Playing with God: Religion and Modern Sport

by William J. Baker

Book Overview

The spectacle of modern sport displays all the latest commercial and technological innovations, yet age-old religious concerns still thrive at the stadium. Coaches lead pre-game and post-game prayers, athletes give God the credit for home runs and touchdowns, and fans wave signs with biblical quotations and allusions. Like no other nation on earth, Americans eagerly blend their religion and sports. Playing with God traces this dynamic relationship...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0674024214
• ISBN13: 9780674024212
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.5" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A must read for every Coach and Local Pastor

The author does outstanding research on the history of sports and how it has been interwoven within the structure of religion. I read every word. As a retired minister and pastoral counselor I was astonished as to how much sports and religion are competitive yet are parallel and both are interwoven into our modern faith and belief systems. I have a son who is an Offensive Coordinator in a local high school and I give it to him for his birthday. It's a great gift. I recommended it last Christmas to a friend to give to their father who enjoys sports and has everything. I also recommended it to my attorney to give to his law partner. A great book thank you "Billy"