THROUGH UNTRUE
An integral part of the cosmic narrative of creation, fall, and redemption is the Ascension of Jesus, often regarded as the concluding chapter of His earthly ministry. However, rather than marking a closure, this event unveils fresh avenues for our involvement in Jesus's ongoing redemptive mission (Mark 16:15-20).
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to continue His mission — to proclaim the good news of the kingdom, to heal the sick, to feed the hungry, and to work for justice and peace. During the Ascension, Jesus commissions us to be the embodiment of His life and mission in this world, and to preach about the truths and values, which transcend our worldly concerns.
Sadly, in our contemporary society, the concept of transcendence has been undermined, leading to a loss of shared myths, symbols, and rituals that once connected us to something beyond our narrow concerns. Secularism has become a powerful worldview which equates truth with what can be observed, measured, or logically reasoned. While this approach has led to great advancements in science, technology, and critical thinking, it tends to neglect and undermine the aspects of human experience that defy easy quantification or rational explanation.
Religious values like faith, hope, and love, which have long been associated with transcendent experiences, are marginalized or reduced to biological or psychological processes. The exaggerated emphasis on individual autonomy, diversity, and freedom has led many to live in isolation or alienation.
Also, many of us are ensnared in a cycle of consumption, ceaselessly pursuing transient pleasures that leave us perpetually dissatisfied. This relentless quest for material possessions diverts our attention from deeper and more meaningful aspects of life. It dulls our desire for transcendence and spiritual growth. Secularism and consumerism offer numerous substitutes for our religious sensibilities.
One example is modern sports. Do you not observe the parallels? Sports have evolved into quasi-religious rituals. Competitive sporting events are characterized by fervent displays of devotion, reminiscent of religious congregations in churches, temples, and other places of worship. Sports enthusiasts passionately and devoutly chant their cheers and slogans similar to fervent religious adherents. They proudly exhibit banners, balloons, and pictures of their athletes like battle standards in a holy war. The allegiance and dedication they demonstrate toward their preferred teams mirror the commitment exhibited by religious followers.
Note how, during crunch time, fans clasp their hands, close their eyes, or gaze upwards, mirroring the gestures of religious supplicants. Arenas transform into sacred spaces where triumphs are hailed as victories of the human spirit over adversity. Last-minute comebacks or record-breaking performances evoke feelings of transcendence, simulating a shared religious experience.
But let's face it. What sports offer us are inadequate and poor substitutes for the depth and intricacy of our religious sentiments. Also, the commercialization of sports diminishes their spiritual potential, reducing a game or a competition to a mere spectacle, a big business, or a form of escapism. The fundamental tenet in sports is: “The winner takes it all. The loser has to fall.” Victors garner public adoration and applause, while the defeated face ridicule and humiliation.
Genuine religion elevates humanity from the mundane to the sublime. Sports elevate the trivial to the monumental. Avid spectators celebrate the triumphs of athletes who have supplanted saints and heroes as our role models. Thus, while famous local athletes and highly compensated foreign imports accumulate wealth through their athletic prowess, their fans can only bask in an illusion of greatness that is transient and forgettable.