ARD criticism: Christian footballers in their sights-Double morality exposed!
ARD criticism: Christian footballers in their sights-Double morality exposed!
On May 31, 2025, the debate about the perception of Christian football players in the German media causes excitement. The ARD "Facts Finder" criticizes playing athletes who are open to their faith and accuses them of doing necessary missionary work. The focus is particularly on football professionals Davie Selke from Hamburger SV and Felix Nmecha from Borussia Dortmund, both with Christian faith and African roots. In a viral social media video, players express their religiosity, which triggers a wave of the discussion. The ARD editor expresses concerns about the spread of an ultra-conservative world view that is nourished by linking to evangelical organizations such as "Football with Vision" and "Ballers in God".
However, critics complain that such connections are pilloried, while Muslim practices in professional football are not treated comparable. For example, fasting during Ramadan or prayer according to gates in reporting is not criticized. This raises the question of why the treatment of religious statements is so different. Antonio Rüdiger, national player of Real Madrid, was criticized for his “Tahi finger”, which was considered Islamist sympathy; The reaction to this was dismissed as part of a right -wing extremist program.The double standards in focus
The article by our-mitteleuropa.com is perceived as an example of double morality. Footballers such as Selke and NMECHA, who publicly show their faith, are sharply criticized, while Rüdiger's incident is hardly prepared journalistically. The lack of dealing with his case and the associated different treatment of players illustrate the existing double standards. The ARD is also accused of one -sided agitation and an attack on religious freedom on the net. Users also criticize the double scale that other religions are spared while Christians are targeted.
The religious sociologist Maren Freudenberg recognizes great pressure on the players in this context to spread their messages. Leading voices in the discussion, as Martin Fritz from the Evangelical Central Office for Welt Supplementary Questions, reaffirm this view and refer to the risk of a problematic world view that is brought to young people.
sport and religion in social discourse
The connection between sport and religion is a topic that repeatedly affects scientific interest. In recent years, this topic has also solidified in public discourse. According to marginalie.hypotheses.org , the various approaches of sport enable a deeper examination of the faith structures in society.
In football, the use of religious terms is widespread, from hymns to general colloquial expressions such as "football god". These terms help to express superlatives and emphasize fan identities. The way in which religion is anchored in sport also reveals deeper insights into the beliefs of society. Sport is increasingly regarded as a kind of secular religion that integrates meaningful elements into everyday life.
Against this background, the question remains whether it is not society itself that demands a differentiated view of religiousness in sport. The debate about the Christian footballers could also serve as a trigger for a broader examination of topics such as freedom of faith and the role of religion in public areas of life.Overall, it can be seen that the discussion about the religiosity of athletes is not only a question of faith, but also reflects deeper social tensions and discourses that are becoming increasingly important today.
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| Ort | Dortmund, Deutschland |
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