For the Love of Suffering: The Athlete of God

Abstract

<p>This study takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine the relationship</p><p>between sport and spiritual formation. By inviting to the conversation contributions</p><p>from sociological research, personal narratives, biblical themes and philosophical</p><p>arguments, it aims to examine how voluntary suffering in sport could provide a context</p><p>conducive to spiritual growth. Rather than look at physical engagement in sport and</p><p>spiritual formation as unrelated domains of pursuit, we will map the contours where the</p><p>two converge and even stimulate one another. We will analyze courage as a unique</p><p>quality fit for cultivation in suffering, and positions it as an integral part of living out</p><p>faith, hope and love. This study seeks to address the rigidity that is prevalent in the way</p><p>Christians think of spirituality and deepen the conversation as it relates to formative</p><p>frameworks in athletics.</p>