Religion and Sports

For many years, soccer has considered as one of the most played sport that brings people from all the corners of the world. With the world cup competition which comes every four years, different national teams prepare themselves for such big and historic event.

What is it about soccer that creates these emotions and feelings found in events like the World Cup? Well, there is a simple response to this. Soccer is no longer just a sport but a religion. To be specific, it is a *civil religion. According to author Jordi Xifra, the term "civil religion"refers to a religion that demonstrates both the moral and spiritual values of a community or modern society. It is meant to uphold the political and social culture of a people. It involves myths, symbols of popular devotion, and public rituals. In light of this, civil religion stresses identity amongst a people.

From Christianity:

To Islam:

Engaging the idea of soccer as a religion, specific case studies are presented. The studies span five different continents: South America (Argentina), Europe (Italy), Asia (India), Africa (Tanzania), and North America (Mexico). Through these "close-ups" on soccer culture around the globe, the idea of religion will be explored in a very concrete and interesting manner. In South America, Diego Maradona has transformed himself from a mere soccer player into a national symbol of worship. For Italians, soccer is a product of religious intervention. In India's case, British morals and ethics were

To Hinduism:  

reinforced through the religion of soccer. Amongst the Tanzanians, mystical spells and rituals are as essential to soccer as practice is. Finally, Mexicans incorporate Catholicism into their viewing of soccer. 

The big Question we should ask is: “Which God are these soccer players really praying to?”

To one own belief:

      

During soccer games, many people put aside their religions and concentrate into the one religion that brought them together. They do what the game required and each one pray in his own way or conviction about the game. Loosing of winning, are just potential results toward the final aim (lets come together and enjoy the game).

Definitely, soccer is a Religion by itself