March Madness
Whether you are a basketball fan or not, you likely have heard of March Madness, the annual NCAA basketball tournament. But do you know there is a faith-based connection to the beginning of the sport? And do you know how the sport points us beyond ourselves so that in everything we do, whether eating, drinking, or enjoying March Madness, we would do it for the glory of God?
During the mid to late nineteenth century, organized sporting events like lacrosse, football, and rugby were deemed offensive by many Christians. The games were viewed as senseless violence that encouraged unhealthy indulgences, including drinking and gambling.
A movement called “Muscular Christianity” began to grow. The movement permeated American society during the Civil War era. It linked spiritual health with physical health for the sake of effective Christian service. The YMCA was founded on the principles of muscular Christianity. The movement was originally aimed at men’s health and faith in the male-dominated culture of the time.
The American church was predominantly women and muscular Christianity sought to promote gender-specific men’s ministries and explore what it means to follow Christ as a man, a form of moral training.
The thought of muscular Christianity was that Christians could not afford to neglect or mistreat their bodies because a commitment to holistic physical health—mind, body, and spirit—enabled the personal stamina for service to others. The game of basketball has its roots in this Christian expression.
A Canadian-American man named James Naismith (1861-1939), is credited with inventing the game of basketball. His is an interesting story worth Googling. He was educated at McGill University in Montreal —the same school where he would later gain a BA in physical education and a diploma at McGill’s largest affiliated theological school, the Presbyterian College. He later worked at the YMCA International Training College in Springfield, MA, where he invented the game of basketball. Its intent was as an athletic means for an unruly group of students to burn off energy through the rough New England winter while stuck indoors.
No doubt the modern game of basketball has drifted from its early roots to the version we know today. Yet its evangelical story remains. The arena in which the game plays is abundant with possibilities for worship.
Ask any coach of any sport, and they will likely tell you that it is in preparing for the game where the game is truly won. In practice and repetition, players develop the skills needed to be successful. Likewise, in the preparation times of our faith, we gain the skills necessary to be able to handle the tough trials of life. Faith becomes our anchor during the storms of life and prepares us to cope with adversity when it occurs.
Our faith preparation may not look the same as athletic preparation. It may not include running plays, practicing drills, or spending time in the weight room. Instead, it may mean spending quiet time with God and in Bible study sessions. Rather than hours on the court or field, faith preparation means hours spent in church listening to the Word of God being taught and hymns of praise being lifted up.
In this preparation, the groundwork is laid to help us in both the good times and the difficult moments of life. We strengthen our faith muscles, stretch ourselves, and grow closer to God. Our values and courage grow. We learn to stand firm, no matter our foe. Our “big game” might mean going up against a physical or mental health crisis, a spiritual or moral dilemma, or it might involve overcoming a difficult season, grief, loneliness or isolation.
The time spent in preparation is what will help us be victorious. By putting in the work before game day arrives, we are already strong in our relationship with God, who is our Head Coach. We have developed connections to important spiritual mentors and advisors who are our point guards in the game. We have honed our skills and feel ready. We’ve learned to care for our teammates, respect our opponent, play good defense, listen for wisdom from God, and never give up.
As you follow the brackets of this year’s tournament, remember that this is a season of hoping for unlikely possibilities. Marvel at the unexpected upsets. Cheer madly for the memorable moments. Rejoice in the victories. Appreciate the connections during the journey. Extend grace for errors made. And don’t forget to pray!
The thrill and awe we feel while cheering for our team is a shadow of the worship to come when we stand in the presence of our Savior. That’s the ultimate championship title.
