Religion and the Rise of Sport in England

Religions and sports have a complex relationship, which has evolved from competition to cooperation. From the early nineteenth century to the present day, religious leaders have promoted good sports while banning cruel or disorderly ones. The 1960s saw the commercialization of sport and the establishment of Sunday sport, while the world of religion was transformed by secularization, Evangelicalism, and the growth of a multi-faith society. This is the first book to tell this story, with additional coverage of Judaism and Islam.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

From 1800 to the present day, the relationship between sport and religion has undergone a profound transformation. Both entities have the ability to evoke strong emotions, shape identities, and foster powerful loyalties within individuals. While they have occasionally competed for resources such as time and money, they can also be mutually supportive. In today's world, sport permeates every aspect of our lives. It is evident through the extensive media coverage, government endorsements, and even the appointment of a Bishop for Sport by the Church of England in 2019. However, it is worth noting that the religious world has not always embraced sport with open arms. In the early nineteenth century, Evangelical Christians led campaigns to ban sports that were deemed cruel, brutal, or disorderly. This shift in perspective occurred in the 1850s, when Christian and other religious leaders began to promote good sports instead of attacking bad ones. The pace of change accelerated significantly in the 1960s, coinciding with the commercialization of sport and the establishment of Sunday sport. At the same time, the world of religion underwent a profound transformation due to secularization, the resurgence of Evangelicalism, and the growth of a multi-faith society.

This book, the first of its kind, seeks to chronicle this evolving relationship between sport and religion. While its primary focus is on Christianity, it also provides valuable coverage of Judaism and Islam, as well as individuals who view sport as their religion, ranging from Victorian sporting gentry to modern-day football fans and marathon runners.

The historical trajectory of the relationship between sport and religion is marked by both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, sport has been used as a tool for social and political change, promoting equality, diversity, and unity among people from different backgrounds. For instance, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States utilized sports to challenge racial segregation and discrimination, highlighting the power of sport to bring people together and foster social change.

On the other hand, sport has also been a source of tension and conflict within religious communities. For example, the debate over the role of women in sports has been a contentious issue, with some religious groups opposing the participation of women in certain sports due to their perceived immodesty or the potential for injury. Similarly, the commercialization of sport has raised concerns among religious leaders, who argue that it can prioritize profit over ethical values and integrity.

Despite these challenges, the relationship between sport and religion has continued to evolve and adapt. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the spiritual and therapeutic benefits of sport, with athletes and coaches using sport as a means of self-expression, stress relief, and personal growth. Additionally, the rise.

In conclusion, the relationship between sport and religion has a rich and complex history, marked by both challenges and opportunities. While sport has been used as a tool for social and political change, it has also been a source of tension and conflict within religious communities. However, as the world continues to evolve, it is clear that sport and religion will continue to intersect and influence each other in significant ways. Whether through promoting social justice, fostering personal growth, or serving as a means of spiritual connection, sport has the potential to bring people together and create a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 241 x 160 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192859983