How Faith and Sports Became Friends

A world where sports and religion mix seamlessly. That world didn’t happen by accident. The modern fusion of Christianity and sports is a story filled with forgotten heroes and shifting trends. Let’s dive into how it all started and where it’s going. Picture this: a reporter asks Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla about the significance of two Black coaches leading an NBA Finals team. Mazzulla’s response leaves everyone guessing. But one thing’s clear: religious identities in sports often go unnoticed by media. Paul Emory Putz, director of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor University, set out to change that view. In his book, “The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports,” Putz explores the deep connection between sports and Christianity. He argues that it’s one of the most religiously concentrated industries in America today. But this wasn’t always the case. Key figures and institutions had to work hard to make it happen. The 1920s were a turning point. Sports became huge, with massive media coverage. Devout athletes and Protestant leaders saw an opportunity to spread their faith. Branch Rickey, manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, talked openly about his Methodist beliefs. He even refused to work on Sundays, gaining attention for his stand. Rickey integrated more than just sports; he brought faith into the game. Meanwhile, Black coaches like Jake Gaither of Florida A&M were doing their part. Gaither saw football as a way to instill faith and prayer in young players. His approach was gradual, focusing on moral growth and steady change. This differed from the bold, revolutionary movements favored by younger athletes during the Civil Rights era. Institutions like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action also played major roles. They shifted the focus from group prayer to personal relationships with Christ. Evangelicals became a dominant force in the sports world, even if their gestures sometimes confused fans. Today, religious expressions in sports are common—like kneeling in prayer after a touchdown. But it wasn't always this way. Putz’s work sheds light on an often-overlooked side of sports. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s also about faith and belief. The journey from the 1920s to today shows that the bond between sports and religion took careful nurturing.