[smackay]

Shared purpose in some ways works better. It certainly can be fostered in the same ways that faith can. Sports works really well and "fringe" activities like birding bind people together really well. For example the solidarity among cyclists (the ones out and about in the countryside) here in Portugal is really strong. Pretty much everyone says hello and you can't stop on the side of the road or trail without everyone who passes asking if everything is ok.

[toyg]

If you think sports don't involve faith, I think you're being naive. Sports have rites, involve hopes for a better tomorrow, and carry belief in the social value of certain behaviours (the discipline).

What powers the typical football club "factotum", showing up every week to cut the grass, inflate balls, wash shirts, clean changing rooms, etc etc...? What powers the cyclist agitating about the need for bike lanes, or proselitizing the sport? There is no seriously rational explanation. It's a type of faith.