BOSTON--People who worry about the loss of religious belief by many young Americans must remember that they have merely switched to worshipping a new deity—sports.

The fact is sports psychologists and historians see a massive change among fanatical fans across the nation, the people who consider stadiums and arenas as their new cathedrals.

"Watching sporting events is entertainment that allows the audience to get involved emotionally, just as attending church or temple had been for them before television and the sports media hoopla completely captured their attention," said Daniel Wann, Ph.D., a leading sports psychologist at Murray State University.

"So while many religions are losing membership, the attendance at all sporting events, both professional and amateur, is absolutely soaring."

How right he is.

Millions upon millions of American television viewers watch Super Bowls, the World Series, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, NBA basketball finals, the Masters golf tournament and heavyweight championship fights, to name just a few.

And this gigantic audience is in addition to the sell-out crowds that pay outrageous prices to watch the events in person, with many acting out their emotions as if they were viewing the gladiators against the lions in Rome's Coliseum.

In an ironic way, they are doing just that, at least in their minds, say sports psychologists.

"The more ardent sports...Read More