five-ways-religion-can-influence-political-beliefs/ asserts that religion can influence one to decide which political party to cast a vote. The issue of religion and politics has been a major subject of concern. Nicholas Didonato, in the article, “Five ways religion can influence politics” retrieved on February 23, 2014 from http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/06/five-ways-religion-can-influence-political-beliefs/ asserts that religion can influence one to decide which political party to cast a vote. As such, a person can be converted to other political stands through religious influences. It is crucial to note that several people have negatively abused religious teachings for their own personal wealth creation. In Christianity, several people have devised methods of deceiving the Christian faithful, thereby making them make huge moneys aimed at fulfilling their ill ambitions. The Bible warns against such people and goes further to sensitize Christian faithful to keep watch on them. Michael Coren, in the article, “Corruption in the Church”, retrieved on 23 February 2014 from http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/11/13/michael-coren-corruption-in-the-church/ talks about corruption in the Roman Curia. He emphasizes the Popes statements that there occurs corruption in the Curia and such should stop for the betterment of future church. Religion and medicine have been shown to coexist in certain mannerisms. Some religions oppose certain health issues. For instance, Orthodox Judaism faithful do not just define death as such. Kellie Rowden-Racette, in her article, “When Religion and Medicine Collide” retrieved on 23, February 2014 from http://www.physicianspractice.com/articles/when-religion-and-medicine-collide asserts that there exists no collision between the two entities but coexistence. She keeps on with an anecdote depicting that some individuals may not allow a doctor attend to a patient from their family unless the doctor identifies with certain religion. It is of crucial importance to acknowledge the fact that different religions have different views concerning science. Some religions majorly tie their baseline foundations on science. However, some religions even though cognizant of science, do not necessarily link with it. A good example is Christianity. Christianity acknowledges the existence of science and scientists. However, whatever the modification, science does not influence Christianity. This follows the fact that the baseline foundation of Christianity is the Word of God that has powers over everything including science. Relevant to this, there are several provisions in Christianity depicting their stand on issues like evolution, capital punishment as well as abortion. However, in some religions like Hinduism, such provisions are non-existent. Therefore, in Hinduism, only a guru can determine such provisions. On the other hand, some religions lend strong credence to science. For instance, in Hinduism, science is a major factor of consideration. Any modification accorded to science may have a greater influence to the Vedas relevant to Hinduism. It is significant to note that Hinduism is a religion that dwells much as a metaphysical science. This perspective is also shared by other religions including Islam and Judaism. However, science is non-metaphysical. Therefore, it refutes any divine powers from outside sources. Thus, it is significant to note that Hinduism shares with other religions the issues of metaphysics as opposed to science. The issue of modern science has emerged as amongst the factors of discussion in many religions. Modern science tries to shed more light on understanding nature wholesomely. Modern science questions, explores and provides explanations to reality. However, Shukavak Dasa, in the article, “Hinduism and Science” retrieved on 23 February, 2014 from http//wwww.sanksrit.org/www/shukavak.htm asserts that from Hinduism point of view, even though modern science is legitimate, it is termed incomplete in assessing reality. This follows the fact that Hinduism holds the view that knowing reality as well as the fundamentals that constitute it is core. This therefore depicts a mixed relationship relevant to Hinduism and science. There have been several opinions on the credibility of the Hinduism perceptions towards science. However, it is an indisputable fact to highlight that the Hinduism perception towards science is not wrong. However, it only provides a limited take on the side of reality. Therefore, it is argued that not unless science opens up to explore metaphysical realty, it will fail in its quest to understand reality. It is significant to say that particle theory as well as quantum mechanics is a new field in modern science. However, several religions have tried to find a link to these modern branches of science. Taking keen look at the Rig Veda it is evident that several texts exists that dwell around vague references to modern ideas. The Hinduism has linked to this notion by attempting to depict how modern particle theory was in books during the periods of Rig Veda. Hinduism has also attempted to reinterpret Puranic Cosmology with regards to modern astronomy. Different religions share different linkages with the global economy. It is a fact that economy cannot grow in nations affected by increasing cases of terrorism. In most instances, cases involving terrorism attacks always draw many setbacks when it comes to economic perspectives. Christianity as a religion is strongly opposed to any act of violence, including terrorism. Therefore, in such countries, the strength of economy is always commendable. However, some religions hold certain ill beliefs when it comes to the issue of peace. Such religions always carry with them certain lame doctrines perpetuated by irrational teachings that are blindly followed and pathetically transferred from generation to generation. The issue of Jihad, a certain belief amongst a certain religion, is of no doubt a viral malignant belief. It lends credence to plundering peace for satisfaction of one’s personal interests. It has led to several issues of terrorism attacks linked with Islamic faithful. Joel Brinkley depicts in the recent article, “Islamic Terror Decentralized, Franchised, Global” retrieved from http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/islamic-terror-decentralized-franchised-global, that the issue of Islamic terrorism has led to massive developmental setbacks. On the same note, Brinkley asserts that certain religions may hinder the development of good relationships to foster international trade, investments and developments. Islam, in his opinion has been linked to acts of violence for several decades. The personalities like Osama Bin Laden, as well as, Saddam Hussein have been brought to book as amongst the major terrorists who had a greater command to the Islamic faithful. The results of such terrorism attacks have stagnated the process of international trade amongst some countries. For instance, the emergence of Islamic conflicts in Egypt has recently contributed to fear in investing, conducting international trade, involving negatively influencing international transportation. Works Cited Brinkley, Joel. Islamic Terror: Decentralized, Franchised, Global. Retrieved on 23 February, 2014 from http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/article/islamic-terror-decentralized- franchised-global Joseph, Price .The Super Bowl as Religious Festival. Retrieved on February 23 2014 from http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=1375 Kellie, Rowden-Racette. When Religion and Medicine Collide. Retrieved on 23, February 2014 from http://www.physicianspractice.com/articles/when-religion-and-medicine- collide Michael, Coren. Corruption in the Church. Retrieved on 23 February 2014 from http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2013/11/13/michael-coren-corruption-in-the- church/ Nicholas, Didonato. Five ways religion can influence politics. Retrieved on February 23, 2014 from http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/06/five-ways- religion-can-influence-political-beliefs/ Shukavak, Dasa. Hinduism and Science. Retrieved on 23 February, 2014 from http//wwww.sanksrit.org/www/shukavak.htm Vicente Sansano. Islamic banking, halal banking. Retrieved on February 23, 2014 from http://www.webislam.com/articles/68057-islamic_banking_halal_banking.html Read More