Spirituality and Sports: A Catholic Perspective

Spirituality and Sports: A Catholic Perspective

 Course Description:

 

In this course students will explore and study Catholic Spirituality through the analogy of sports. Using Sacred Scripture, the Traditions of the Catholic Church and the lives of the Saints, students will reflect on the Gospel message and how human beings put faith into action in the providence of their daily lives. In light of the Gospel, athletic experiences, as both an athlete and a “fan,” will be studied. Athletic experiences and the virtues which guide the human person to greater good will be investigated and comparisons made. Students will scrutinize the demands of developing and maintaining a healthy, life-giving Christian spirituality in the midst of competing views of the human person. Students will come to know and appreciate the various spiritualties in which they can live their lives and develop a life-long discipline which will bring them joy and meaning.

 

Course Objectives:

 

  1. Understand how the disciplines and rigors in the spiritual life can influence and inform the disciplines and rigors associated with physical training.
  2. Understand the scriptural warrants for a Spirituality of Sports
  3. Understand the teachings of the Church Fathers, Popes and theologians on the connection between the human body and the soul
  4. Become familiar with Christian ethics and how virtues, good habits and discipline can be applied toward the spiritual life and athletics
  5. Through the analogy and practice of sports/athletics students will appreciate and develop their understanding of the Spiritual Life and Catholic Tradition
  6. Become familiar with St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body and the positive perspective of this teaching on the nature of the human person
  7. Students will develop an understanding of Catholicism, Christian Spirituality and Sports through the study of the writings in Sacred Scripture, popes, saints, sports psychologists, athletes, leadership gurus as well as through the lens of popular movies
  8. Integrate the tools of various Catholic spiritualties and traditions into a healthy, balanced and committed spiritual life
  9. Students will consider a variety of disciplines and virtues which the spiritual life and the life of an athlete share in order to live a meaningful, purposeful life.
  10. Consider the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ through the lens of a victorious athlete

Required Texts

 

  • Robert Feeney, A Catholic Perspective: Physical Exercise and Sports, (Ignatius Press 1995).
  • Patrick Kelly, S.J., Catholic Perspectives on Sports from Medieval to Modern Times, (Paulist Press, 2012).
  • Kevin Lixey, ed., Sport and Christianity, a Sign of the Times in Light of Faith, (The Catholic University of America Press, 2012).
  • Kevin Vost, Fit for Eternal Life, (Sophia Institute Press, 2007).
  • We will read other articles as well, which I will hand out in class, post on Blackboard or direct you to on the web.

 

Recommended Reading

  • Peter Kreeft, I Surf, Therefore I am: A Philosophy of Surfing, (St. Augustine Press, 2008).
  • Jared Zimmer, The Ten Commandments for Lifting Weights, (Bezalel Books, 2012).
  • Christopher West, Theology of the Body for Beginners, (Ascension Press 2008).
  • Randolph Feezell, Sport, Play and Ethical Reflection (Champaign, Ill: University of Illinois Press, 2006).
  • Phil Jackson, Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior, (Hyperion, 1995)
  • Thomas J. Paprocki, Holy Goals for Body and Soul: Eight Steps to Connect Sports with God and Faith, (Ave Maria Press, 2013).
  • James Penrice, Living the Eucharist through Sports: A Guide for Catholic Athletes, Coaches, and Fans, (Alba House, 2009).
  • Susan Saint Sing, Spirituality of Sport: Balancing Body and Soul, (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2004).
  • Thomas A. O’Toole, Champions of Faith: Catholic Sports Heroes Tell Their Stories, (Rowman & Littlefield, 2001).
  • Kevin Vost, Peggy Bowes and Shane Kapler, Tending the Temple, 365 Days of Spiritual and Physical Devotions, (Bezalel Books, 2011).

 

 

Course Requirements:

  1. Class Participation (20%): See criteria list for what this means. When a reading is assigned or a video clip is assigned you MUST be prepared to discuss it during class.
  2. Writing assignments (10%): 3 to 4 page papers involving critical thinking in response to a particular topic, assigned reading or required viewing assignment.
  3. Reflection Essays (10%): Two reflection essays will be assigned. Both are Pass/Fail
  4. Quizzes (20%)
  5. Mid-Term Exam (20%)
  6. Final Exam (20%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance and Participation:

 

Cell phones and other devices will be put away during class. Everyone’s experiences and participation will be respectfully heard and kept within the classroom.

 

Attendance is required and is taken at the start of every class session. Participation is vital for this type of class and everyone has the right to be heard. I will do my job in preparation and I expect you to be prepared of what’s asked of you. No absence should go uncommunicated. Unexcused absences will impact the participation grade. Two unexcused absences will result in a failing grade for the course.

 

Criteria for participation grade:

 

  • ‘A’ Range: Demonstrates excellent preparation, analyzed material exceptionally well, relates it to other readings, personal experience and responds to classmates with respect. Offers synthesis and evaluation material and develops well thought out conclusions which are focused on the topic at hand. Suggests alternate ways of incorporating material into the conversation.
  • ‘B’ Range: Demonstrates good preparation, knows material well, offers interpretations and analysis… more than just the facts. Is willing to respond to questions with appropriate answers and can make connections to the spiritual world and the world of sports. Is comfortable with responding to other student responses and actively listens throughout the conversation.
  • ‘C’ Range: Participates occasionally but not enough for me to know your name. Shows little interest in the topic and limited evidence of trying to comprehend the material. Does not offer to contribute to the conversation and only when called upon shows signs of engagement.
  • ‘D’ Range: Present, not disruptive. Appears lost and does not offer any insight. Infrequent involvement in discussion.
  • ‘F’: No active engagement. No passive engagement. Disruptive on occasion.

 

Violations of Academic Integrity such as cheating, plagiarism and blatant disrespect are outlined in the Seton Hall handbook and will not be tolerated and will be discussed with student affairs.

 

Disability Services Statement – It is the policy and practice of Seton Hall University to promote inclusive learning environments. If you have a documented disability you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations in compliance with University policy, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and/or the New Jersey Law against Discrimination. Please note, students are not permitted to negotiate accommodations directly with professors. To request accommodations or assistance, please self-identify with the Office for Disability Support Services (DSS), Duffy Hall, Room 67 at the beginning of the semester. For more information or to register for services, contact DSS at (973) 313-6003 or by e-mail at DSS@shu.edu. For further information, please go to: www.shu.edu/disability-support-services