Sports|ethics|literature 10.26.2016 The Universal Baseball Association, J. Henry Waugh, Prop. * Robert Coover * Sports|ethics|literature 10.26.2016

Universal Baseball Association, Chs. 4-5 What is one Q you have for us to discuss? What is one prediction you have? Will Henry ever stop playing, since it’s clearly affecting his life? If Henry has to choose, which will he choose? How will it affect the other “half” of his life? Why did Henry allow Damon to be killed when he’s in control of the game? Why does Henry ‘teleport’ into the narrative from multiple characters’ perspectives? Why doesn’t Henry watch real baseball? How does Henry’s career as an accountant lead to this obsession with UBA? What the hell is up with the political parties? Henry’s game with Lou will not go well: Lou won’t be serious enough, or Lou will think he’s insane. Henry is schizophrenic. Henry might have dissociative identity disorder. Henry will have to choose between his “real life” and the UBA. Henry might not be able to choose: breakdown more likely than triumph. His “real life” will become a new game; or, he takes the rules of the UBA into his “real life.” He might make major life decisions based on the roll of the dice: 1-1-1 = not so good.

If there is a God, what type of God is there? “God does not play dice with the universe.” Albert Einstein (This doesn’t mean einstein believed in god, though. It was a metaphor to help explain quantum theory.)

God is separate from the people “Theistic God” An independent being with a name, personality, will, emotion, and morality God is separate from the people

Option #1: Omnibenevolent Deity (all-loving, infinitely good)

Option #2: Vengeful Deity (we are punished for our sins; we are sinners in the hands of an angry god)

God is not knowable God is not able to be defined in terms of space and time God is not ignorant God is not effable Option #3: Apophatic God (so infinite to be literally indescribable, only known through negative statements)

What is the relationship between religion and sport? Secularization thesis: sport has replaced religion in american life Sacralization thesis: religion infuses sports Displacement thesis: sports and religion compete over the same social function

Option #1: Secularization thesis Where people usually used to go to church as the basis of their community, they now go to sporting events. This is where their faith gets renewed. This is where their communities are formed. This is where we spend our money. Option #1: Secularization thesis

Option #2: Sacralization Thesis Sac. A: “Holy Play” The sheer joy and euphoria of sport has a spiritual quality. Think Federer as religious experience. Think “runner’s high.” Option #2: Sacralization Thesis

Option #2: Sacralization Thesis Sac. B: “Ascetic Practices” Sport teaches us hard work, discipline, self- restrictions. Think Michael Joyce as monk: “Professional athletes are our culture’s holy men.” ~ DFW Option #2: Sacralization Thesis

Option #2: Sacralization Thesis Sac. C: Muscular Christianity Evangelical Protestantism The men’s locker room and the playing field is the best place to “spread the good news” of Christianity Option #2: Sacralization Thesis

Option #3: Displacement Thesis