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> The amount of American pro-athletes who are religious is astounding. Many athletes will seriously thank God after doing something well in a sporting event. T
by stephencanon 12y ago
> The amount of American pro-athletes who are religious is astounding. Many athletes will seriously thank God after doing something well in a sporting event.
This is just a very clever thought pattern to confirm the American mythos of the self-made man and avoid giving credit to teammates, coaches, etc. "God made me great" is a way to take credit for yourself while maintaining the appearance of humility (no one can really call you out on it, either, because it's just your religion). Politicians use it all the time too.
- JoeAltmaier 12y agoIs it necessary to dismiss belief as somehow self-serving? A bragging athlete is arrogant; a humble one is secretly scheming to take credit. How do you win in that world-view?
- stephencanon 12y agoIf they were truly humble, they'd be thanking their teammates, not a man in the sky. It's offensive to thank god for your touchdown instead of the offensive line. The hand of god didn't descend from the heavens to open that hole you ran through.
- oldmanjay 12y agoWhy are they required to be humble? These are people who are largely at the pinnacle of human ability. I think a little bragging is in order.
- ScottBurson 12y agoI don't think athletes, or anyone else, who express religious feelings are necessarily doing what you say, but I've upvoted you because I agree that some of them are.
- stephencanon 12y agoI agree wholly. Not all of them are doing this, but some of them certainly are.