Single, separate or unified? Exploring Christian academicians’ views of the body, sport and religious experience

Abstract

The present study addresses the need for increased empirical works within the sport and religion literature by exploring faculty views of embodiment and sport in relation to their Christian worldview. Data were collected through a qualitative method using faculty teaching in sport-related units at universities in the USA and Canada. A grounded theory design was employed to analyse semi-structured interviews related to participants’ theological understandings of embodiment and sport. The following themes were identified: persons can be viewed in monistic, dualistic and holistic ways; the body and sport have theological importance; and the body and sport are avenues for religious experience and expression. Participants’ views of human personhood influenced their perception of embodiment, as well as the type and quality of religious experience possible within embodied activities such as sport. Findings have implications for religious and nonreligious practitioners interested in how religious faith informs the understanding and practice of sport.

Notes

1. While kinesiology professionals in the USA use the term ‘physical activity’ to connote movement that includes physical education, exercise and sometimes even athletics, many outside of the USA prefer the term ‘sport’. Because of this, and because some participants in the present study sometimes use these terms interchangeably, I use both.

2. This phrase is reminiscent of Eric Liddell’s well known quote in the movie Chariots of Fire: ‘I believe that God made me for a purpose, for China. But he also made me fast, and when I run I feel his pleasure’ (Putnam and Hudson 1981).