"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
A theology of competition
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A theology of competition, R Scott Reavely, ThM thesis, Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, (OR), 1992
The thesis consists of 92 pages including 4 pages of bibliography. It is in 7 chapters:
Purpose
Historical perspectives on competition
Biblical texts
Ethical issues
Spiritual competition
Contemporary discussion
Practical implications
The purpose of the investigation is defined as: "This project will construct a Biblical blueprint for thinking about competition by examining relevant Biblical passages and drawing conclusions that Christians can apply to their competitive situations". Page 7
Competition is amoral; competitors can be moral or immoral.
From an analysis of biblical texts he concludes: "Many of the ideas Paul borrows from athletes carry values, which coincide with his picture of the Christian life. Those values include abiding by predetermined rules, single-mindedness, self-control, goal orientation, reward for success and discipline. These values are common to both athletics and Christianity" and "Paul never recommends competition as such, but commends physical training". Page 32
The nub of the issue for him I that: "Loving someone I have chosen to outdo certainly puts me in an awkward situation. To sacrificially love a rival as Christ loved us would require discontinuing the competition". Page 45
Again he states:"To show kindness to a competitor almost requires that one call off the competition. To display goodness toward someone seems much easier if one is not in direct competition with them". Page 46
In chapter 6 "Contemporary discussions of competition", he notes three types of Christian material on competition
(i) material about how you become a better athlete by following Jesus;
(ii) material related to Christianity but based on psychology or sociology rather than Bible;
(iii) Subjective, based on experience.
And lists arguments for competition
(i) competition is inevitable - pervades culture;
(ii) competition promotes excellence;
(iii) competition builds character.
(iv) Relationships are built thru competition.
(v) Competitive success provides a testimony for Christ;
And arguments against competition
(i) Abuses of competition;
(ii) Competition limits productivity;
(iii) Competition damages self-esteem;
(iv) Competition hurts relationships;
(v) Competition is a moral issue.
His final conclusion is: "In the final analysis, competition and Christianity are compatible in that they share some character qualities - yet they also have some irreconcilable differences - Competition always tends towards foolish comparison. The tension will exist in every instance. We must be willing to withdraw at any time if we see our faith being compromised".