The Christian Athlete

by Brian Smith

The Christian Athlete is a gospel-centered guide that assists athletes who identify as Christians and are seeking to understand how to practically apply their faith to their sport.
 
Athletes desire—and deserve—a more substantive expression of the Christian faith in the context of sport, but they don’t know what it looks like or where to turn to learn more.

Author Brian Smith shares his story as an athlete and coach, and his experience working with high-level athletes in the last decade to help readers better understand how to integrate faith and sport The Christian Athlete will show readers how to live out a biblical perspective on athletics and urge them to engage in the gifts they are given to glorify God whether they are the team MVP or riding the bench.
 

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Religion, Sports

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2022

Reviews

[Kristin Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most complete books I have read on a topic about how to live life and glorify God through athletics, or life in general. While many should and will read the book from cover to cover, it is completely possible to return to certain chapters and read them out of order as a refresher in certain areas. This is coming from a father of athletes from their perspective.

As a parent this book was also helpful in an early sports season to see my sons make the best use of their current platforms to glorify and magnify God in their playing. For one of my sons who excels at his sport as a freshman in high school, he is struggling with uncontrolled factors. The lessons taught in this book were helpful to me to remind him that there may be a greater cause and reason for being in the place he is in. His younger, smaller brother is not as big but loves the game. It has been fun to encourage both of them using things described in the book to help them with their walk with Christ.

I would highly recommend this book to athletes, but also to parents and coaches as it serves as a reminder of why we are in certain life positions and how we can further the Kingdom. It is evident from the passion of explaining Christ and life stories told that Brian (the author) has excelled in sports and continues to be in touch with the current athletics world through life and ministry. Without this personal touch, while sometimes raw and revealing, the book would not have had the same impact.

[Casey Spark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible resource for any athlete or coach! Found this to be both super practical and also deep with great biblical wisdom.

[Joshua Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Smith, man. wow. Killed it in this book. He doesn’t sugar coat anything and tells you how it is. He goes through specific struggles you might have as a christian athlete and every chapter he goes through a new main point. Reading this book the last 2 months has made me re-align my priorities and given me a whole new outlook on how to play my sport and who to play it for. 10/10 recommend for any athlete to grow in their faith

[Zak Schmoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book considers various aspects of athletic performance from a Christian worldview. It talks about handling success, failure, riding the bench, having a platform, and so many other topics. It is probably most applicable to college athletes although athletes of any age would benefit from thinking about these issues. Is it wrong to pray for victory? The author makes a good case as to why it is not. Is it wrong to be frustrated after a loss? The author points out the difference between frustration and anger very well. If you are a Christian athlete, or really any athlete, this book would be of value to you.

[Mia Paige (Hiatus bc of Vacation! Happy New Year)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember when I first got this book. I was at my church and I went up to Brian Smith and we were talking about sports and his mission. And then he handed me one of his books. I went home and immediately started reading it. From the beginning to the end, this book holds great information and is pretty easy to read. I knew it would be a 5 star because nothing is wrong with it! And I like how this book compares things to a lesson to a real life event.
Another reason I was drawn to reading this was obviously to get closer to God. And because Brian Smith ran cross country and track. Just like me. And when I have a similar situation you will often find me reading that book.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

[Brandon Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

As a father to 4 athletes (high school and middle school), and a middle school basketball coach, the information and layout of this book is priceless. Sports culture continues to be centered around the concepts of “winning” and “me”. The Christian Athlete teaches that instead, no matter the outcome, we should be servants like Christ. I can’t recommend this book enough. Also, as parents and coaches, check out Away Game!

[Jeremy Gardiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I'm not an athlete so I'm not the target audience of this title. Instead, I read it to study for a book I'm writing. I found the author to be gospel-centered, he quotes a lot of good teachers, and covers all the main topics you'd want in discipleship of an athlete. Definitely a book I'd recommend to the target audience.

[Torema Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

It has been so timely for me and the season that I’m presently in. Such a reminder of my true purpose in the sport — my perspective has refocused and is realigned once again.

Thank you Brian, God bless you.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information present was interesting and logical. I needed to have my Bible right with me to see the verses he referenced and their context. I liked how it was a sport book with a running background instead of the typical basketball or football book.

[Alyson Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for every Christian athlete. It’s the book I wish I had while I was still playing.

[Dustin Frantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read this for my track season this year. Good overall, felt a little cliche at times. Retirement chapter resonated the most as I’m on my last year of track

[tyler]

This book is practical applications for the Christian athlete on how to apply faith and sport.

[Juliana Cuevas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good I loved it and I will definitely read it again especially when I’m going to the hard time

[Addison Pelham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this during my sophomore year of volleyball and holy cow every athlete needs to read this it’s so good ok that’s all.