Which theory better explains the thrill of victory: materialism or Christianity? Can any of you do a better job with a materialist explanation of the thrill of victory than I did? Why do you think winning is so much fun?
We had a lot of fun with football this year in Stillman Valley. It culminated in a state championship and a new experience of the thrill of victory. And it is worth considering why we enjoy competing so much.
I am asking the question on a philosophical level. Why is the thrill of victory so much fun? Before you accuse me of being too nerdy, I want to point out that I participated in multiple pep rallies and did not go all philosophical on people at any point – – even when I had the microphone.
Also, for the record, and before some of our competition points it out in the comments, the Stillman Valley Cardinals weren’t the only ones celebrating the thrill of victory this year. Rockford Lutheran gave us purple nightmares. Their quarterback, to the tune 16 of 25 for 285 yards, spun away from pass rushers like Fran Tarkenton (just watch this film clip and you will know what we endured – – same color jersey and everything). Similarly, the St. Joseph-Ogden quarterback also gave us fits. And whereas Lutheran gave us purple nightmares, Winnebago gave us purple bruises. They were one of the more physical teams we’ve seen in high school football and my son had the post-loss black and blue spots to prove it. We served ibuprofen at our house.
I digress.
Here, again, is the question. Why is winning a championship – – – or even competing to win a championship – – such a blast?
From a philosophical point of view, we might consider two explanations. First, there is the materialist explanation for the “thrill of victory.” If you’re not up to speed on philosophical terms, “materialism” is the belief that the only reality is the material world. Hence, everything must be explained in terms of substance and natural law.
A materialist explanation of the “thrill of victory” would begin with the idea that life resulted from random collisions of molecules. However improbable, the point would be that given enough collisions – – which would probably require an infinite number of universes (see this post)- – higher life would develop the capacity to invent football. From there, and over billions of years, the desire to win evolved such that we as human beings enjoy competition as a part of our survival instinct.
I’m trying to give a fair summary, but I am honestly not sure why the materialist would say that sportsmanship and character and respect for the opponents evolved. If we really believed the whole survival of the fittest thing exclusively, shouldn’t we shoot the losers rather than shake hands at the 50?
In the materialist view, there is nothing enduring about the thrill of victory. You win a game. That’s it. The trophies tarnish and you lose the ring, or you keep it long enough for your kids to lose it. But there is nothing, ultimately, greater than a few minutes on a football field in Dekalb, IL. And even though barbwire was invented in or around Dekalb, that really isn’t a very big deal.
Alternatively, there is the Christian explanation for the “thrill of victory.” (I understand that there could be other options – – but this is a blog post, not a book – I’m keeping it brief). The Christian explanation would be that God created humanity in His own image and that God invested in image bearers the capacity to represent God in creation. Consequently, humans can uniquely create, run, work together as teammates, accomplish, make music, and so forth Whenever, humans are human, they are mirrors which reflect the glory of the Creator, albeit imperfectly.
The Christian explanation for the thrill of victory contends that the best of competing and winning and losing points to something far greater than us. Hence, far from being an end unto itself, the thrill of competition points us to the possibility of being on a team whose champion is none other than the King of the Universe.
If the Christian explanation makes more sense than the materialist view, then the next logical step is to further consider Christ – – the ultimate champion – – -and how we can truly be on His team. Maybe watch Ron Brown’s video below? Or, better yet, visit us at the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley or another Bible believing church.
But, at the very least, ask yourself, doesn’t the thrill of victory show us that there must be something more than the material?
See also What is the Gospel?
I am convinced that all of us have an innate need to belong to something greater than ourselves. This need is so strong that we seek even it in the absence of any compelling cause. People who would never darken the doors of a church, consider becoming a Rotarian or even join a knitting club nonetheless find themselves worshipping at the altar of Sunday afternoon football while wearing a giant piece of styrofoam resembling a slice of cheese.
For those lucky enough be a part of the team, there is the sense of comraderie that only comes from shared sacrifice in the pursuit of a common goal. Soldiers experience how it feels to be brothers-in-arms too, but few others have this opportunity although I believe we all have the desire for these kinds of relationships.
The rest of us are left experiencing these things vicariously for our team. If we listen closely we might come to believe these small victories hint at a deeper truth, that in time our struggles produce something of value that lasts far longer than a medal or trophy.
Very well said Jim!
Overdue comment here….great post Chris. Really enjoyed that one. When they are at their best, teams realize that the pursuit of their best is an act of service to their community. Few things unify as powerfully as a team that wins the right way!