And so it came to pass
Paddy Lewis
NEWS: A Massey University religious historian says the intensity of the Rugby World Cup signals a “new evolution in this fixation on rugby”, and proves that rugby is close to a religion in this country.
All Blacks are given icon status, and nods to religion can be seen throughout the tournament – in everything from the saviour storyline played out in the opening ceremony, to the fact that celebrations are being held in a “cloud” in Auckland, Professor Peter Lineham said…
And yea (at the risk of upsetting any die-hard God botherers), so it came to pass that two women were wandering through downtown Auckland on Monday when an Angel appeared before them and said “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Dan Carter. He isn’t here! He is risen. Now, go quickly and tell his teammates that he has risen, and he is going ahead of you to practice. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
The women ran quickly. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the All Blacks the angel’s message. And as they went, Dan Carter met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, and worshipped him. Then Dan Carter said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Eden Park, and they will see me there.”
Dan Carter came and told the All Blacks, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, Piri, you play at first five, Jimmy, you run at halfback, and Ma’a pop into the second-five, will you? Teach the others to obey all the commands I have given you on Graham’s behalf. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the Cup.”
And so on. Unfortunately, like most fairy tales, this one is not true.
Prof. Lineham may be right though, but not necessarily about the spiritual aspect. Rugby as religion in this country is a bit like radical Islamists using the Koran as an excuse for flying planes into buildings.
When things are going well, everyone is calm. When things aren’t going the way we want, it’s radical lunacy. We can blame an All Blacks loss for anything, and use it as an excuse for any behaviour – not that the jury will agree, of course.
I was at a swim meet on Sunday when the news about Carter broke. Half the crowd went into the good old wailing and gnashing of teeth. The other half knew there was 9/10th of sweet bugger all they could do about it.
Getting into the car after the swimming, I had to turn the radio off. The amount of abuse being aimed at Colin Slade, Carter’s replacement, was unbelievable. He’s a young bloke who has come back from two broken jaws this year to play his way into what is apparently the best team in the world.
Everyone seems to forget there are 14 other players on the field with him. It’s not just his responsibility. Therein lies the real problem.
New Zealand rugby has been spoilt for so long by having Dan Carter running the show, that we have no instant replacement when he suddenly leaves the stage and ascends into heaven.
Instead of pointing the finger at Colin Slade, the adherents to the All Black ‘religion’ might do better to look at those who pick the team and develop the players, and to remember “judge not, and you shall not be judged”.
And break out the rosary beads. Just in case.
All Blacks are given icon status, and nods to religion can be seen throughout the tournament – in everything from the saviour storyline played out in the opening ceremony, to the fact that celebrations are being held in a “cloud” in Auckland, Professor Peter Lineham said…
And yea (at the risk of upsetting any die-hard God botherers), so it came to pass that two women were wandering through downtown Auckland on Monday when an Angel appeared before them and said “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Dan Carter. He isn’t here! He is risen. Now, go quickly and tell his teammates that he has risen, and he is going ahead of you to practice. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
The women ran quickly. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the All Blacks the angel’s message. And as they went, Dan Carter met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, and worshipped him. Then Dan Carter said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Eden Park, and they will see me there.”
Dan Carter came and told the All Blacks, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, Piri, you play at first five, Jimmy, you run at halfback, and Ma’a pop into the second-five, will you? Teach the others to obey all the commands I have given you on Graham’s behalf. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the Cup.”
And so on. Unfortunately, like most fairy tales, this one is not true.
Prof. Lineham may be right though, but not necessarily about the spiritual aspect. Rugby as religion in this country is a bit like radical Islamists using the Koran as an excuse for flying planes into buildings.
When things are going well, everyone is calm. When things aren’t going the way we want, it’s radical lunacy. We can blame an All Blacks loss for anything, and use it as an excuse for any behaviour – not that the jury will agree, of course.
I was at a swim meet on Sunday when the news about Carter broke. Half the crowd went into the good old wailing and gnashing of teeth. The other half knew there was 9/10th of sweet bugger all they could do about it.
Getting into the car after the swimming, I had to turn the radio off. The amount of abuse being aimed at Colin Slade, Carter’s replacement, was unbelievable. He’s a young bloke who has come back from two broken jaws this year to play his way into what is apparently the best team in the world.
Everyone seems to forget there are 14 other players on the field with him. It’s not just his responsibility. Therein lies the real problem.
New Zealand rugby has been spoilt for so long by having Dan Carter running the show, that we have no instant replacement when he suddenly leaves the stage and ascends into heaven.
Instead of pointing the finger at Colin Slade, the adherents to the All Black ‘religion’ might do better to look at those who pick the team and develop the players, and to remember “judge not, and you shall not be judged”.
And break out the rosary beads. Just in case.
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