The Faith Of Nba Players: Jehovah's Witnesses

Introduction

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is composed of players from different backgrounds and religions. Among these players are Jehovah’s Witnesses who openly profess their faith while playing on the court. In this article, we will take a closer look at the faith of NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their door-to-door evangelism and refusal to participate in politics and military service. They believe in the Bible as the word of God and hold to a strict moral code. They also believe in the imminent end of the world and the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.

Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA

There are several NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Among them are Derrick Rose, Michael Carter-Williams, and Jayson Tatum. These players have openly expressed their faith and have been vocal about their beliefs. They have also faced some challenges in balancing their faith and their career in the NBA.

Challenges faced by Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA

One of the challenges faced by Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA is the conflict between their faith and the demands of the sport. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not allowed to participate in blood transfusions, which can be a life-saving procedure in case of injury. NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses have had to make difficult decisions regarding their medical treatment.

Medical treatment decisions

In 2013, Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL and had to undergo surgery. The surgery required blood transfusions, which are against the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Rose opted for a procedure that did not require blood transfusions, which resulted in a longer recovery time. Similarly, Michael Carter-Williams had to make a decision regarding his medical treatment when he suffered a hip injury in 2018.

How do Jehovah’s Witnesses balance their faith and career?

Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA have found ways to balance their faith and their career. They have been able to maintain their beliefs while still competing at the highest level. One way they do this is by praying before games and practicing their faith outside of the court.

Prayer before games

Many NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses pray before games. This helps them to stay focused and calm before competing. It also allows them to connect with their faith before entering the arena.

Practicing their faith outside of the court

Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA also practice their faith outside of the court. They attend meetings at Kingdom Halls, participate in door-to-door evangelism, and study the Bible regularly. By doing so, they are able to maintain their faith while still pursuing their careers in the NBA.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses face unique challenges in balancing their faith and their careers. However, they have found ways to maintain their beliefs while still competing at the highest level. Through prayer and practicing their faith outside of the court, they have been able to remain true to their faith while pursuing their passion for basketball.