Play
We spend much of our time, energy and other resources on play, leisure and recreation, and yet rarely reflect Christianly on such things.
Arthur Holmes has some insightful thoughts on the subject of play:-
Difficulty of Defining Play
‘Play is customarily seen as nonproductive activity. This is not strictly correct, for play can be economically productive for professionals, quiz-show participants, and many others. The intent of the definition is that the purpose of play is not to be found in elements extrinsic to the activity, as supposedly with work, but is to be found in the activity itself and its enjoyment. Yet even this is unsatisfactory, since it presupposes that the purpose of work is its extrinsic rewards, while a Christian view of work also stresses work’s instrinsic dignity and values. Similarly, if we define play as free and voluntary activity in contrast to the necessity of required work, then we fail to consider those who play for a living…To set work and play in antithesis, as has traditionally been done, does not help. Some people work harder at play than at work, while others of us have a ball at work.’
