One of the world’s most-watched sporting events begins today, November 20, 2022, the World Cup. I was in Quito, Ecuador, during the 1994 World Cup. There were seven local television channels, and all seven covered the games. It’s a really big deal. And it’s a matter of international interest why it’s being held in tiny Qatar, a small Muslim nation on the Arabian Gulf.
Jason Gay, writing for the Wall Street Journal captures most of the issues in his usual entertaining style here. Mistreatment of migrant workers tops the list, and other issues include Qatar not buying into the current LGBT narrative and whether or not notoriously inebriated soccer fans can get all the beer they want in a country that frowns on alcohol.
I’m exercised about how FIFA, soccer’s corrupt governing body, is trying to handle the controversies. Here’s what FIFA officials are saying:
At FIFA, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world. One of the great strengths of the world is indeed its very diversity, and if inclusion means anything, it means having respect for that diversity.
No one people or culture or nation is “better” than any other. This principle is the very foundation stone of mutual respect and non-discrimination. And this is also one of the core values of football.
Diversity I agree with, but “No one people or culture or nation is ‘better’ than any other.” ??? All countries and cultures have flaws, but some are built on oppression. Iran = Denmark, for example? Russia = Canada?
And one Wall Street Journal reader observed:
“At FIFA, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world.” – a FIFA official
Great. Except the WC isn’t being played “at FIFA,” it is being played in Qatar. A place that definitely does not “respect all opinions and beliefs,” and has no problem handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world.
I’m not sure what the takeaway is. I hope the games go well. As always, I hope the US team goes on to the second round. And maybe we need to remember how God views the nations:
1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. (Psalm 2.1 – 4, ESV)
15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.
16 Lebanon would not suffice for fuel, nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.
17 All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. (Isaiah 40.15 – 17, ESV)
There is a balance to be struck. If we abstain from all who disagree with us we reduce our influence. If we compromise too much we lose credibility. Jesus walked that line eating with tax collectors and speaking with Samaritan women. He succeeded; here we are still sharing his message.
We need God to guide us as this path is difficult.