When prompted to picture religion in Western Europe people usually envision churches and other symbols of Christianity. But, faith can emerge in even non-religious settings.

 

In Lisbon, Portugal, soccer is almost a religion in of itself. Natalia visited the Benefica vs Juventus game, and took this picture after the crowd had just sung the Benefica anthem. The smoke and grandeur of the stadium creates a theatrical effect, in a similar way that Baroque churches in Europe do. The energy is the stadium feels electrifying, and the clamor of the crowd induces feelings of awe and wonder. Could this moment for those thousands of soccer fans count as a religious experience? Does their faith in their team unify them under a common deity, like God?

 

In Paris, France, Chiara visisted her grandmother’s house in the suburbs. Her family indulged in Thieboudienne, the national dish of their home country, Senegal. The majority of Senegal’s population are followers of Islam, and many families have immigrated to France. Growing up, Chiara would visit her family in Paris during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and praying. Each night when the fast was broken, her grandma and aunts would prepare a huge Senegalese feast, where everyone crowded around one bowl and ate together. Eating Thieboudienne reminds Chiara of her native country, despite having grown up in the US. Could these feelings of comfort, home and community count as a devout, human experience?

 

Religion doesn’t necessarily need to be about God, or belief in a higher power. Rather, food and sports can bring people together, functioning as way of building community, comfort, and a feeling of belonging.