Sport onder die soeklig: ’n Christeliklewensbeskoulik- filosofiese besinning

Abstract

Spotlight on sport: a Christian-worldviewish-philosophical reflection

The problem dealt with in this article is the fact that most people are involved in sport (as participants or spectators) without knowing what kind of activity it is or should be and how they should participate. Such a situation may result in the many outrages sport is suffering nowadays. By means of a Christianphilosophical analysis of this prominent phenomenon in modern society, an attempt is made to provide an answer. To attain this goal, the following steps are followed: A brief overview of the present situation in sport serves as an introduction. This is followed by three current wrong attitudes toward sport. Attention is then asked for the fact that, in spite of the deterioration in sport ethics, the necessary theoretical reflection – also among Christians – is lacking. The theoretical exploration which follows includes some Biblical perspectives and the influence of different Christian worldviews; an effort is also given to determine the nature of sport from a comparison between leisure, play, game and sport. A philosophical analysis of the structure and direction of sport follows with a few examples of the practical implications of such a theoretical approach.