Church Basketball and God

Pegasus · #1 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:20 PM

First of all, I will say first up that this thread is not exclusively for church basketball, but I am using the example to ask a question. I would like to hear people's opinions.

I remember growing up praying before basketball games for help to play well. Similarly asking for help to do well in tests in school, etc etc.

My question is - Is God fair if he helps me during a game of basketball to play well, while the other non-lds players have to do it on their own? Is it fair that God would give me special help during school exams while the other kids have to do the exam with only their own power? God is omniscient, so it is like the guy who has all the answers helping you during the exam, while everyone else does it on their own.

Or God who is all powerful giving you greater capacity to perform during a basketball game.

From God's point of view, is it fair to give someone an advantage when they pray to him?

pam · #2 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:23 PM

How do you know he is giving you special attention over the others? Isn't prayer also based on faith? Perhaps it is your faith that is allowing you to excel a bit more during those times and not necessary extra help from Heavenly Father. Perhaps psychologically knowing you have that faith you are moved to push yourself a bit more.

Pegasus · #3 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:28 PM

Well if that was the case then why even pray? If God doesn't actually help out and its just my faith allowing me to excel. Saying that having faith in God pushes you a bit more is arguable, since knowing that there is no God and having to do it all yourself could serve as inspiration to push yourself more.

If God doesn't actually help then I don't see how my faith in him makes me play better basketball, or helps me in a science exam.

Moksha · #4 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pegasus

If God doesn't actually help then I don't see how my faith in him makes me play better basketball, or helps me in a science exam.

Faith gives you inspiration and hope.

Misshalfway · #5 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:35 PM

God only helps those who wear blue and white. Sorry to the rest of you.

pam · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:36 PM

Okay let me put it this way as I understand what you are saying.

God doesn't help those that don't help themself. That being said..If I do nothing to prepare myself for that test but I pray about it..why would God help me? Now if I pray that God would help me to retain those things that I have studied so that I can perform better on the test...then I'm relying on myself and also on the faith that God will help me in the way that I asked.

We can't expect God to do all the work for us. The same with basketball. If I am lazy at practice, don't follow the coaches advice but pray that I am at my best in the game....What have we done for ourself?

I'm not saying that God doesn't assist in in those things..I think much of it has to do with how much effort we ourselves also put into reaching those goals.

Pegasus · #7 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:37 PM

I know that Moksha...but how does hope help you in a game of basketball? Also, please correct me if I'm wrong, but are you suggesting that in these situations that God doesn't actually help at all? It's all just psychological?

Moksha · #8 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misshalfway

God only helps those who wear blue and white. Sorry to the rest of you.

Ah, so that is why the BYU Cougars always walk away with a Moral Victory whether they won the game or not.

Wonder if they will end up with only Moral Victory this Saturday?

Misshalfway · #9 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:45 PM

I always think of the 2 Nephi scripture that talks about how if we pray God will consecrate our performance for our good. What does that mean exactly? I don't necessarily think it means winning. I mean maybe losing is good for the soul too. I do think that God visits His blessings onto the people who pray. The scriptures are full of examples. Membership isn't enough to acquire the blessings of the Lord. The scriptures do refer to slothful servants.

I believe that God has helped me give talks or sing songs or act better in plays. I have also had those days where I prayed like crazy and still forgot a line or hit a bad note. Help from the Lord doesn't exactly mean winning or favoritism.

Moksha · #10 (**permalink**) 11-23-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pegasus

I know that Moksha...but how does hope help you in a game of basketball? Also, please correct me if I'm wrong, but are you suggesting that in these situations that God doesn't actually help at all? It's all just psychological?

As you know, God does not address all our requests. Bad things happen in spite of prayer. A diligent prayer may sometimes still result in a failing grade.

Psychological boosts are good for both our performance and our morale.

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Still waiting for that Prayer Competition between Brigham Young and Orel Roberts University. No matter what, BYU will walk away with a Moral Victory.