Thought for July & August, 2010.
We're Football Crazy!
It is difficult not to be aware that it is the World Cup with all the flags and other memorabilia everywhere one goes.
In some ways it is rather good that it is taking place in South Africa. It does rather mark another stage in its emergence from a difficult past. During the coverage at least some of the problems the country still faces are being highlighted. Not that the Tournament will benefit the poor, as poverty there is deep seated and far worse than in this country. It does seem iniquitous how much is being spent on the event in the face of such poverty.
In the developing world, football is a game of the people and draws people and families together in a way that it used to do in this country. Sadly in this country it has become big business and is becoming detached from ordinary fans. There are still plenty of junior, amateur and lower leagues, but it seems that the sheer joy of playing is displaced by the ruthless requirement to win at all costs and the love of money.
In America whilst there is the business side it still is a game for all the family (girl players included) and whilst it may not be quite as embedded in their culture as ours we still could learn a thing or two from them.
Football fans are religious in their devotion to their team and there are many rituals connected with it. Scarves and shirts, chants and songs, folk law and myths, saviours and demons are all part of the cult of football. Football is only a game and there are far more important things in life, yet the average fan is totally committed to supporting them ever more.
Perhaps we could learn something from this commitment and apply it to some of the more important issues of our day.
Jesus said "Wisdom is justified by her deeds." Matt. 1I vsl9
With blessings, Rev Chris Woadden.