Thousands of University students may be a part of frequent, unified, spiritual ceremonies every fall in an unexpected place: Tiger Stadium.
Arthur Remillard, associate professor of religious studies at St. Francis University, will speak to the University today about the relationship between religion and college football in the South. Though many fans assume some players are more religious than others, Remillard argues the tradition and spirit of college football is similar to religion itself.
One example of this concept is visible in the football event itself, Remillard said. A group of people who do not necessarily know each other gathering, saying chants and practicing traditional rituals is similar to the Catholic mass for instance, Remillard said.
Remillard, in collaboration with Chris Beneke, recently published an op-ed in the Washington Post entitled “Is Religion Losing Ground to Sports?” The article argued that for the dwindling amount of practicing religious people in the country, sports replaced religion.
The article also explained how many large-sport spectacles are similar to traditional religious gatherings.
“Modern sports stadiums function much like great cathedrals once did, bringing communities together and focusing their collective energy. … As faith attachments weaken, sports fill a psychological and cultural vacuum,” Remillard and Beneke wrote.
Studying crisis and identity within the football-following community, and the unique origin stories of the teams in the NCAA is a key part of the discussion, Remillard said.
The presentation will also recognize the presence of heroes and villains in sports, especially in football, Remillard said. Whether it is a quarterback or the unified spirit of a school, there are always conflicting parties in sports, he said.
Though millions of people are united by the entertainment of college football, it may be yet another way to exclude certain people in the U.S., Remillard said.
“Anytime you create a ‘we,’ you always create a ‘them.’ That’s always the danger of creating community,” Remillard said.
Religion at its best discourages that group of people opposing the masses or, for whatever reason, does not connect with the popular community, he said.
Michael Pasquier, associate professor of religious studies and history at the University, said this exclusivity can be obvious in today’s religious realm, whether it is racially motivated or between the divisions of Christianity.
Though religion may not be directly incorporated into college football, the symbolism and representation is obvious, Remillard said.
“I would not say football is a religion but I would say football has distinct religious aspects,” Remillard said.
The presentation will be held at 3 p.m. today in the Lawton Room of Tiger Stadium and is open to the public.
“I would not say football is a religion but I would say football has distinct religious aspects.”