Apa Format Scholar Authors Only I Have Provided References
Apa Format Scholar Authors Only I Have Provided References Please R
Submit a 3- to 5-paragraph discussion post assessing whether the dominant sport in your area might be considered “religious” based on the criteria of rituals, beliefs, and institutions. In what way do sports and religion converge? In what ways do they differ? References include Kurtz (2016), Walden University Library (2015), USC ORL (2013), and World Rugby (2015).
Paper For Above instruction
The examination of whether the dominant sport in a specific area can be regarded as a form of religion involves analyzing the core elements that define religious practices: rituals, beliefs, and institutions. Many sports, including those prominent in various regions, serve as more than mere entertainment; they often encapsulate collective identity, shared values, and communal participation—elements intrinsic to religion (Kurtz, 2016). For instance, certain rituals associated with sports—such as pre-game ceremonies, chants, and symbolic gestures—parallel religious rites designed to unify participants and spectators. Additionally, the steadfast beliefs in a team's “destiny” or national pride can mirror religious dogmas that foster group cohesion and loyalty. Institutions like sports leagues and governing bodies establish structured hierarchies and codified rules comparable to religious hierarchies and doctrinal authority (Walden University Library, 20115). Many fans and players display fervent devotion, akin to religious zeal, reaffirming the ceremonial and belief-based aspects of sports as a quasi-religious experience.
Sports and religion converge in their ability to create sacred spaces and foster community identity. The rituals associated with sports—such as elaborate opening ceremonies or chants—serve to evoke a sense of transcendence and sanctity, producing a collective emotional experience. The "haka" performed by the All Blacks exemplifies how physical rituals and cultural symbolism elevate sports to a spiritual level, invoking ancestral spirits and communal pride (World Rugby, 2015). These elements serve to reinforce identity and shared cultural values, similar to religious communities' functions. Conversely, despite these similarities, fundamental differences persist. Religions typically prescribe moral codes and ultimate metaphysical beliefs, whereas sports generally lack doctrines concerning morality or the divine; they focus more on competition, skill, and entertainment (Kurtz, 2016). Furthermore, religious institutions often involve moral authority and spiritual guidance, whereas sports organizations primarily govern athletic performance and entertainment.
In conclusion, while sports share significant ritualistic, symbolic, and communal aspects with religion, they diverge in their foundational principles and ultimate aims. Sports can serve as secular sacred practices, offering communal identity and emotional transcendence, yet they rarely encompass the moral and metaphysical dimensions characteristic of traditional religions. Recognizing this convergence and divergence enhances our understanding of how contemporary social practices fulfill similar psychological and social functions as religion, especially in secular societies.
References
- Kurtz, L. R. (2016). Gods in the global village: The world’s religions in sociological perspective (4th ed.). Sage.
- Walden University Library. (2015). Ask a librarian. Retrieved from https://waldenulibrary.org
- USC ORL. (2013, December 2). Are sports a religion? [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYZ
- World Rugby. (2015, September 20). The history behind the All Blacks’ intimidating haka war dance [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYZ