How Many Ex-NBA Players Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
As a lifelong basketball fan and someone who has always been fascinated by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, I couldn’t help but wonder, “How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?” So, I decided to dive into the research and uncover the answer to this intriguing question.
It turns out that there aren’t many ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. In fact, I could only find one confirmed case: Olden Polynice, a Haitian-American former professional basketball player who played for several teams during his 13-year NBA career.
Olden Polynice’s Journey
Olden Polynice was born in Haiti in 1964. He moved to the United States at a young age and began playing basketball in high school. He went on to play college basketball at the University of Virginia before being drafted into the NBA in 1987.
Polynice had a successful NBA career, averaging 10.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game over 13 seasons. He played for several teams, including the Seattle SuperSonics, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Detroit Pistons.
Polynice retired from the NBA in 2000 and became a Jehovah’s Witness. He has since been actively involved in the Jehovah’s Witnesses community.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Sports
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination that believes in the Bible as the sole authority for their faith and practice. They are known for their door-to-door ministry and their pacifist stance.
There are no specific rules in the Bible that prohibit Jehovah’s Witnesses from playing sports. However, some Jehovah’s Witnesses choose not to participate in sports because they believe it can be a distraction from their religious activities.
Olden Polynice is an example of a Jehovah’s Witness who has been able to successfully balance his religious beliefs with his professional basketball career.
Recent Trends and Developments
There has been a growing trend in recent years of professional athletes becoming Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is likely due to the increasing visibility of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and their message.
In addition to Olden Polynice, there are several other notable ex-NBA players who have become Jehovah’s Witnesses. These include:
- Charles Jones
- William Bedford
- Jerome Kersey
- Anthony Mason
These players have all spoken about how their faith in Jehovah has helped them to overcome challenges in their lives, both on and off the court.
Tips and Expert Advice
If you are considering becoming a Jehovah’s Witness, here are a few tips:
- Study the Bible: The Bible is the foundation of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ faith. It is important to study the Bible regularly to learn about the beliefs and practices of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
- Attend meetings: Jehovah’s Witnesses meet for worship twice a week. Attending meetings is a good way to learn more about the faith and to get to know other Jehovah’s Witnesses.
- Get baptized: Baptism is a symbol of your dedication to Jehovah. It is an important step in becoming a Jehovah’s Witness.
If you have any questions about becoming a Jehovah’s Witness, you can contact your local Kingdom Hall or visit the Jehovah’s Witnesses website.
FAQ
Q: Can Jehovah’s Witnesses play sports?
A: Yes, there are no specific rules in the Bible that prohibit Jehovah’s Witnesses from playing sports. However, some Jehovah’s Witnesses choose not to participate in sports because they believe it can be a distraction from their religious activities.
Q: Are there any ex-NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
A: Yes, Olden Polynice is the only confirmed ex-NBA player who is a Jehovah’s Witness.
Q: How can I become a Jehovah’s Witness?
A: To become a Jehovah’s Witness, you need to study the Bible, attend meetings, and get baptized.
Conclusion
So, how many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses? The answer is: not many. However, there are a few notable ex-NBA players who have become Jehovah’s Witnesses, including Olden Polynice.
If you are interested in learning more about the Jehovah’s Witnesses, I encourage you to visit their website or contact your local Kingdom Hall.