"The Super Bowl is more a secular holy day than a football game. For many, it begins in church and a minister who is sure to mention the game."

As one who played football in my younger years, I now find it often appearing mostly sinful. All the displays of anger and attempts to be fierce. All the macho celebrations. It is a sport for kids that was transformed into a gladiator team contest with multi millionaires seeking to do harm for personal gain. No character is created or set forth in example in Pro Football. The saddest part are those who make such hype out of acts which are utterly worthless to society.

Then there are the Pastors who wish to prove they are not really girly men so seek to become fans and mention the big game from the pulpit or even have the church bring in a big screen and promote a gathering to watch the big game together. What fantastic Christian fellowship. Chips, dip, and yelling at fools on a big screen. But then someone in the end zone seats will hold up a sign with “John 3:16” written on it and then we will know it is really a time of spiritual devotions. Amen! Pass the Avocado dip brother. Close your eyes as the dancers (cheerleaders) are starting their strip joint routines.

Yea, I know, I may be just an old cranky Fundy. But I really do not believe that when I stand before the Lord he will ask if I know the score of the last Super bowl. :bigsmile:

One of the things I enjoyed while attending a Church whose minister was from outside of the United States was that he didn’t follow the American fundamentalist liturgical calendar. There was no mention of the Super Bowl on Super Bowl Sunday. There were also no sermons focused based on American holidays.

Ahhhh…but isn’t it most appropriate that the Saints were the victors on this holiest of secular holidays?

I preached yesterday from Ephesians 1:15-19 and contrasted the lasting riches of Christ with the temporary riches of winning the Super Bowl [from “…that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…”]. I did that because it served my purpose in pointing the attendees back to the Cross, and I see no objection in so doing. I do not think that it’s good to ignore it or pretend it isn’t happening or to preach against it. The audience knows about the game, so redirect the attention [at least at 11 AM or whenever your service is] to the Cross.