Maybe it seems pedantic to even ask such a question, but if we want our whole lives to be a form of worship, how can we not ask it? 1 Corinthians’ wisdom for navigating areas of Christian freedom is not to ask “is it lawful?”, but rather “is it helpful?” So is the Super Bowl helpful?
Clearly there’s a lot that’s potentially unhelpful about the Super Bowl. Sexuality is not honored and guarded but flaunted and treated as cheap – on the sidelines, in the commercials, and in the halftime entertainment. A culture of braggadocio and blind machismo can often be seen in players and coaches and commentators. Our tendencies toward materialism and hedonism are fertilized through all the big sights and sounds and promises of enjoyment and glory. That which is immediate is treated as ultimate.
Still, a lot of good can be seen at the Super Bowl. We are reminded that humanity was built to come together around a great cause. We see stories of courage and self-sacrifice play out before our eyes. We notice the necessity of collaboration, intensive planning, great discipline, and calculated risk. And before the game and during breaks there are significant acknowledgements of social issues that are weightier than any game – whether kids with cancer or people with disabilities or victims of wars or natural disasters, the NFL actually does a decent job of telling us we should care. Plus, we should just admit the pleasure of seeing humans attempt difficult endeavors, as well as the goodness of socially connecting with each other as we watch those efforts together.
Ultimately it’s a call for you to make for yourself and your family each year. Maybe it’s a no-brainer one way or the other. For me personally, there have years and circumstances when I’ve excitedly watched it, and also years and circumstances where I’ve purposely avoided it. Whatever you decide in years to come, I hope it will be with eyes wide open, taking measures to consciously guard your thoughts against the bad and to notice and celebrate the good. “So whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”