Introduction
Over the years, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen players from various religious backgrounds. One religion that has been represented in the league is Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this article, we will take a closer look at a few NBA players who are members of this faith and how their beliefs impact their lives and careers.
What is a Jehovah’s Witness?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that believes in the Bible as the word of God. They believe that salvation is only possible through faith in Jehovah God and following his laws. Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism and refusal to participate in certain activities such as blood transfusions and military service.
Markieff Morris
Markieff Morris is a power forward for the Los Angeles Lakers and a devout Jehovah’s Witness. He credits his faith for keeping him grounded and focused on the court. Morris has been open about his beliefs and has even shared his faith with teammates and coaches. He believes that his faith has given him the strength to overcome adversity and stay motivated.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired NBA player who is also a Jehovah’s Witness. He converted to the faith in 1968 and has been an active member ever since. Abdul-Jabbar is known for his philanthropy work and has used his platform to bring attention to social justice issues. Despite facing criticism for his beliefs, Abdul-Jabbar remains steadfast in his faith and continues to use his voice to make a difference.
Jeff Teague
Jeff Teague is a point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks and a practicing Jehovah’s Witness. He has been open about his faith and credits it for keeping him grounded in the fast-paced world of professional basketball. Teague has even used his social media platforms to share his beliefs and encourage others to explore their spirituality.
How Does Being a Jehovah’s Witness Impact Their Careers?
Being a Jehovah’s Witness can impact an NBA player’s career in a few ways. For example, their refusal to participate in activities such as blood transfusions and military service may limit their options when it comes to medical treatment and off-season training. Additionally, their commitment to evangelism may require them to take time off from their careers to participate in missionary work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a Jehovah’s Witness is just one aspect of the lives of these NBA players. While their faith may impact their careers in some ways, it also provides them with a sense of purpose and strength. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the intersection of religion and sports in the NBA.