The starting point for this reflection is one of this morning's lectionary readings. Matthew 6:1 Beware of practising your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
It occurred to me that this might connect with the odd-moments thinking I sometimes do about fandom and piety. This arises from noticing that there seem to be some similarities between the behaviours and attitudes of sports fans (or fans of media celebrities) and some religious people. So I find myself occasionally musing about what characteristics fandom and piety may share. Are fans' attitudes a kind of piety, are attitudes of religiously pious people a kind of fandom?
There is, I think, a very real 'pride' and desire to assert a religious identity, perhaps especially among those who are relatively new to a faith or who gain a renewed sense of its goodness and helpfulness -for whatever reason. I've tended previously to interpret this verse and those that follow as relating mainly /only to those who are seeking human validation or status: using religion as a way to gain esteem socially. But maybe also it applies to those who are wanting more to assert identity or even to impose their religious sentiments on others? The feelgood factor of religious fandom, like football supporters thrusting their team and their love for it in the face of any around them. Especially when in groups or feeling themselves to be representing a group. I used the word 'pride' earlier, it is that but it's also bound up in a kind of joy, and a fulness of self-esteem bolstered by the identification with something bigger than themselves and further by the community of others similarly elated.
There's a much earlier reflection on this blog too.
