Hey, I like tag as much as the next guy. I'd even say that losing at tag probably doesn't do significant emotional or psychological harm. So, yeah, banning the game may be an over-reaction. But why is defending competition something that Pastor Tom feels he needs to do? I would only be guessing, so I wont. But I do think that games without competition can provide valuable lessons in cooperation and group building. They can also be a lot of fun. Have you ever tried to do a "group sit"? Form a circle, then everyone turn the same direction and slowly try to sit on the lap of the person behind you. Of course that lap doesn't appear until that person begins to sit and your lap appears only as you start to sit, etc. It is not easy and requires everyone working together. There is a wonderful collection of these types of games called the New Games Book. The rules are simple: 1. Play hard 2. Play fair 3. Nobody hurt When you play this way everyone wins. Anyone, since the Bible tells us that the last will be first, it would seem better either to lose on purpose or to play games where there are no losers.
Blog you later,
Pastor Ian
Thursday, August 30, 2007
IS WINNING A FAMILY VALUE?
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3 comments:
Winning seems inherently a part of the conservative mentality, seriously. This competitive mindset is well documented in the attitude of many parents at various sporting events that live vicariously through their kids. They shout, they heckle, they cajole with impugnity, and they embarrass the kids in the process. I soooooo agree with you that we need balance in competition. You've got hockey dads fighting to death (literally) around the surburban rinks around Boston.
We worry so much that our competitive instincts will be hurt or subdued by a lack of "winning". I would say that winning served us well in Appollo 13 when the lives of 3 astronauts were at stake. And a healthy competitive spirit is a good thing. But look at "Red Sox Nation" and those who eat, sleep and drink this team. Honestly, it's a bit scary. And, EYW seems to glorify that whole culture via a Friday program devoted to whether or not Manny is going to cut his hair, or if Schilling should start, or whatever. Humility coincides with a gentle spirit, and I would say that that spirit is more in line with what Jesus taught. The gentle spirit looks at winning as an nice bonus, but not the ultimate thing in life.
I think right about now winning is at the top of the list of liberal mentality for '08 as it was for the congressional election of '06. Winning was a pivotal moment in the 1936 Olympics for Jesse Owens and the world, as the Nazi ideal of "Aryan Supremacy" was run into the ground. Christ won the greatest victory ever, no doubt there was a clear winner and a clear looser in that conflict. Paul tells us ( Corinthians 9:23-25 ) That we are to run the race as if to win, the Greek context is that of an athlete in competition. He also says that all run the race, but only one receives the crown, competition is not only healthy, but indeed Biblical.The adversity to this kind of thinking stems from the 'politically correct' police blotter, but more so from, and that so few know the Truth of the Bible. Our progeny are so taught a smoothed over and watered down gospel that our children no longer know how to comprehend loosing, and that in loss can come the motivation for success in a future event, or a different competition. They no longer learn humility, or how to praise the accomplishments of others with honest enthusiasm, and the ego of the Scripturally ignorant feed the flames of confusion in the hearts of the young. It is how you play the game, as well as who wins and looses. Does God not use winners as role models for many if they are gracious souls to encourage the looser? Can not God build up the heart of the looser with an impregnable fortress of compassion and the ability to comfort?
The largest problem in how our society handles the concept of winning and loosing, and it's effects in our children's lives today is the damage done to the hearts and minds of our kids by the words and actions of the parents (as David points out in the first paragraph of his response) who have lost the ability to understand the game.
Huh?
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