Praying Fields Archive by Category - On Faith at washingtonpost.com

The Bible is His Playbook

Coach Ritchie McKay has his Liberty University basketball team close to an NCAA tourney bid. But that isn't what drives coach McKay.

By Kathy Orton | March 2, 2009; 09:45 AM ET | Comments (9)

Iverson and the Afterlife

NBA All-Star Allen Iverson responds to questions about heaven, hell and good works.

By Kathy Orton | February 17, 2009; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (17)

Faithful How, Pray Tell

What I object to is evangelical athletes using their platform to "sell" Christianity.

By Kathy Orton | February 5, 2009; 09:32 AM ET | Comments (0)

Kurt Warner and his Holybowlers

After a week of Kurt Warner-carrying-his-Bible-everywhere stories, I'm tired of listening to him and his evangelical cohorts sell Jesus to the masses.

By Kathy Orton | January 30, 2009; 02:28 PM ET | Comments (61)

Kay Yow: Coach and Christian Missionary

In all the years I spent covering ACC women's basketball, I don't think I ever came across anyone who didn't love Kay Yow.

By Kathy Orton | January 27, 2009; 12:02 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hallowed Be Thy Habs

I came across a couple articles about a theologian who is leading a course at the Universite de Montreal called, "Religion of the Canadiens."

By Kathy Orton | January 22, 2009; 12:28 PM ET | Comments (1)

NFL's Loss Is Society's Gain

The NFL lost a decent, caring, compassionate man. But if Tony Dungy is true to his word, and there's reason to doubt otherwise, society gained one.

By Kathy Orton | January 14, 2009; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (27)

Sports reporters have gone out of their way to avoid mentioning TimTebow's strong religious beliefs. But Shipley doesn't shy away from the topic. Instead, she explores how it has helped make him the player he is.

By Kathy Orton | January 7, 2009; 10:47 AM ET | Comments (0)

'Signs' Lead NFL Player to God

Instead of being inspired by Matt Lepsis' story, I was frustrated by having too many of my questions left unanswered.

By Kathy Orton | January 6, 2009; 10:47 AM ET | Comments (0)

Will There Ever Be Another Tamir Goodman?

Will there ever be an Orthodox Jew playing basketball at an ACC school? Or are religion and Division I basketball incompatible?

By Kathy Orton | December 23, 2008; 01:58 PM ET | Comments (1)

What Does God Think About Hockey?

"What does God think about your hockey game? I think He has a vested interest in my hockey game. He wants everybody to do well."

By Kathy Orton | December 18, 2008; 02:50 PM ET | Comments (1)

Finding Faith in Hockey

"A lot of people have written about how golf and baseball have this spirituality about them and this Zen quality. I think that's fine. Those sports are very tranquil and ordered. But I think life is a lot more like hockey. It's violent one moment. It's graceful the next."

By Kathy Orton | December 11, 2008; 09:56 AM ET | Comments (3)

Hoya Great Shows His 'Resilience'

Former Georgetown and NBA start Alonzo Mourning talks about his faith and why he wrote a memoir, which he called a "life" book, not a sports book.

By Kathy Orton | November 24, 2008; 09:19 AM ET | Comments (0)

Ex-Soccer Star's Faith-Based Initiative

Chase Hilgenbrinck, the 26-year-old Major League Soccer player who retired from playing soccer professionally to become a priest, found his calling.

By Kathy Orton | November 20, 2008; 08:35 AM ET | Comments (1)

Influential Jewish Athletes

Forward's list of most influential Jews included only one athlete, swimmer Dara Torres. Are there others who should make the list?

By Kathy Orton | November 14, 2008; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (1)

World Series Pitcher Is Religious About His Studies

Not long after recording his 48th save in 48 chances, the right-handed closer spoke to Fox's Chris Myers before a national television audience. The first words out of Lidge's mouth were to thank God.

By Kathy Orton | November 10, 2008; 09:43 AM ET | Comments (8)

A Team That Worships Together, Wins Together

During the season, Gwynn Park High football team spends Sunday mornings attending community churches.

By Kathy Orton | October 31, 2008; 10:08 AM ET | Comments (7)

From Revolution to Rev.

A conversation with Chase Hilgenbrinck, the New England Revolution defender who caused a stir this past summer when he quit Major League Soccer to become a priest.

By Kathy Orton | October 29, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (3)

Mike Singletary Brings His Faith to 'Frisco

Will Mike Singletary's faith cause friction? Religion has a way of making people nervous. Whatever happens, it will be interesting to watch.

By Kathy Orton | October 23, 2008; 11:25 AM ET | Comments (1)

Devil Out, Rays Win. Coincidence?

Kathy Orton | The hapless Tampa Bay ~~Devil~~ Rays are finally winning, but isn't God a Red Sox fan? And what about the Angels?

By Kathy Orton | October 17, 2008; 10:24 AM ET | Comments (99)

Ex-NFL Player Donates Super Bowl Ring

It is not every day you see athletes willingly parting with such a prized status symbol.

By Kathy Orton | October 16, 2008; 09:54 AM ET | Comments (14)

Fasting During Football Season

Kathy Orton | Ohio State lineman Nader Abdallah, a Palestinian, won't even take a sip of water at practice while observing Ramadan.

By Kathy Orton | September 19, 2008; 10:01 AM ET | Comments (40)

Joe Gibbs Racing: God's Speed

"We really feel like God has called us together to race and to win races and championships, but do it for the glory of God, not for the glory of man. That makes Joe Gibbs different."

By Kathy Orton | September 2, 2008; 08:44 AM ET | Comments (11)

Anthony Famiglietti: Steeple Chaser

I enjoy the positive beliefs and pure truths embraced and taught by more than one particular faith.

By Kathy Orton | August 5, 2008; 04:10 PM ET | Comments (12)

Popcorn, Peanuts . . . and Proselytizing?

I don't see why every religion can't have its own night at the ballpark.

By Kathy Orton | August 1, 2008; 08:13 AM ET | Comments (20)

Home Runs, Atheists and ESPN

Had ESPN's Rick Reilly said it was a lousy day to be a Jew or a lousy day to be a Muslim while calling the recent Home Run Derby, I don’t doubt we would still be hearing about it and I’m certain he would have faced some sanction from the network.

By Kathy Orton | July 18, 2008; 09:05 AM ET | Comments (180)

God and Golf on the PGA Tour

Byrd was introduced to golf and God at a young age, but it wasn’t until he was at Clemson that his passion for his sport and his faith fully formed. That faith has been tested recently.

By Kathy Orton | July 4, 2008; 08:50 AM ET | Comments (7)

Baseball, God and Guns

Luke Scott brought more than just a bat with him to the Orioles. He also brought a Bible.

By Kathy Orton | June 20, 2008; 01:40 PM ET | Comments (28)

God on His Mind and Chest

Fred, the D.C. United midfielder, doesn’t just wear his faith on his sleeve. He wears it around his neck, in his ear and on his chest.

By Kathy Orton | May 30, 2008; 07:38 AM ET | Comments (4)

Hoyas for Christ

Besides Hoyas for Christ, Tomlinson takes an active role in the football team’s spiritual care. When the team travels to a road game if one of the Jesuit priests can’t go with them, Tomlinson leads the chapel service. He reads a Bible passage, gives a short sermon then leads the team in prayer.

By Kathy Orton | May 16, 2008; 02:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Running With Islam

Juashaunna Kelly's clothing is not the only aspect of her religion that affects her running. She fasts during the month of Ramadan so she often trains and competes without drinking water or eating during the day.

By Kathy Orton | May 6, 2008; 10:53 AM ET | Comments (45)

The Catholic Church and Sport

When it comes to spreading the word of God through sports, the Catholic church lags behind other Christian groups. Evangelicals have been much more enterprising in using athletes to spread their message. That may be changing. At the behest of...

By Kathy Orton | April 18, 2008; 09:20 AM ET | Comments (4)

NBA Star Says Some Players "Church-Hurt"

The NBA star talks about his prayers, his play and how some of his fellow players have been 'church hurt': "They go to church, and you know, pastor wants their money, things of that nature. They kind of shy away from church and feel like the church just wants their money."

By Kathy Orton | April 4, 2008; 08:21 AM ET | Comments (8)

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