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Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports
In recent years the United States has seen an influx of Christian athletes and coaches into big-time sports, as well as a heightened importance placed on sports in church programs and enormous platforms for intercollegiate sports at Christian schools and colleges. However, as Shirl Hoffman critiques, a Christian vision of sport remains merely superficial--replete with prayers before free throws and praises after touchdowns but offering little if any alternative vision from the secular sports culture. Far from being the kind of life-affirming, faith-affirming events that they could be, games played in Christian college gymnasiums, for example, too often end up as mockeries of the faith statements given prominence in their mission statements. Here, in this thoughtful, narrative-driven exploration, Hoffman retells numerous fascinating stories from the world of ancient and contemporary sports and draws on the history of the Christian tradition as he seeks to answer the question "What would it mean to think Christianly about sport?"
356 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 26, 2010
MY REVIEW:
Good Game by Shirl James Hoffman is most defiantly the deepest, most thought-provoking, and heaviest book I have read. At some points, I found myself thinking that even C.S. Lewis's writings were a bit easier to work through. Sometimes you pay for what you get and with this book you get a lot of "meat to chew" on for the price!
While Good Game is by no means an easy read, quick read, or light read (just check out the incredibly massive bibliography) it is a read that is worth the time if you are up to the challenge. Hoffman really makes one think through the culture of sports and take a deep look into it's past, present, and future.
This is a book that I think is good, but also one that I can neither say "don't read" or "do read". Each person must approach this book ready to re-think a subject that so many of us are already so opinionated about. I am not sure if anyone will walk away in complete agreement, but I would highly encourage you to not dismiss everything he has to say either. There is great value in this book, I only wish it could be simplified and streamlined for easier reading.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Like most Americans, Christians love sports. They love team rivalries, the sports analogy/ sermon illustration, the thrill of playing, Christian celebrity athletes and even the church-hosted Super Bowl party complete with a five-minute half-time devotional. These are sacred institutions in Christian life; their prominence is seldom questioned. Yet, since 77 percent of evangelicals believe that the mass media is “hostile to their moral and spiritual values,” one wonders why evangelicals haven’t also sensed that hostility in media-bloated competitive sport contests. Christians frequently voice criticism about violence in video games, but violence in sports such as football and hockey, which involves their children more intimately and dangerously, is rarely examined.
Author Shirl Hoffman, Ed. D, believes it’s time for Christians to ask the hard questions. “The institution of sport has been so intricately woven into the fabric of our culture, and thus into the Christian culture, that criticism of sport or suggestions that sports be given a closer look often are viewed as cranky complaints by prigs who don’t know good fun when they see it,” Hoffman says. “The person who dares to ask whether the competitive ethic as celebrated in modern sports might conflict in important ways with the Christian worldview risks being labeled a ‘sport hater.’” In his new book, Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports, Hoffman draws attention to both the pitfalls and the spiritual opportunities missed by the carte blanche acceptance of current sports culture by Christians, particularly evangelicals.
The main factor driving the church’s unwillingness to cast a critical eye on the culture of sports is the rise of what sports writer Frank Deford called “sportianity,” a concoction of triumphal evangelism blended with worldly Darwinian competition and crafted to appeal to those for whom a love of athletics frames their lives. This folk theology combines locker room slogans, Old Testament allusions to religious wars, athletically slanted doctrines of assertiveness and sacrifice and a cult of masculinity, backed up by cherry-picked Bible verses pre-screened to ensure they don’t conflict with sport’s reigning orthodoxies. The fundamentals of “sportianity” have been rationalized, systematized and vigorously promoted by sport-evangelism organizations, coaches at every level, ministers, laypeople and the religious press. In fact, there are few alternative systems of thinking about sports and faith in the evangelical community—until now.
Hoffman is an internationally recognized authority in the fields of kinesiology, physical education and the relationship between faith and sports. He has taught at every level of education, coached college basketball and was a gifted high school and college athlete. As he penned Good Game, Hoffman knew his slaying of several sacred cows would likely draw the animosity of some readers. He challenges Christians to thoughtfully consider topics like:
·The Killer Instinct—what is the true cost of competition?
·Building and Sacking the Temple—why Christians should avoid violent sports…including football!
·Sport and the Sub-Christian Values—do competitive sports really develop character?
·Touchdowns and Slam Dunks for Jesus—how sports evangelism alters the gospel
·Prayers Out of Bounds—why the athletic field is not the place for prayer
Hoffman contends that in popular sports, Christians have created a kind of sanctuary for themselves in which they are not expected to think or act like Christians, as if both athletes and spectators enjoy a special exemption from the fundamental teaching of Jesus (i.e. love your enemies, the first shall be last, etc.). As a body of believers, the church has failed to think about sports analytically. Good Game presents a compelling case to that end, incorporating research many would like to ignore and example after convincing example lifted straight from the sports page. Unless Christians in the athletic and academic communities develop a healthy curiosity about the relationship of sports to faith, they are likely to continue bouncing between two different worlds framed by two different worldviews: the sincere, daily effort to become like Christ and the cut-throat competition of game day.
Good Game by Shirl James Hoffman is most defiantly the deepest, most thought-provoking, and heaviest book I have read. At some points, I found myself thinking that even C.S. Lewis's writings were a bit easier to work through. Sometimes you pay for what you get and with this book you get a lot of "meat to chew" on for the price!
While Good Game is by no means an easy read, quick read, or light read (just check out the incredibly massive bibliography) it is a read that is worth the time if you are up to the challenge. Hoffman really makes one think through the culture of sports and take a deep look into it's past, present, and future.
This is a book that I think is good, but also one that I can neither say "don't read" or "do read". Each person must approach this book ready to re-think a subject that so many of us are already so opinionated about. I am not sure if anyone will walk away in complete agreement, but I would highly encourage you to not dismiss everything he has to say either. There is great value in this book, I only wish it could be simplified and streamlined for easier reading.
BOOK OVERVIEW:
Like most Americans, Christians love sports. They love team rivalries, the sports analogy/ sermon illustration, the thrill of playing, Christian celebrity athletes and even the church-hosted Super Bowl party complete with a five-minute half-time devotional. These are sacred institutions in Christian life; their prominence is seldom questioned. Yet, since 77 percent of evangelicals believe that the mass media is “hostile to their moral and spiritual values,” one wonders why evangelicals haven’t also sensed that hostility in media-bloated competitive sport contests. Christians frequently voice criticism about violence in video games, but violence in sports such as football and hockey, which involves their children more intimately and dangerously, is rarely examined.
Author Shirl Hoffman, Ed. D, believes it’s time for Christians to ask the hard questions. “The institution of sport has been so intricately woven into the fabric of our culture, and thus into the Christian culture, that criticism of sport or suggestions that sports be given a closer look often are viewed as cranky complaints by prigs who don’t know good fun when they see it,” Hoffman says. “The person who dares to ask whether the competitive ethic as celebrated in modern sports might conflict in important ways with the Christian worldview risks being labeled a ‘sport hater.’” In his new book, Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports, Hoffman draws attention to both the pitfalls and the spiritual opportunities missed by the carte blanche acceptance of current sports culture by Christians, particularly evangelicals.
The main factor driving the church’s unwillingness to cast a critical eye on the culture of sports is the rise of what sports writer Frank Deford called “sportianity,” a concoction of triumphal evangelism blended with worldly Darwinian competition and crafted to appeal to those for whom a love of athletics frames their lives. This folk theology combines locker room slogans, Old Testament allusions to religious wars, athletically slanted doctrines of assertiveness and sacrifice and a cult of masculinity, backed up by cherry-picked Bible verses pre-screened to ensure they don’t conflict with sport’s reigning orthodoxies. The fundamentals of “sportianity” have been rationalized, systematized and vigorously promoted by sport-evangelism organizations, coaches at every level, ministers, laypeople and the religious press. In fact, there are few alternative systems of thinking about sports and faith in the evangelical community—until now.
Hoffman is an internationally recognized authority in the fields of kinesiology, physical education and the relationship between faith and sports. He has taught at every level of education, coached college basketball and was a gifted high school and college athlete. As he penned Good Game, Hoffman knew his slaying of several sacred cows would likely draw the animosity of some readers. He challenges Christians to thoughtfully consider topics like:
·The Killer Instinct—what is the true cost of competition?
·Building and Sacking the Temple—why Christians should avoid violent sports…including football!
·Sport and the Sub-Christian Values—do competitive sports really develop character?
·Touchdowns and Slam Dunks for Jesus—how sports evangelism alters the gospel
·Prayers Out of Bounds—why the athletic field is not the place for prayer
Hoffman contends that in popular sports, Christians have created a kind of sanctuary for themselves in which they are not expected to think or act like Christians, as if both athletes and spectators enjoy a special exemption from the fundamental teaching of Jesus (i.e. love your enemies, the first shall be last, etc.). As a body of believers, the church has failed to think about sports analytically. Good Game presents a compelling case to that end, incorporating research many would like to ignore and example after convincing example lifted straight from the sports page. Unless Christians in the athletic and academic communities develop a healthy curiosity about the relationship of sports to faith, they are likely to continue bouncing between two different worlds framed by two different worldviews: the sincere, daily effort to become like Christ and the cut-throat competition of game day.
September 19, 2023
This is an insightful and surprisingly engaging and well-researched read on the history of sport through the Christian lens. Hoffman does not withhold critique or pull punches as he recounts Christianity's (ongoing) struggle to come to grips with sports.
I would recommend this as a wonderful resource for those curious to explore the history of the Church's stance on sport from the first century to the modern era.
I would recommend this as a wonderful resource for those curious to explore the history of the Church's stance on sport from the first century to the modern era.
February 24, 2021
I don’t agree with every or most points he makes. BUT he does unapologetically call out the sinful nature of sports. Sports have become our idolatry, in a way, we have created a branch of Christianity named sportsianity.
Ex: praying for home runs lol when you think about it we realize how false of an ideology it is.
Ex: praying for home runs lol when you think about it we realize how false of an ideology it is.
February 23, 2010
Good Game, Shirl James Hoffman
I will be honest in the fact that this is one book I can not seem to get into enough to finish completely. Although I see the author’s well-intentioned point, I find it a little discouraging instead of affirming to those in the sports world today. I see a lot wrong with many aspects of the world today, but I cling to the grace that God has given me and the message that Jesus himself lived out: Instead of pointing out all the wrong in each situation Jesus simply went to the sinner and sat with him, and preached to him where he/she was. Although not conforming to the world he was in the world, in the dirtiest parts, preaching to the dirtiest people, and seeing those redeemed. There seems to be a new legalism sweeping Christianity that poses itself as pure – this seems to be one. To say we must avoid competitive sports (highlighting football as one of these) is not the answer. I have seen in the public school system alone the ability of the gospel to reach the unsaved on these very grounds easier than the classroom setting. A Christian coach has more freedom to proclaim the liberty of Jesus Christ than the classroom stuff – and that his word is powerful when a believer is praying protection over his fellow athletes. I have been in the locker room and heard prayers not to win a game but rather an opportunity to glorify God. Too bad we do not do that more in our work environments too. I look at examples such as Tony Dungy and Mike Singletary that have influenced countless young men for the cause of Christ. Who could forget Tim Tebow the real deal – sports has given him the opportunity to promote the largest Christian agenda out there and to give praise to the Father God who created Man in his image. What about Colt McCoy?? I could name countless others too. This may have turned out to be a better book deeper into it, but for now I must shelve it and come back to it with more prayer. On top of not really enjoying the message I found it to be wordy and at times difficult to read.
Thank you B&B Media Group for providing this book for review. For author interviews contact 1-800-927-0517 ext. 104, 106, or 109
I will be honest in the fact that this is one book I can not seem to get into enough to finish completely. Although I see the author’s well-intentioned point, I find it a little discouraging instead of affirming to those in the sports world today. I see a lot wrong with many aspects of the world today, but I cling to the grace that God has given me and the message that Jesus himself lived out: Instead of pointing out all the wrong in each situation Jesus simply went to the sinner and sat with him, and preached to him where he/she was. Although not conforming to the world he was in the world, in the dirtiest parts, preaching to the dirtiest people, and seeing those redeemed. There seems to be a new legalism sweeping Christianity that poses itself as pure – this seems to be one. To say we must avoid competitive sports (highlighting football as one of these) is not the answer. I have seen in the public school system alone the ability of the gospel to reach the unsaved on these very grounds easier than the classroom setting. A Christian coach has more freedom to proclaim the liberty of Jesus Christ than the classroom stuff – and that his word is powerful when a believer is praying protection over his fellow athletes. I have been in the locker room and heard prayers not to win a game but rather an opportunity to glorify God. Too bad we do not do that more in our work environments too. I look at examples such as Tony Dungy and Mike Singletary that have influenced countless young men for the cause of Christ. Who could forget Tim Tebow the real deal – sports has given him the opportunity to promote the largest Christian agenda out there and to give praise to the Father God who created Man in his image. What about Colt McCoy?? I could name countless others too. This may have turned out to be a better book deeper into it, but for now I must shelve it and come back to it with more prayer. On top of not really enjoying the message I found it to be wordy and at times difficult to read.
Thank you B&B Media Group for providing this book for review. For author interviews contact 1-800-927-0517 ext. 104, 106, or 109
April 7, 2011
A very good book in terms of what Hoffman has to say about the culture of sports in America today, and how the social context of America influences, and is influenced by, sports.
Hoffman points how the competitive and individualistic nature of sports is at odds with Christian values of good sportsmanship. He does this by first examining the historical development of the sports culture throughout the past several centuries (beginning with the Greeks and Romans), and also by examining the nature of "play."
As Hoffman moves forward to modern-day culture, he begins to critique the current social view of sports, making recommendations for how the church might address what he sees as an increasingly problematic relationship between sports and the church.
I believe Hoffman is urging Christians to take a hard look at how they approach sports. He asserts, and I agree, that sports should be a reflection of our Christian worldview. However, I see that Hoff man is lacking in his practical applications for the church. I think his suggestions for a way forward are unrealistic.
In the end, the Christian should be about modeling the character of Christ in all aspects of life. Hoffman is right on in this regard.
This really is an enjoyable read...but in need of a "Part 2" to further develop practical steps for the way forward.
Hoffman points how the competitive and individualistic nature of sports is at odds with Christian values of good sportsmanship. He does this by first examining the historical development of the sports culture throughout the past several centuries (beginning with the Greeks and Romans), and also by examining the nature of "play."
As Hoffman moves forward to modern-day culture, he begins to critique the current social view of sports, making recommendations for how the church might address what he sees as an increasingly problematic relationship between sports and the church.
I believe Hoffman is urging Christians to take a hard look at how they approach sports. He asserts, and I agree, that sports should be a reflection of our Christian worldview. However, I see that Hoff man is lacking in his practical applications for the church. I think his suggestions for a way forward are unrealistic.
In the end, the Christian should be about modeling the character of Christ in all aspects of life. Hoffman is right on in this regard.
This really is an enjoyable read...but in need of a "Part 2" to further develop practical steps for the way forward.
February 27, 2016
This is an excellent book on sports and Christianity. The first half provides a fairly objective history of the relationship of Christianity and sports, from the age of "muscular Christianity" in England to the present. the second half shifts to an exceptionally well-reasoned ethical critique of various issues in the meeting of Christianity and sports. This section is particularly insightful and will give readers much to think about in personal reflections on under what circumstances Christians may authentically support and/or engage in sport in a fashion true to the integrity of their faith.
April 29, 2012
I'm not convinced by his argument, but the book is thought-provoking at the very least. Are modern sports directly inimical to Christian morality? Hoffman presents some arguments to that effect that the Christian sports player or fan should at least spend some time thinking about.
April 5, 2010
Reading for @TBBMediaGroup, so far very interesting. Thanks, @audrajennings!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews