Religion of Sports Season 1 Episode 6 Holy War

Religion of Sports season 1 episode 6, titled "Holy War," explores the intense rivalry between two college football teams with strong religious affiliations. The episode showcases the annual matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, known as one of the most heated and fiercely competitive rivalries in college football.

The episode highlights the role that religion plays in both schools' football programs. Notre Dame is a Catholic university, and the team's spiritual advisor, Father Theodore Hesburgh, is a beloved figure on campus. USC, on the other hand, has a strong connection to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), with many players and coaches being Mormon.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at both teams as they prepare for the big game. Interviews with coaches, players, and fans showcase the passion and intensity that surrounds this rivalry. The episode also delves into the history of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry, including some of the most memorable moments and players from past matchups.

One of the key themes of the episode is the idea of a "holy war," or a conflict between two groups who see themselves as fighting for a higher cause. Both Notre Dame and USC see their football programs as a way to promote their respective religious beliefs and values. For Notre Dame, this means embracing the school's Catholic identity and using football as a way to strengthen the community and foster spiritual growth. For USC, it means promoting the values of hard work, dedication, and discipline that are central to the Mormon faith.

However, the episode doesn't shy away from the darker side of this rivalry. Fans on both sides are shown engaging in trash talk and aggressive behavior, and tensions sometimes boil over into violence. The episode also addresses the controversy surrounding the use of Native American imagery and mascots by both Notre Dame and USC, and the impact this has on indigenous communities.

Ultimately, the episode provides a compelling look at one of the most storied rivalries in college football, and the ways in which sports can serve as a vehicle for both spiritual expression and conflict. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the role that religion plays in American sports, and the ways in which athletic competition can bring people together or tear them apart.