The Pool Religion Connection

CrownCityCorey

CrownCityCorey

Sock it to 'em!
Silver Member
The forums have been pretty dead for a while IMO. So, Ok here we go...

What is with the Pool to Religion connection?

Not to single them out, but the trick shot (Pro) poolplaying sect is loaded with pastors, preacher's, and born agains. Seriously, there is a heavy concentration there. What gives?

There is also a Christian Poolplayers Association. GosPool?

Are other sports like this and I just don't know?

Does pool attract the types of people that hit rock-bottom in their lives and find religion to pick them back up? We have virtually as many criminal types.

Or is that not the case at all and pool attracts religious folks? Are there pool tables in church's? Church pool tournaments?

I have friends that sit on either side of the above. I'm not looking to alienate anyone.

Is this just an accurate representation of cross-sectioned American society in general?

Am I just completely ignorant?

What brought on this questioning is the recent thread about Bruce Christopher (two 1st names :rolleyes:). I had never heard of this guy. I have take poolhistory 101-999. Apparently he is local to me as well. Anyway, he was some sort of pastor (700 Club) and Theologian.

I'll save my personal views on religion, so I am looking to be inquisitive and have people share their thoughts.
 
I've noticed this as well. The only thing I can think of is that they took up religion because they want to "play like god" :D
 
pwd72s said:
God only thinks he can play like Efren...:rolleyes:
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efren would give god the wild 7ball.

i dont like my porn with storylines and i dont like religion with my pool, or politics with my football.

maybe i should say a hailmary everytime i break.
 
My wife and I have religious differences...she refuses to believe that I'm God!

Would you bet the house on 3300 to 1 odds???? There are roughly 3300 recognized religions on this planet.
 
90 percent of people have some sort of religious belief, and the dominant religion in this country is Christianity. Given those stats, I think you will find that pretty much every sport will have a christian group of participants. These type of activities are great ways for people to share some sort of fellowship, and it is something they have in common besides being religious. I don't know that pool is different than other activities, but it may have more people that have hit rock bottom as you proposed, and are trying to turn there lives around.
 
I think every sport has a cross section of religious people, as for me I was a pool player long before I was a Christian, I don't know if pool has more than other sports or not.

Maybe God just likes pool players.
 
I have noticed that many players have deep faith and have also wondered if a "church league" would fly. The problem is location. Drinking, gambling, and perception would be a conflict within most religions. Even if the player does not partake, it is still all around.
 
It is another way for the fanatics to push their beleifs. After all you know there are many sinners in the pool world. AMEN BROTHA! :rolleyes:

I do get a kick out of athletes when they win a big event not meaning in pool in general but several sports to thank god for giving them a victory lol.

To each their own I guess. All I ask is it isn't pushed on me... I'm sure the preacher's money is as good as anyone elses in a race to 9. :D

Wait... isn't gambling a sin & ILLEGAL ?
 
Corey
I do see a connection between religion and pool. It is especially prominant with the trick shot players.

The player who taught me pool shared his talent and experience and in revealing the keys to his success, discussed his faith. Pool didn't rescue him, faith in God did. With the peace and strength that grew from his faith, the man learned to play a devestating game of pool.

Now nearly 30 years later, I remain one of those "born again Christians." This path of faith asks little of its believers, but part of the lifestyle is to "whitness" to others about it.

A football player gives up his touchdown dance to kneel in the end zone and a trick shot player spouts off about his belief in God while making unbelievable shots.

Though I am born again, I don't believe in this approach. I was warned that the Bible talks of how a non believer will see the truth as foolishness. When people preach to me, they do not do their faith any favors. To me, they DO seem foolish. I only share my story when asked about it.

Drawing people with your talent and then speaking of your faith...that is fine by me. I don't have to listen...or even hear them. Just don't go around blowing up buildings in the name of your faith. That is where the fundamentalist becomes the fanatic.
 
The Great American Melting Pot...

Ahhh, yes...the pool hall...a virtual mirror image of the society as a whole. It is one of the only places left in America where all are welcome. In just about any poolroom you will find the same list of characters with some of those being religious. Maybe they are present to witness their beliefs on those sinners who frequent the poolrooms or just there to enjoy a few racks themselves. I don't know, but they will be there whether we agree with it or not.

We've all seen some pretty weird folks inside the walls of the pool hall I'm sure and regardless of how I feel about most of them they have just as much right to be there as I do. I'll allot them their space as long as they give me mine.

What I do have a serious problem with is those bearing witness to me and trying to push their beliefs on me even after I've explained to them quite nicely that I'm not interested in listening to their sermon. If the candyman rolls up on me and I look him dead in the eye and tell him I don't need his sh!t then he's probably going to respect that and move on down the line. So why is it that some religious zealots can't show the same respect and back off when I say I don't want the dope they're pushin'? Never have understood that...

Oh well sports fans, regarless of your own beliefs and backgrounds if you are a true member of the pool playin' society you will most definately have to learn to deal with these and other groups as well because they too share this planet and space at your local poolroom. Enjoy the diversity of those who frequent our little society. I don't like 'em all either, but I think we can coexist quite nicely with only a little bit of drama every once in a while. Happy shootin' my fellow citizens... :thumbup:
 
Corey,

Don't fight it, just assimilate. ;)

Look at the possibilities:

Christian Assoc. of Pool Playing Youth (C.R.A.P.P.Y)

Southern Holy Eastern Easy Shooters Hymns (S.H.E.E.S.H)

Gospel American Worldwide Dabbers (G.A.W.D)

Ontario Holy Northern Objectball Obliteraters (O.H.N.O.O)


Eric >hope this helps
 
Maybe....Just maybe now, alot of those folks lived way, way to fast when they were young and got to a point where they had to change something or, you know, maybe die. So they changed their courses, seeked help and knowlege, and wound up being born again. The same personality traits that made them party to much and excell at pool also make them take their rehab to a greater level. hence the religious conviction....maybe.
 
ratcues said:
I have noticed that many players have deep faith and have also wondered if a "church league" would fly. The problem is location. Drinking, gambling, and perception would be a conflict within most religions. Even if the player does not partake, it is still all around.
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If the churches did what Christ did, they would be going into the dens on iniquity to share the word of God with those who need it most.

I think Christian pool players are no different than Christian baseball players. Christians gather wherever there brothers and sisters are located. The pool world is just a small world and since you share empathy with it, you see this group of people as unique but I think it is fairly common.

I have seen those who practice yoga/meditation, band together at pool tournaments and go off to meditate so I don't think it is that unusual for Christians to flock together or any other group of people. Those who enjoy alcohol will be seen flocking together tossing back a drink or two at their favorite watering hole at any pool event. Those who are of like mind and spirit will join those who share the same commonalities wherever they are found.

JoeyA
 
There are just so many people that play pool. You get all kinds. This is one of the things I like about the game. You can walk in any pool room in the country and have no idea who you are going to find in there.

Everyone from the degenerate gamblers and drug addicts, to bankers, lawyers, and even priests. Pool is a great game and it gets a wide audience.

I'm sure I'm not the only one but I came out way ahead when it comes to religion and pool. When I was 18 or 19, I met a great guy, Pablo Matheu. He was studying at the seminary in my home town. Pablo had spent many years out west gambling and had turned into one fine short stop.

Since attending seminary he had given up the gambler's lifestyle. He would spend every afternoon in the poolroom playing anyone willing for free. He'd beat us kids unmercifully, but mixed in with all of the racking, the were gems of lessons.

It's a credit to Pablo that I play the way I do today.
 
I believe the bible talked about Jesus going to the lowlifes of society and trying to save them from eternal Hell. I know it sucks but there are alot of lowlifes in the poolroom that need a little turnaround in thier lives don't you?
I know i need a reminder from time to time....=)
 
mantis99 said:
90 percent of people have some sort of religious belief, and the dominant religion in this country is Christianity.
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Minor correction, its only 86%. 14% go in the catagoies of {Atheist, agnostic, none-of-the-above, and refuse to disclose}
 
Eric. said:
Corey,

Don't fight it, just assimilate. ;)

Look at the possibilities:

Christian Assoc. of Pool Playing Youth (C.R.A.P.P.Y)

Southern Holy Eastern Easy Shooters Hymns (S.H.E.E.S.H)

Gospel American Worldwide Dabbers (G.A.W.D)

Ontario Holy Northern Objectball Obliteraters (O.H.N.O.O)


Eric >hope this helps
Click to expand...

They don't want me, I can't masse my pill...
 
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