Scott Funck - Jesus|Sports

The image of Jesus in American sports is a skewed image.  Most groups that look at using sports as a way to promote Jesus, only look at the aspects of Jesus that show actions that they view as good sportsmanship.  Though I do agree that individuals have the ability to use their influence as a player to show lives that show their set of morals, it is hard to show that one the field.  This is especially hard to show in a fighting sport such as wrestling.  In examining the Wrestling for Jesus organizations, there are instances where participates in the organization either do not know where Jesus came into the show, or had an interesting way of portraying Jesus.  This includes having an award titled “Most Christ Like” which is undefined as well as a tag team named after the anti-Christ.  Because of this, it was almost impossible to see what image of Jesus this group had.  Most defiantly one of strength, but a counter-cultural one is not seen.  Specifically a Jesus that is passive and non-self-promoting.  In an article by Krattenmaker this idea of Christian sports groups is addressed.  In doing so he brings up an elitist mindset that he sees and becomes concerned as he feels sports belong to all of the watchers and players not just the Christian ones (Krattenmaker, 26).  That elitist attitude is seen in the Wrestling for Jesus group, as members left the group as they felt it was becoming such an institution.  This is an unfortunate occurrence that has found its way onto the professional level.  There have been reports of persecution and mistreatment of non-Christians.  This definably is against any biblical or historical Jesus who suffered through persecution, but did not subject any to his own.  Again, I feel that using one’s position in society if ok to advocate one’s own ideas but not to the exclusion of others.  A Christian sports organization is something that can allow professing Christians to gather together and have fun, but to use it to proselytizing to the exclusion of others is a true concern.