Authors and researchers round the world have used different approaches to explore express their views regarding some of the issues that affect the manner in which people live. In addition, scholars an experts have used diverse theological perspectives to explain Christian issues and values. One such book is The Fit Shall Inherit the Earth: A Theology of Sport and Fitness by Erik W. Dailey. In the book, the author questions and answers a wide range of issues related to the way people should glorify God through their bodies. Furthermore, the author highlights issues related to the theological importance of sports, the manner in which Christians identify with sports, and the importance of looking at the theological significance of sports and fitness. In the book, the primary argument is that there is an important intersection between sports, fitness and theology which should be understood by members of the Christian Church.
The issue of sports and fitness has attracted the attention of experts and researchers around the world. Furthermore, there are a wide range of questions that have been asked regarding theological issues that are related to the subject of sports. In the text, The Fit Shall Inherit the Earth: A Theology of Sport and Fitness Erik W. Dailey strives to contribute to the subject by focusing on the issues that are related to sports and theology. At the start of the text, the author talks about the critical issues related to sport and the manner in which they can be understood from a theological perspective (Dailey, 2018). The main question here relates to the manner a person of faith can successfully praise the Lord through physical body and sports. When one is introduced to this concept, the next possible question is the meaning of glorifying the Lord through physical body. In the text, the author makes reference to 1 Corinthians 6:20 which says "you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." This text means that every human being needs to focus on using their bodies in glorifying the Lord. The argument is based on the fact that all human beings were created by God with the sole purpose of fulfilling His mandate in the world. For some people, however, this appears to be an impossible task. In the current world, there are many people who are obsessed with body perfection. Some use unconventional methods and means to be able to acquire a body that can be deemed perfect ( Dailey, 2018 ). The situation has been complicated by the advertising firms that strive to look for people who may have the body image that the audience will find attractive. However, the author of the text reminds the viewer that there is more to life than focusing on perfect body ( Dailey, 2018 ). In particular, the author highlights the importance of using the physical body to glorify the Lord. Furthermore, members of the Christian church need to value their body and understand that it was given to them for the sole purpose glorifying the Lord.
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The author of the text strives to support his argument regarding the intersection between sports and theology by reconciling the theology of sports and fitness with the historian perceptions regarding the human body. Dailey (2018) argues that the human body is a product of the work of God and not something that standards in opposition to the Christian doctrine or the Deity. In the Genesis creation story, it is clear that God made man in His own image and likeness. In addition, God created all other things, including the things that man needed to survive in the Garden of Eden. It is for this reason that the author opined that the human body is “enlivened by the breath of life” ( Dailey, 2018, p. 36). In other words, God created human beings and gave it life so that they can enjoy the thing that exist in the earth. Therefore, Christians need to know that there is a strong connection between humanity and the earth. Furthermore, human life and other creations on the earth cannot be separated since they all trace their origin to God. In the course of their lives, human beings may decide to engage in a wide range of physical activities and sports. These activities are made possible by the presence of the things that were created by God. In addition, human beings use their God given talents and strengths to be able to understand such activities. In this regard, it is evident that there is a strong connection between man, God, and physical activities. It is against this background that the author argues that Christian church should view exercise and sports as an avenue through which they can enjoy life on earth while at the same time glorifying the Lord through their bodies. When using their talents and physical capabilities to engage in sports, human beings are glorifying the Lord and fluffing part of their mission on the earth.
The most persuasive argument in the text revolves around the sports theology that the author presents using both Christian principles and secular ideologies. According to Dailey (2018) , sports should not be perceived to be a form of religion. Furthermore, people take the wrong direction when they think that sports can become a competitor to religion. The right position is that sports is an aesthetic undertaking that gives human beings some sense of fulfillment. To convince the reader further about the need to consider sports to be an activity that is separate from religion, the author focuses on two primary ideas. The first argument is that sports is an activity that allows people to understand and fulfilling the true potential of their bodies. In some cases, there are people who believe that sports only lead to negative outcomes such as fights during competition. However, this should not always be the case. Instead, people should focus on understanding the positive side of sports. In addition, people should know that engaging in sports amounts to working towards protecting the body and keeping it in the right shape. The second argument that the author makes is that sports is a good activity. Dailey (2018) opined that sports should be analyzed from an instrumental perspective where it is believed that sports is a good activity since it lead to positive results. Some of the positive results include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity, physical fitness, and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds. The second perspective is the intrinsic claim component where it is believed that sports is good because it is designed to yield positive results. While the two perspectives are agreeable, the author goes further to give another critical framework that is based on the tow ideologies. Dailey opined that Christians should perceive sports to be a good activity since it has the ability to make human beings flourish and contribute to the realization of God’s purpose on the earth. As people engage in sports, they will also get the chance to undertake philanthropic missions and contribute to the betterment of the society. These activities are in line with the Christian doctrines which relates to the importance of helping other people and assisting human beings to achieve their potential.
The last persuasive part of the text is the section where the author attempts to reject dualism while trying to fit sports into Christian theology. For instance, Dailey (2018) use the arguments that had been made by John Calvin on the complicated nature of human life and the struggles that scholars have faced when trying to examine the body based on the Reformed tradition ( Dailey, 2018, p. 29). The author went ahead to state that during death, the human soul and the body usually go separate ways. Dailey further opine that while people such as Calvin have focused largely on the soul, it is imperative to also defend the body resurrection. At this point, it becomes difficult for the reader to fully understand the position of the author regarding dualism. It would have been prudent for author to elaborate more and make conclusions on the subject of body and soul and highlight the part that is more valuable than the other. This limitation notwithstanding, the author still managed to highlight the need to understand sports from a theological point of view.
The text has greatly changed my views regarding the issue of sports. For a long time, I have viewed sports from largely a secular perspective. I perceive sports to be an activity that is meant to keep people fit, enable them have fun, and reduce the risk of diseases. In addition, I have also considered sports to be a commercial venture. After reading the text, however, I was able to see the intersection between sports and theology. I came to understand that sport is an activity that makes people work towards achieving their mission on earth. In addition, it helps people connect with God and glorify him by using their talents in various sporting events.
After reading the text, it is also evident that the ideas presented by the author may change Christian faith and beliefs. Just like me, there are believers who have not shown interest in understanding sports from a theological perspective. In the book, the author uses the seven chapters to show that the human body is part and parcel of God’s good creations. Therefore, it should be cared for and appreciated since it is part of Christian discipleship. By taking part in sports, Christians will not only be taking care of the body but also glorifying God. Furthermore, Christians will be able to use the talents that they have been given by God when they take part in sporting and fitness-related activities.
Reference
Dailey, E. W. (2018). The fit shall inherit the earth: A theology of sport and fitness . Wipf and Stock Publishers
