Is it wrong to participate in extreme sports?
Extreme sports have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. These sports often involve high speeds, heights, dangerous stunts, intense physical exertion, and high risk. Some examples of extreme sports are skydiving, base jumping, cave diving, big wave surfing, cliff jumping, extreme skiing, and free solo climbing. While participation in extreme sports can be thrilling and provide an adrenaline rush, many people question if it is morally right or wise for Christians to take part in such dangerous activities. What does the Bible have to say about this issue?
The Bible does not specifically mention extreme sports, since these types of activities did not exist at the time. However, there are some biblical principles that can provide guidance for Christians today regarding risky or dangerous recreational pursuits like extreme sports.
1. Our bodies belong to God
The Bible teaches that our bodies are not our own, but they belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Since our bodies belong to God, we have a responsibility to take reasonable care of them and not engage in unnecessary risks that could result in bodily harm or death. While risk cannot be completely avoided in life, intentionally pursuing very high-risk thrills for recreation may show a lack of regard for the value of the body God has given us.
2. We are called to exercise wisdom
Wisdom is highly valued in the Bible. Proverbs 4:5-7 instructs us to “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.” Wisdom applies principles from God’s word to daily choices and seeks to make decisions that honor God and avoid unnecessary danger or harm. From the perspective of wisdom, regularly engaging in extremely high-risk sports for recreation probably does not represent wise stewardship of the life God has entrusted to us. Wisdom seeks to balance enjoying God’s creation with responsibly caring for ourselves and those who depend on us.
3. We are called to exercise self-control
Participating in extreme sports can at times stem from a desire for thrills, adrenaline rushes, or peer approval. The Bible advocates self-control over impulses and peer pressure. Titus 2:11-12 says “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” While self-control does not mean avoiding all fun or excitement, it does entail controlling our appetites and not letting the pursuit of thrills rule our decisions. Christians are called to embrace moderation.
4. We are called to humility
Some devotees of extreme sports exalt thrill-seeking and scoff at playing it safe. The Bible instead calls us to humble submission to God’s will. James 4:13-16 cautions against arrogant boasting about our plans without acknowledging God’s control over our lives. Psalm 147:10-11 says “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Humility acknowledges that our lives are brief and fragile, and God’s grace is the only reason we live another day. This perspective minimizes casual risk-taking and remembers that our purpose centers on honoring God.
5. We have a duty to others
Our actions do not only impact us as individuals. Many extreme sports enthusiasts have families who love them and depend on them. 1 Timothy 5:8 warns “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” While families may not forbid these sports, regularly engaging in high-risk recreation can be seen as putting thrill-seeking above our duties to our spouses and children. Even for unmarried Christians, their church family cares about them and would be deeply grieved if they were seriously injured or killed from extreme sports. We have an obligation to think of others when assessing risks.
6. We are called to steward our resources
Most extreme sports require expensive specialized equipment and travel to remote locations. The Bible calls Christians to be wise stewards who manage the resources God provides in ways that honor Him. Proverbs 21:20 warns that “precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” While recreation budgets are a matter of personal discretion, we should thoughtfully reflect on how much of our money we pour into thrill-seeking pursuits versus serving God in other ways. Our heart’s desire should be using resources wisely for eternal purposes.
7. We are called to set an example
More mature Christians have a responsibility to set a thoughtful example for younger believers. The high value our culture places on thrill-seeking and escapism can create an unhealthy allure for young people that results in tragic accidents or poor choices. Titus 2:6-8 urges mature believers “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.” Mature Christians can gently help guide the next generation toward wisdom in avoiding unhealthy peer pressure and imprudent risks.
8. We have an eternal perspective
As Christians, our core identity is as citizens of the eternal kingdom of heaven. Philippians 3:18-21 draws a contrast between those consumed with earthly pleasures and passions and believers whose true home and focus is heaven. This eternal perspective substantially relativizes the importance of adrenaline thrills in our brief time on earth. It also reminds us that, while God permits risk, we should not foolishly endanger the lives He has given us to steward. Our eternal destiny urges us to wisdom in how fully we engage in risky and dangerous recreation.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not directly prohibit extreme sports, there are many relevant principles that should guide mature believers in assessing participation in high-risk recreational activities. Wise reflection on stewarding our bodies, exercising self-control, setting a thoughtful example, and maintaining an eternal perspective will lead most Christians to be very cautious in regularly engaging in extreme sports. There may be exceptions based on each person’s unique personality, abilities, motives, and life circumstances. However, prayerful reflection on scriptural principles will restrain thrill-seeking tendencies and remind us that honoring God transcends seeking adrenaline rushes. Christians should carefully weigh if their recreational choices align with the biblical values of prudence, moderation, humility, self-control and seeking first God’s kingdom.
