Sports

Ellen White’s Counsel for an Addicted People

Michael J. Wiley
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
Dr. Jerry Moon
CHIS 690 Writings of Ellen G White
Project #2 Hours-25
Introduction
I am an avid reader of many various topics. If heaven is anything like a four story Barnes
and Noble I will be very happy. While scanning the many magazines I once met the
distributor replacing old magazines with new editions. I struck up a conversation with
the man and was very surprised by the information he shared with me. One question I
asked him was what genre of magazine is the leading seller. I then proceeded to name a
few of what I thought would be the big ones, such as Woman’s Day, women’s magazines
in general and news magazines. He looked at me very quizzically and responded that no
the leading sellers were men’s magazines such as Sports… and Sport… and Football….
So is it true? Is the sporting world that big in our society? What affect is it having on our
efforts to be a peculiar people and rear our children to be “..in the world but not of it.”?
Sitting in the barbershop, I waited for a cut and trim. The magazine rack was stuffed full
of all the magazines the distributor had mentioned to me. The newspaper was there with
the sports section prominently on top, obviously having been read the most by the looks
of the wrinkled and tattered pages. The topic of conversation was everything from
fishing and hunting to football and basketball, all of which would be categorized as
sports.
Now the subject begins to come closer to home. I am a born again Christian who loves
the football season. I have followed “my” teams for over 15 years. I have spent many
hours watching them win and lose and reading about the games I missed, studying the
stats and scores and standings. I have gone to school with friends who memorized
statistics for individual players in basketball. They were a trivial pursuit nightmare when
it came to sporting knowledge. I noticed however, that when it came to beneficial
knowledge of history and English and hard work they were failing.
I entered denominational employment and found the students and staff with whom I
worked with to be just as engrossed if not more so than I was. From studying the sports
pages to playing on the field and in the gym, students and faculty alike were focused on
being the best and imitating their favorite players.
Why “sports”
I am not the type to really get steamed up about things but if there is one thing that really
gets under my skin it is those overly competitive people who think they know how to
play every sport better than anyone else and were accidentally passed over by the
professional scouts. Why do sports in general seem to create or feed that type of attitude?
The expressions, both verbal and physical, that can be seen from the basketball court to
the football field defy Christian standards too often. I have witnessed many sincere
Christians hang up their white robes as they enter the court or field and act in all manner
of disrespect for the Name they claim.
I chose this topic for just these reasons. What does Ellen White have to say about sports
and the attitudes expressed in them? Were they the same as they are now? Does she
have any specific counsel for students, parents and teachers? Are sports to be avoided or
is there more specific counsel from Mrs. White with regard to certain activities?
The career I have chosen in ministry, working with young people, puts me in the
forefront of this endless controversy. It seems we, as staff, are fighting the pull sports
seem to have on the students. Their lives can be wrapped up in another world and they
do not function academically or socially. They wear clothes representing their favorite
teams; they spend hours trying to imitate their favorite players, as well as the excessive
time spent recounting past games and debating future contests. As I watch all this occur I
wonder where there is time for school as well as God and service to others. So many of
them would rather “shoot hoops” than work an afternoon helping a neighbor. They can
watch 4 hours of football, however, a Bible Study of that length would put most to sleep.
Personal Philosophy concerning topic
I have mentioned a number of personal opinions regarding the subject and how I have
approached the discussion so far but I would like to elaborate on the topic. I am not nor
ever have been a “Michael Jordan”. I enjoy playing almost any sport. I am not very
competitive and for the most part just enjoy the “fun” of playing with people. I do have a
hard time, as I mentioned before, with those people that have been blessed with the “play
hard, no such thing as second place attitude.” I have on many occasions avoided
participating in a game if I notice someone or a couple of them in the game. I do believe
there are a lot of positive things that can come from playing sports. A list of positive
aspects would look like this: 1) good exercise, 2) learn to work together, 3) positive role
model, 4) can be a witnessing tool, 5) teaches you to stick with something and not give
up, 6) improves coordination, 7) improves communication.
I have seen, as, I am sure, have others, examples of all of these positive aspects of sports
as well as their ever-present negative counter parts. One school I know of that took
basketball very seriously decided to refocus on Christ which I thought was a great idea.
The basketball team prayed together and worked hard together to improve the game. In
one game I watched, our team was far superior to the visitors. It was the typical David
and Goliath only Goliath was winning. One coach, who would never give in, would have
poured on the points and “taught those amateurs how to play the game”. The coach of
our team, however, took what I believe to have been the Christian approach and during
the half time held a small meeting with his players. I was sitting close by and heard
every word. He told his starters (most of whom could dunk blindfolded) to practice ball
control and passing. He very emphatically told them “Do NOT take shots at the basket!”
He explained that he was going to keep some of the starters in the game so as not to
humiliate the other team and he was going to substitute some of the younger less
experienced players. Only they were allowed to take shots. He said he did not want to
see any fancy dribbling or passing. He wanted clean, basic basketball. At first I thought
he must have been dreaming. Here these teenagers had the chance of a lifetime to show
off and add to their personal stats for the season. Yet they took the Christian high road
and used the game to practice their skills and even help the other team. I saw our team
members congratulating the other team when they got points as well as giving accolades
to the other team members with pats on the back and “good job man”. It was a terrific
game and an even better example of a sport played with full Christian values.
Unfortunately, that game is the exception to the rule when it comes to Christians and
sports. That is the reason for this report.
Research Method
In looking for Ellen White’s comments on sports I searched through all her published
writings for every use of the word “sports”. I saw how she used the word to reflect
different meanings as well as much counsel to teachers at Adventist institutions and
parents. She mentioned many specific sports as well as giving counsel for alternative
activities.
Definition
Turning to our trusty Webster’s dictionary we see many uses for the word but 3 main
definitions are still used today. 1.) a diversion or pastime 2.) a particular game or activity
pursued for diversion 3.) a spirit of jesting 4.) an object of derision.
Ellen White used the word “sports” or “sport” to mean a few different things. She used
two main definitions. One popular usage of the word has nothing to do with playing a
physical activity at all but instead refers to making fun of something or mocking. “He
(Satan) has caused himself to be so represented as to excite no stronger emotion than
ridicule or contempt. He is well pleased to be painted as a ludicrous or loathsome object,
misshapen, half animal and half human. He is pleased to hear his name used in sport and
mockery by those who think themselves intelligent or well informed.” (GC88 516) This
quote would fit the fourth definition in Webster’s, that of making Satan an object of
derision. Another similar use of the word for this type of definition occurs in The
Adventist Home Page 177: “Never should either the husband or the wife in sport or in
any other manner complain of each other to others…” This is an example of the use of
the word sport as an act of jesting. “From still other rooms came the most disagreeable
sallies of low wit and vain talk. Some were making sport of individuals and even
imitating the words uttered in meeting; sacred things were made the subject of jest.” (CH
412) Again this seems to be using the word to describe an object of derision as well as
making jokes. It seems clear then that the word sport itself can carry a few different
meanings. This present one seems to be quite negative in its use and the affect that it has
on others, especially the participant. Another good example of her use of the term in
this context is in Counsels to Writers and Editors page 167, “A proper illustration of
Bible scenes requires talent of a superior quality. With these cheap, common
productions, the sacred lessons of the Bible disdain comparison…. God forbid that we
should please the devil by lowering the standard of eternal truth by using illustrations that
men and women and children will make sport of.” It seems pretty straightforward that
sport can also mean mocking or jest or as a joke as well as speaking of something as an
object of derision. It is not used in this case very often in today’s society. The meaning
taken from the context of its usage is still very clear.
The other, and of course more recognized use of the word “sport”, refers to a physical
activity or a game. The game, in this instance, is not physical but mental. Simplified, it
would be along the lines of making a game of tricking someone or pestering them. It is
very close to the definition of mocking or jest we just looked at previously. “Enslaved by
sin, the moral powers are under the tyranny of Satan, The Soul is made the sport of his
temptations; and unless some mighty arm is stretched out to rescue him, man goes where
the arch rebel leads the way.” This usage refers to a game of sorts but not a physical one.
It is again making someone the object of derision and making it a game. Mrs. White
clearly is speaking against allowing us to be used by Satan as a game piece to be played
with. The physical activity usage of the term is self-explanatory. “…and in the
afternoon a baseball game, which, according to reports, was played in a good spirit.”
(6BIO 370) This quote takes me back to my positive illustration of the use of the term
sport to mean a physical game played. Not only is this showing the usage of her thought
but also it is a positive reflection that she did not criticize all sports outright.
Counsel
There are many examples of Sister White’s mentioning specific sports that she felt were
not appropriate. “A youth is surrounded by temptations. He enters the bowling alley, or
the gambling saloon, to see the sport.” (CS 210) Is she entirely against these sports? I
would say that in this context she is against the influence they have to the young people
to try to obtain money through these sports and not by honest means. It is not to say that
gambling and bowling even today are good or bad. Arguments can be made for both
especially bowling. Indeed anyone who enters a bowling alley today knows of the thick
haze of smoke and plentiful alcohol present. It is not the ideal environment for physical
exercise and bettering one’s health, although it can be, in a group of fellow Christians, a
wonderful diversion. Joining a bowling league and going alone can, over time, lead to
temptations to which we should not consciously submit ourselves. Notice in her quote
she refers to one person entering these establishments. Again, my argument here is not
meant to fully support or negate her counsel but simply to bring balance to what could be
extremism. “ A view of things was presented to me in which the students were playing
games of cricket and tennis. Then I was given instruction regarding the character of these
amusements. They were presented to me as a species of idolatry like the idols of the
nations.”(CT 350) This statement sounds pretty bold in condemning both sports.
However, as you consider what an idol is, these sports themselves are not, perhaps the,
evil. An idol is anything that takes you away from God and a fuller relationship with him
and could be just about anything in life. The argument could be made that almost
everything we do is an idol. Seclusionism can result from a strict adherence to this
definition. We must be careful not to become extreme in our views but to hold to
moderation. Perhaps as those games were being played and in the way they were being
played Sister White was shown that they were objects of idolatry. I see no difference
between a game of baseball “played in good spirit” and a game of cricket also “played in
good spirit”. She specifically mentions the character of these games that I think could be
transferred to all other games as well.
One word that really stands out from Webster’s definition is “diversion”. This can be
united with the idea of idolatry. Participating in sports as a diversion to such an extreme
that it becomes an idol in our lives it very wrong. I know Ellen White would not be
against participating in sports for diversionary purposes. Refer again to the quote
regarding the baseball game played in good spirit. This quote was taken from a longer
passage regarding a series of meetings that were taking place and this baseball game was
an afternoon diversion from the meetings. It certainly does not sound as if she is
condemning the idea of taking a break from “study”. “He should learn how many hours
to give to study, and how much time to spend in physical exercise. The human body may
be compared to a nicely adjusted machine, which needs care to keep it in running order.
One part should not be subjected to constant wear and pressure, while another part is
rusting from inaction. While the mind is tasked the muscles also should have their
proportion of exercise.” (FE 72) “This has sometimes led to the opinion that if the
intellect is educated to put forth its highest powers, it will strengthen the physical and
moral nature for the development of the whole man. Time and experience have proved
this to be in error.”(CE211)
What effect does sport have on the character of individuals? The idolatry issue, spoken
of previously, is a major concept inherent in this next section. I want to look at exactly
what it does to a person who is so focused on this one thing called sports. One statement
that jumped out at me because it spoke to my personal experience comes from the 2nd
Manuscript Releases page 218, “They (students) act as if school were a place where they
were to perfect themselves in sports, as if this were an important branch of their
education, and they come armed and equipped for this kind of training. This is all wrong
from beginning to end.” Again this is not saying the sport is bad. I believe she is
making a point that taking sports to an extreme, turning the healthy diversion and
exercise into an idol of worship and self-adoration is what is wrong. What can be said
about the desire to further our relationship with our Heavenly Father? Sports can have a
detrimental effect on our desire to seek God in all we do. “ How much time is spent by
intelligent human beings in horse racing, cricket matches, and ball playing! But will
indulgence in these sports give men a desire to know truth and righteousness? Will it
keep God in their thoughts? Will it lead them to inquire, ‘how is it with my soul?’ All
the powers of Satan are set in operation to hold the attention to frivolous amusements and
he is gaining his object.”(CT 456) Notice that she mentions “indulgence” in these sports.
Here, ball playing is on the bad list of things not to do; yet we have already read a
previous quote in which she placed ball playing in a positive light. I truly believe the key
concept here is the indulgence in these sports to the point that it takes away from our
walk with God and our desire to further that walk.
I found in a pamphlet an interesting statement concerning the effect these things have on
young people. “They (young men and women) do not discern that these entertainments
are really Satan’s banquet, prepared to keep souls from accepting the call to the marriage
supper of the Lamb; they prevent them from receiving the white robe of character which
is the righteousness of Christ. They become confused as to what is right for them as
Christians to do. They do not want to be thought of as singular and naturally inclined to
follow the example of others.”(PH048 14) This is saying that even people who are trying
to follow God can, and will, be led astray by others indulging in idolatrous sport. She
speaks more about those who are nominal Christians and the affect they have on others. “
…This class is always ready for the gatherings for pleasure and sport, and their influence
attracts others.” (AH 519) Not only can the individual use sports in a wrong manner,
other individuals through their misuse of sports can lead others astray.
A college professor once told me never to condemn an activity without also giving an
alternative. Does Mrs. White give alternatives or any positive counsel on sports? “ The
little child finds both diversion and development in play; and his sports should be such as
to promote not only physical, but mental and spiritual growth. …the best recreation will
be found in some line of effort that is useful. …The youth need to be taught that life
means earnest work, responsibility and care taking. …These need to learn that no man or
woman is degraded by honest toil.” (ED 215) Throughout her writings she encourages
useful recreation. This gives exercise, as well, creativity and mental development. She
encourages families to join together and take picnics in the country away from all the
business of daily life. “…An alternative to engaging in sports, there are houses that can
be built. … I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but this, even it its
simplicity, may be overdone.” (4BIO 446) “ Gymnasium exercises may, in some
instances, be an advantage. They were brought in to supply the want of useful physical
training and have become popular with educational institutions, but they are not without
drawbacks.”(CE 211) All of her suggestions, especially dealing with the older students,
seem to involve what we would class as work. She does not seem to give too much
emphasis on playing just for the sake of playing. “ If, in our schools, the land were more
faithfully cultivated, the buildings more disinterestedly cared for by the students, the love
of sports and amusements, which causes so much perplexity in our schools, would pass
away.” I see the benefit in this line of thinking. Our students, I believe, are more
involved and wrapped up in the sporting world than they ever were in Sister White’s day.
When I have considered her counsel to work the fields more I wonder how useful that
really is in today’s economy. Equipment is so expensive and farming is not the money-
making thing it was in the past. I guess the schools could produce food for themselves,
however it would require lots of time and commitment on someone’s part to lead the
students and to do all the canning and preserving. Today, in the schools we have, there is
just not the same commitment to the work ethic that there used to be, especially when it
comes to venture such as farming.
One very interesting quote, which I have attempted to find the context for, has intrigued
me. She mentions “…all our gatherings should be characterized by a decided religious
influence.” (ML205) Taking this statement apart I find that she is not saying that we
should never have fun. She said our gatherings should be characterized by a religious
influence. Some would say this means we should only sit around and study the Bible but
I think we have seen that even Sister White is against that idea. Playing sports or any
type of recreation should be done in a Christian manner. I refer again to the basketball
game I attended as an example of a gathering, in this case a very recreational one, which
was characterized by a religious influence. How do we have a religious influence in our
gatherings? This paper is about sports and I believe Ellen would include sports in her “all
our gatherings” comment. It is very much a personal decision on the part of each
participant if he will exhibit a Christ-like character in his play. Those who do choose
should also exhibit a strong influence in the game being played to persuade others to
follow. Influence can go both ways. If the “Christian” players set the tone of the game
and make an example it serves as a witness to others both playing and watching.
The love of sports and other recreational amusements is well documented and prevalent
in our church and schools. How our young people are treating it is also very evident.
From what has been shown, it seems as though the fault with sports is not with the sport
itself, as the case was made for baseball, but more with how we as individual Christians
choose to spend our time and what our overall focus is. It has been seen that even doing
God’s work can become an idol if it is done for the wrong reasons. Ellen White warned
about possible negative influences and the effect they can have on people. Her counsel
was more for the character of the games played and the character of the person playing
other than the actual game itself. I am sure that Mrs. White would agree with the many
positive results of playing various sports as they were listed in the beginning of this
paper. I am sure also that she would be horrified to see the degree to which so many of
God’s professed followers engage in a competitive nature. Sports are inherently
competitive. They require teamwork that is a positive attribute, learning to work together
for a common goal. However, the positive attributes stop there as the nature of the game
goes further into the “us vs. them” mentality. It is this side of competition that Mrs.
White most definitely was referring to when she spoke about the damaging effects to the
character of people. The idol of sport is not the sport itself but the attitudes and approach
that people take in playing the sport. People can get addicted to the feeling of being
superior, the idea of beating the other team, showing off their skill, and reveling in the
winning. Sport can easily be debased and become a focus on self and self-glorification,
which is what can be so wrong. Ellen White seems to have understood how easily it is to
fall into a selfish trap with sports and that would explain her hesitant counsel regarding it
as a whole. The issue then boils down to self. Do we play a game for the fun of the
game, enjoying the exercise and the fellowship, or focus on winning, beating, being
better than, or showing off.
Sports do not have to be competitive. The positive aspects of playing can still be
gained even when the competitiveness of the game is removed and the recreational value
is not decreased either. For example, volleyball is a sport in which there are 2 teams
playing against each other. As they score points each team rotates on their side of the
net. This is a basic example of team vs. team competition. However if people are rotated
under the net so that a person from one team will or can end up playing on the other, the
competitiveness is removed. It is no longer an us against them because it is all us. The
score can still be kept to see which side worked together better. At the end of the game
however, one team cannot say they were better than the other. Good and bad players play
for both teams during the game. There is no favoritism. Everyone enjoys playing and
doing the best they could. Sometimes they play with a good group that worked well
together and other times they might struggle. Again, the result is still the same.
Everyone plays, all had exercise, and all worked together with everyone. Most likely all
can say they contributed to winning because at some point they contributed to the side
that had won. Does this go against human nature? Absolutely. It is natural for us to
want to do better than someone else and thus feel better about ourselves. Our self-image
should, however, be focused in Christ. It is not the game that is evil but the heart that
plays. Contrary to popular opinion it is not whether you win or lose it is really how good
is your attitude as you play and does this activity consume you.
 Bibliography

1.Christian Education 1893,1894 P211

2. Counsels on Health 1923 P412

3. Counsels on Stewardship 1940 P210

4. Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students 1913 P350, 456

5.Counsels to Writers and Editors page 167

6. Education 1903 P215

7. Ellen G. White Volume 4 The Australian Years 1891-1900, Arthur L. White 1983
P446

8. Ellen G. White Volume 6 The Later Elmshaven Years 1905-1915 Arthur White 1982
P.370

9. Fundamentals of Christian Education 1923 p72

10. Manuscript Release Volume 2 {Nos. 97-161}1987 P218

11. My Life Today 1952 P205

12. PH048 Living by Principle 1898 P14

13. The Adventist Home 1952 Page 177,519

14. The Great Controversy 1888 P516

Definition
Webster
Usage—various usages in her writings

Counsel
Warnings
Specific sports mentioned
Affects on the character
Satan uses to distract
Danger of sedated lifestyle
Influence to weaker Christians
Positive counsel
Use of gymnasiums
Benefits of exercise
Suggestions for replacement
Advantages of labor
Encouraging constructive amusement