A new term—sportswashing—has been coined to describe using sports to legitimize questionable individual or organizational behavior. The emerging LIV Golf tour is the latest controversial example. LIV Golf is funded by the Saudi royal family and pundits are besides themselves with self-righteous indignation about the moral bankruptcy of this organization and how everyone associated with this endeavor is morally compromised.

The assumption by critics is some sports organizations conduct business in morally and ethically acceptable ways and others do not. But finding any moral/ethical high ground in the sports industry today is virtually impossible. The NFL is sponsored by alcohol and gambling companies—and employs harassers and abusers. The NBA is doing a booming business in China. College football is greedily chasing television revenue—jettisoning decades of regional rivalries and campus-based traditions for super-conferences. Amateur athletes are now cashing in on name, image, and likeness (NIL)—and are doing so to the tune of millions paid to teenagers who are barely out of high school. And even women’s professional golf has multiple tournaments sponsored by a Saudi oil company.

There is no moral/ethical high ground here. But why should we expect sports organizations or even individual athletes to be paragons of virtue, fonts of wisdom about complex life issues, or experts on politics (or religion) just because they can run, jump, or throw? Athletes are entertainers—nothing more. Remembering that will help temper your expectations about their impact in the culture and your life.

For many years, part of my ministry has been to professional athletes and officials. Among them, some are moral men, some immoral. Some behave ethically, others not so much. Some are wise and insightful, some childish and immature. Some are young men you hope your daughter will meet. Others you probably would predict will end up in prison. They are all just people—but made famous by cultural adoration for their superior physical gifts. Nothing more!

Several years ago, while he was still playing in the NBA, Charles Barkley famously said in a memorable Nike commercial, “I am not a role model.” He got that right. Barkley is an outspoken former player turned commentator—always entertaining, never boring, full of life. But he got it right when he declared he was not a role model. In the commercial he also said, “Parents are role models.” His point was clear—role models are real people who make a personal difference—not someone who manages an image to gain notoriety and make money.

Let’s acknowledge the fallacy of sportswashing. It can’t be done. The sports industry has no more virtue than any other part of the global corporate landscape. If you enjoy sports, as I do, just enjoy the amazing, competitive, even artistic achievements of superior athletes which make the events so interesting. But stop expecting athletes to be your moral, ethical, social, political, or spiritual guides. You will find better role models—better influencers in today’s language—among the people you know in your church, family, and community.


Read More

Excerpt — Towards a Clearer Understanding of Jonathan Edwards’s Biblical Typology: A Case Study in the ‘Blank Bible’

Dr. Cameron Schweitzer provides new insights into Jonathan Edwards’s often mischaracterized typology.

Cameron Schweitzer
Director, San Francisco Campus | Associate Professor of Historical Theology
Dr. Schweitzer serves as the Director of Gateway Seminary’s San Francisco Campus and an Associate Professor of Historical Theology. His desire is to help Christians find all of their joy in all of the manifold excellencies of Jesus Christ.

Seeing the Unseen

CSBC Women’s Ministry Director Cathie Smith shares how the church can serve the marginalized in its community.

Cathie Smith
CSBC Women’s Ministry Director
Cathie Smith serves as the California Southern Baptist Convention Women’s Ministry Director. She has a passion for teaching God’s word, serving the marginalized, and reaching the unreached. 

Listen

From Here to Eternity
June 9, 2025

Ministering in Eastern Bloc Countries

Lamar Schubert, an overseas worker, joins Dr. Hopkins to discuss to utter lostness of Europe, differences in Orthodox and Protestant churches, and how to navigate political questions on mission.

The Study Podcast
June 3, 2025

Historical Books | Nehemiah

Nehemiah is the right man at the right time. While Ezra rebuilds the temple, Nehemiah works on the city and the community. Rebuilding and reforming a city in ruin.


Watch

Jonathan Edwards and the Asbury Revival

Chris Chun and Chris Woznicki discuss the signs of true revival, signs of the work of the Holy Spirit, and why it is important to critically assess the characteristics of revival in a spirit of charity.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Jonathan Edwards and the Baptists | Douglas Sweeney, Nathan Finn and Chris Chun

Dr. Douglas Sweeney and Dr. Nathan Finn joined Dr. Chris Chun for a panel discussion on Jonathan Edwards, recorded live at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Get updates on new content!