SPORTing the Bible by Bible Network News and United Bible Societies Staff
This month's World Cup of Rugby will see two new Scripture editions
CANBERRA, Australia, October 2, 2003 — The latest Bible products geared toward sports fans will be unveiled at the World Cup of Rugby.
The Bible and Sports
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (GNT) Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.
Philippians 3:12-14 (GNT) I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.
1 Timothy 6 (CEV) Fight a good fight for the faith and claim eternal life. God offered it to you when you clearly told about your faith, while so many people listened.
Major sporting events draw all kinds of people: die hard fans, casual spectators, thrill-seekers and, yes, truth-seekers. At the World Cup of Rugby, this last category will be particularly well served. The Bible Society in Australia is bringing the Bible into the heart of the event in a convenient, easy-to-read format. It believes that combining the Scriptures with guidance on how to read them and with testimonies from well-known sporting personalities will prove a winning formula with fans.
The Bible Society will make the special edition New Testament, Beyond the Try Line, available to people attending Rugby World Cup matches between October 10 and November 22. This edition uses the easy-to-understand Contemporary English Version (CEV) text and offers an explanation about what the New Testament is. It also features 12 testimonies and photos of Rugby League and Rugby Union personalities, including Noel Gallagher of Australia, Michael Jones of New Zealand and Britain's Jason Robinson. Its small size makes it ideal for carrying around and reading at any time.
While this special New Testament is designed for use in many different types of outreach to sports fans, the Bible Society's second new publication is aimed specifically at rugby fans. Its special rugby edition of Mark's Gospel, also entitled Beyond the Try Line (or, in Queensland, The Game Played in Heaven?), contains testimonies from Rugby Union players, a guide to reading the Scriptures and pages devoted to World Cup information.
Both special publications will be distributed at World Cup venues in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, with the Bible Society working with different partners in each state. In Queensland, for example, the Salvation Army will be handing out the rugby edition of Mark's Gospel. Other partners include Global Sports Ministries, which will be running a rugby competition in schools before the World Cup begins.
Sports Editions Gaining in Popularity
Producing Bibles for sports enthusiasts is not a new concept, as numerous editions have been quite successful in reaching athletes and fans alike. The Bible Society in Australia has already produced a very popular New Testament aimed at surfers. Filled with photos and testimonies from pro surfers, the Surfer's Bible bears a message on the front cover reading, "Warning: This book contains explicit life changing material".
Similarly, the American Bible Society produced a Golf New Testament (with Psalms and Proverbs) entitled Playing with Purpose. In addition to the Word of God, the pocket-sized book includes some golf trivia and general information, along with testimonies from Golfers like Larry Mize, Paul Azinger and Betsy King.
The Canadian Bible Society, in partnership with Athletes in Action, produced the Game Plan New Testament. The Game Plan features testimonies by athletes from across the sports spectrum, including hockey players, football players, baseball and basketball players, Olympic athletes and more. The Canadian Bible Society distributed it when the IAAF World Championships in Athletics were held in Edmonton in August of 2001.
Sports metaphors are used numerous times in Scripture, perhaps accounting for the popularity and appeal of these editions of the Bible.
To order your copy of the Surfer’s Bible, Playing with Purpose or Game Plan, click here.
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