World History: Journey Across Time: The Early Ages

Chapter 16: The Americas

After reading this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

• Define religion from a sociological perspective and discuss why sociologists study religion.
• Discuss the similarities and differences between sports and religion, and incorporate the concepts of the sacred and the profane in the discussion.
• Explain what is involved in a social constructionist approach to the study of sports and religions.
• Critically discuss why Christianity in general and Protestant beliefs in particular have become connected with sports.
• Identify forms of world religions other than Christianity and discuss why they have not become connected with sports and sport participation.
• Discuss dilemmas faced by Muslim women athletes who want to play sports outside their countries.
• Identify how Christian sport organizations and Christian athletes have used sports.
• Identify how Christian athletes and coaches have used religion in their lives.
• Critically discuss the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that it violates the constitution to say public prayers at sport events sponsored by public schools.
• Identify and discuss the challenges faced by athletes who combine sport participation (especially in sports that involve brutal body contact) and Christian religious beliefs.
• Identify and discuss strategies used by Christian athletes to resolve doubts created by combining sport participation and religious beliefs.
• Critically discuss the author's conclusion that many people with Christian beliefs modify their religious beliefs to make them more compatible with the culture of power and performance sports.