Friday, June 6, 2008

Worship of Ball (or is it Baal?)

I may get in trouble for this one.

Growing up in New York State, I quickly learned that sports were important in our society. I played Little League baseball along with a few other sports. When I reached high school, my focus fell on soccer and basketball because those were the only two sports my school offered.

During that time, I don't think I ever actually worshiped any of these sports. My parents may have a different opinion, but I'm pretty sure I never glorified soccer or basketball.

Since we moved to the South about twelve years ago, I have run into folks who seem to go over that line. Their behavior suggests that they do, in fact, worship sports. They especially worship "ball."

Soon after we moved to south Georgia, we realized that for most people "ball" refers to baseball for boys and softball for girls. When our first spring in Georgia rolled around, I think about 98% (a bit of an overstatement, but not by much) of the kids here played "ball." Playing baseball or softball almost seemed required. Everyone did it.

The ones who worshiped at the "ball" shrine the most seemed to be the parents. Although I heard them complain about the hectic schedule, tired kids, and no evenings at home, they still pressed on with "ball." In general, most of the parents sure appeared to be much more committed to "ball" than they did to their church activities.

"Ball" trumped all.

I find it sort of ironic that the word "ball" is so similar to "Baal." The similarities don't stop there. The pagans in the O.T. worshiped "Baal" by sacrificing to it, spending great time with it, and devoting themselves to it. Many parents here in south Georgia do the same with "ball."

It is obvious to anyone watching all this that there are many parents and kids involved in "ball" who by no means worship the sport. They simply do it because it is fun. However, it is disturbing that not a small number worship at the modern altar of "ball."

6 comments:

Jeffrey E.W. said...

Eric,

I'm going to kick-off this comment by crying foul. I think I recognize your goal with the post, but for me, flags are thrown when comparing “ball” sports to the worship of Baal. I'll give you points for tackling the issue of priorities though. I just don't think your case is a slam-dunk. I hope this comment isn't too out-of-bounds, or seem like I'm taking a shot at you. I just don't think sports have that much influence over us. I might be out in left field on this though. With that, I'll just hand-it-off to you.

-Jeff

Eric said...

Jeff,

Thanks for your comment. I enjoyed the puns.

You said, "I just don't think sports have that much influence over us." I'll have to respectfully disagree with you there. You might not be influenced too highly by sports, but some of the parents I see certainly are. If we worship what we prioritize, then some parents are worshiping "ball."

Jeffrey E.W. said...

Eric,

I apologize. I was attempting to be facetious with that statement. I totally agree that some people are way too into sports, even to the point of worshiping "ball." Again, I'm sorry for the confusion in my previous comment.

-Jeff

Eric said...

Jeff,

No problem. And I really did like the puns.

Aussie John said...

Eric,

There can be no doubt in my mind that your assertions are correct.

I have seen photos of churches in the US decorated in the colors of a particular team. Here, just listen to the conversation after a church meeting when special games are being played.

"Ball" is certainly way up there amongst the false gods. That also applies to sport in general. Teams are often more important "family" than the true families of players.

Only last night I saw a coach publicly defending the disgusting bacchanalian behavior of players after the game is over.

Spot on Eric!

Eric said...

John,

Thank you!

I continue to be amazed at the emotion displayed by "Christians" in support of their sports teams.