Nba Players Who Are Jehovahs Witnesses

NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses

Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to watch basketball games or play with action figures of my favorite NBA players. My parents are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and according to their beliefs, these activities were considered worldly and could lead to “idolatry.” It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized the irony of this stance, given that many NBA players are themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses. Here are a few notable examples:

Despite their religious beliefs, these NBA players have managed to achieve great success in their careers. They serve as role models for other Jehovah’s Witnesses, showing that it is possible to be both a devout Christian and a successful athlete.

Jehovah’s Witnesses and Sports

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that “the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one,” Satan (1 John 5:19). They view sports as part of that world and believe that participating in them can lead to “competition” and “immoral conduct” (Galatians 5:19-21). Additionally, they believe that sports can be a distraction from their primary goal of preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom.

However, not all Jehovah’s Witnesses share these views. Some believe that it is possible to participate in sports while remaining faithful to their beliefs. They argue that sports can be a way to stay healthy, make friends, and learn valuable life lessons. Ultimately, each individual Witness is responsible for making their own decision about whether or not to participate in sports.

Notable NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses

• Darius Bazley

Bazley is a forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was drafted 23rd overall in the 2019 NBA draft. Bazley is a devout Jehovah’s Witness and has spoken openly about his faith. He said, “I try to live my life by the principles that are taught in the Bible. I believe that there is a God, and I believe that he has a plan for my life. I try to live my life according to his will.”

• Kyle Kuzma

Kuzma is a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was drafted 27th overall in the 2017 NBA draft. Kuzma is also a devout Jehovah’s Witness. He has said, “My faith is very important to me. It’s the foundation of my life. It’s what I live by. It’s what I believe in. It’s what I put my trust in. It’s what I rely on. It’s what I go to for guidance.”

• TJ Leaf

Leaf is a forward for the Indiana Pacers. He was drafted 18th overall in the 2017 NBA draft. Leaf is a devout Jehovah’s Witness. He has said, “I believe that the Bible is the truth. I believe that God is real. I believe that Jesus is his son. I believe that we’re all sinners and we all need a savior. I believe that Jesus died for our sins and that he rose from the dead. I believe that we can have eternal life if we believe in him.”

Tips for Jehovah’s Witnesses Who Want to Play Sports

If you are a Jehovah’s Witness who wants to play sports, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Talk to your parents or elders. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of playing sports and can offer guidance on how to make sure that your participation does not conflict with your religious beliefs.
• Be respectful of others. Not everyone shares your beliefs about sports. Be respectful of the opinions of others, even if you disagree with them.
• Set limits. Decide how much time you are willing to spend playing sports and stick to those limits. Don’t let sports become more important than your spiritual life.
• Use sports as an opportunity to share your faith. Talk to your teammates and opponents about your beliefs and why you choose to play sports. You may be surprised at how many people are interested in learning more about your faith.

FAQ

Q: Can Jehovah’s Witnesses play sports?

A: Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses can play sports, but it is ultimately up to each individual Witness to decide whether or not to participate.

Q: Why do some Jehovah’s Witnesses choose not to play sports?

A: Some Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that sports can be a distraction from their primary goal of preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. They also believe that sports can lead to competition and immoral conduct.

Q: Are there any Jehovah’s Witnesses who have played in the NBA?

A: Yes, there are several Jehovah’s Witnesses who have played in the NBA, including Darius Bazley, Kyle Kuzma, and TJ Leaf.

Conclusion

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a diverse group of people with a wide range of beliefs and practices. While some Jehovah’s Witnesses choose to abstain from sports, others believe that it is possible to participate in sports while remaining faithful to their beliefs. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to play sports is a personal one that each individual Witness must make for themselves.

Are you a Jehovah’s Witness who plays sports? What are your experiences? Share your story in the comments below.