Introduction
Professional athletes are often seen as invincible and unconquerable, but they too search for answers, especially when it comes to spirituality. Some ex-National Basketball Association (NBA) players have chosen to answer this question by becoming Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religion with over eight million followers worldwide. This article provides personal stories of several ex-NBA players who have converted to the religion, the reasons for their attraction, and examines the impact of the religion on their lives.
Highlight Personal Stories of Ex-NBA Players
Many ex-NBA players have converted to the Jehovah’s Witness faith, including well-known athletes like Mark Jackson, Mauriece Cheeks, and Michael Cooper. All of these players gave up fame and fortune for their faith. Mark Jackson, who played for the Indiana Pacers from 1994 to 1996, converted to the Jehovah’s Witness faith in 1996. He noted that his spiritual growth is “the real success story”. Mauriece Cheeks, a former Philadelphia 76ers player, was raised as a Catholic but eventually converted to the Jehovah’s Witness faith. He explained that it “makes you a better person and a better teammate.” Michael Cooper, the former Los Angeles Lakers player, also converted to the faith because he wanted to focus on his family and his faith.
Analyze the Reasons for Ex-NBA Players Being Drawn to the Faith
Ex-NBA players are drawn to the Jehovah’s Witness faith for various reasons. The religion ingrains a central message that God’s Kingdom is the only solution to all problems, and a righteous life within the boundaries of biblical commands will do no harm. Additionally, the Jehovah’s Witness faith adheres to founder Charles Taze Russell’s teachings, who taught rejection of traditional Christian doctrines. Some ex-players resonate with the unique teachings of the Jehovah’s Witness faith, which teaches that God’s Kingdom will bring an end to all injustice.
Examine the Impact of Being a Jehovah’s Witness on Ex-NBA Player’s Lives
Joining the Jehovah’s Witness faith has had a significant impact on the lives of former NBA players. After retirement, many NBA players face personal problems like depression and anxiety, which are exacerbated due to lack of discipline. Once players join the faith, they have a moral structure that guides them in their life. Joining a religion that emphasizes family means they can find support in their closest relationships. Furthermore, the Jehovah’s Witness faith is known for being a tight-knit community, an aspect that players cherish because it makes it easier to communicate with other Jehovah’s Witnesses and identify with a bigger goal, spreading the message of God’s Kingdom.
Take a Deep Dive into the Religion
To better understand why ex-NBA players are attracted to the Jehovah’s Witness faith, one needs to understand more about the religion itself. Jehovah’s Witness is a denomination of Christianity that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is known for its extensive preaching, door-to-door evangelizing, and refusal of military service. Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the belief that God’s Kingdom is the only solution to human problems. They do not accept traditional Christian beliefs like the Trinity, Hell or that Jesus Christ should be worshipped as God but regard Him as a separate, lesser deity.
Compare the Jehovah’s Witness Faith to Christianity as a Whole
The Jehovah’s Witness faith differs significantly from other forms of Christianity. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Christians should reject traditional Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, which they view as blasphemy, instead recognizing Jesus Christ as a separate, lesser deity. Jehovah’s Witnesses also do not believe in hell or in the “immortality of the soul,” the doctrine that the soul continues to exist after the body dies, which makes it stand out from other Christian faiths. Therefore, although Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians, they are not a part of the mainstream Christian religious community.
Discuss Controversies Surrounding Ex-NBA Players being Jehovah’s Witnesses
One of the biggest controversies surrounding the Jehovah’s Witness faith is its refusal of blood transfusions. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that receiving blood violates biblical principles and voluntarily abstain from it. Ex-players who convert have run afoul of the NBA’s rules and regulations regarding medical treatments. It is a rule of thumb that players should not put their health or lives at risk by refusing medical treatments like blood transfusions that could save their lives.
Conclusion
Ex-NBA players who become Jehovah’s Witnesses give up a lot, but they see it as a gain rather than a loss. They find a community that is accepting and that shares their commitment to God and their faith. The Jehovah’s Witness faith is unique in many ways, with its members placing great value on evangelizing and following the biblical commandments. It offers a different path towards finding answers to the hard questions the world poses. This article informs readers about the reasons why some ex-NBA players have chosen to convert to the Jehovah’s Witness faith. Readers who are ex-players thinking of changing their perspective could find value in this article while also educating readers who are open to learn about the religion.