What do you think?
Rate this book
God and Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC
In 2008 over six million people attended an SEC football game. They spent thousands on season tickets, donated millions to athletic departments, and for three months a year ordered their entire lives around the schedule of their favorite team. As a Christian, Gibbs knows he cannot serve two masters, but at times his faith is overwhelmed by his fanaticism. He is not alone.Gibbs and his six million friends do not live in a spiritually void land where such borderline idol worship would normally be accepted. They live in the American South, where according to the 2008 American Religious Identification Survey, 84 percent identify themselves as Christians. This apparent contradiction that Gibbs sees in his own life, and in millions of others’, has led him to journey to each of the twelve schools to spend time with rabid Christian fans of various ages and denominations. Through his journey, he learns how others are able to balance their passion for their team with their devotion to God.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2010
8 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 22, 2024
Growing up in the South, football and religion go hand in hand! Chad touched on the church of football as only a true Southerner can appreciate!
March 29, 2012
This was a fun, easy read that hit on an important topic and hit it well.
The inherent issue addressed by this book— stated clearly in the title, the tension between football fanaticism (especially in the Southeastern Conference, but in many other football conferences and many other sports as well) and the Christian faith— is an issue that I’ve recognized for years as a central struggle, or at least something that should be a central struggle, for Christians who are also sports fans. The problem is, how to address this without adopting a sanctimonious tone?
Chad Gibbs does a great job of that in this book. He is a self-confessed football fanatic, as well as a professing Christian, and the need for re-evaluation of this tension is entirely self-directed. The whole book chronicles his personal quest to find a proper balance of these things, and is held forth as one man’s story rather than a prescriptive pattern. Along the way, Gibbs encounters many others who share his struggle, and some are more helpful than others in working out a more balanced view— but none of them are presented in a judgmental light. Indeed, Gibbs is quick to acknowledge where some of those, whose circumstances would be significantly greater struggles for him, have found a way to handle it in a manner that he’s not sure he would have the capacity for.
I really like Gibbs’s writing style; he is witty and sometimes ironic, usually in a self-effacing way, and he is honest and vulnerable in his delivery. This book makes me eager to read more of his work.
I am torn in rating the book, because on the one hand I wanted more application, more prescription to emerge from this journey that the reader accompanies Gibbs upon; while on the other hand I wrestle with whether more prescriptive application would be either possible or appropriate. In the end, I suspect that anyone reading the book will find sufficient personal relevance to see themselves within its pages without the need for overt prescription. It is close, but somehow not quite there, in deserving a fifth star.
The inherent issue addressed by this book— stated clearly in the title, the tension between football fanaticism (especially in the Southeastern Conference, but in many other football conferences and many other sports as well) and the Christian faith— is an issue that I’ve recognized for years as a central struggle, or at least something that should be a central struggle, for Christians who are also sports fans. The problem is, how to address this without adopting a sanctimonious tone?
Chad Gibbs does a great job of that in this book. He is a self-confessed football fanatic, as well as a professing Christian, and the need for re-evaluation of this tension is entirely self-directed. The whole book chronicles his personal quest to find a proper balance of these things, and is held forth as one man’s story rather than a prescriptive pattern. Along the way, Gibbs encounters many others who share his struggle, and some are more helpful than others in working out a more balanced view— but none of them are presented in a judgmental light. Indeed, Gibbs is quick to acknowledge where some of those, whose circumstances would be significantly greater struggles for him, have found a way to handle it in a manner that he’s not sure he would have the capacity for.
I really like Gibbs’s writing style; he is witty and sometimes ironic, usually in a self-effacing way, and he is honest and vulnerable in his delivery. This book makes me eager to read more of his work.
I am torn in rating the book, because on the one hand I wanted more application, more prescription to emerge from this journey that the reader accompanies Gibbs upon; while on the other hand I wrestle with whether more prescriptive application would be either possible or appropriate. In the end, I suspect that anyone reading the book will find sufficient personal relevance to see themselves within its pages without the need for overt prescription. It is close, but somehow not quite there, in deserving a fifth star.
November 15, 2010
Similar to Clay Travis' "Dixieland Delight," the emphasis of Chad Gibb's "God and Football" is a bit more spiritual and features a lot less swearing.
After seeing the passion displayed by SEC fans for their favorite teams and then comparing that the passion displayed for their Christian walk, Gibbs decided to visit all 12 SEC stadiums and see how other fans balanced their love of football with their love of Christ. The end result is this memoir, a journey to all the campuses in the SEC and a look at their traditions. The journey is an interesting one, though Gibbs displays his pro-Auburn bias a bit too often during the course of the book. (Travis has a pro-Tennessee bias, but it's less evident in "Dixieland Delight.") Along the way, Gibbs learns a bit more about himself and his own convictions. What he learns isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it is worthy of reflection.
And while the SEC may have some of the most fanatic fans in the country, I'm sure the lessons learned and the observations made will translate well to any fan of any conference.
After seeing the passion displayed by SEC fans for their favorite teams and then comparing that the passion displayed for their Christian walk, Gibbs decided to visit all 12 SEC stadiums and see how other fans balanced their love of football with their love of Christ. The end result is this memoir, a journey to all the campuses in the SEC and a look at their traditions. The journey is an interesting one, though Gibbs displays his pro-Auburn bias a bit too often during the course of the book. (Travis has a pro-Tennessee bias, but it's less evident in "Dixieland Delight.") Along the way, Gibbs learns a bit more about himself and his own convictions. What he learns isn't exactly groundbreaking, but it is worthy of reflection.
And while the SEC may have some of the most fanatic fans in the country, I'm sure the lessons learned and the observations made will translate well to any fan of any conference.
May 25, 2011
Oh man. I'm so glad someone wrote this book. I've always been a bit disgusted at the worship of football and Chad Gibbs is able to recognize his own failing as a Christian by admitting his obsession with football frequently ventures into the realm of idol worship. He visits each of the teams in the SEC and talks with people of various Christian denominations about how they balance their love of football with love of God. It's a fascinating read and I like Gibbs' sense of humor. I'd especially recommend this book to people who live in the south and have witnessed the horror of gameday, but really I think anyone could get something out of it.
September 6, 2010
Absolutely loved this book. Being a Christian and also a big football fan it really made me look at priorities in my own life. Some parts of the book I was laughing so hard i was crying. Very good book that I would recommend to any football fan.
February 18, 2025
A better title for this book would have been "Football (and Some God). This book was very entertaining for a fan of football - but for someone looking for discussions of God, faith, or even how faith and football interact, there's not much to see here.
Perhaps the best illustration of this point is how the chapters are broken out. In the authors goal to visit every SEC stadium he goes into great detail of the restaurants he visits, the people he meets, the rituals of each team's fans, the stadiums, and more. This takes up about 90-95% of each chapter. The last paragraph or two of each chapter describes the church service he visits, but moreso his opinions of how those services will go. There is very little actual description of the church service or how God is worshiped, and what little time is spent discussing the service is often related through pithy comments about how they serve real wine that he didn't have a taste for, or his disappointment that no one spoke in tongues.
Again, this was an entertaining book if you are interested in the history and dynamics of SEC schools. But if you wanted anything remotely spiritual, you'll be left wanting.
Perhaps the best illustration of this point is how the chapters are broken out. In the authors goal to visit every SEC stadium he goes into great detail of the restaurants he visits, the people he meets, the rituals of each team's fans, the stadiums, and more. This takes up about 90-95% of each chapter. The last paragraph or two of each chapter describes the church service he visits, but moreso his opinions of how those services will go. There is very little actual description of the church service or how God is worshiped, and what little time is spent discussing the service is often related through pithy comments about how they serve real wine that he didn't have a taste for, or his disappointment that no one spoke in tongues.
Again, this was an entertaining book if you are interested in the history and dynamics of SEC schools. But if you wanted anything remotely spiritual, you'll be left wanting.
March 13, 2021
This was a fun and easy read, about a subject that is dear to my heart -- SEC football. I love SEC football, but I love God more; and this book is about how do you (and can you) balance the fanaticism of SEC football and God as the center of your life. Chad Gibbs ( the author) took one season of football and visited every home city of the SEC football teams (pre Missouri and Texas A&M), tailgating and attending the game with Christians of all stripes (churches and campus ministries), and then visiting a wide variety of churches on Sunday morning after the games. Gibbs is an interesting writer, that uses humor, and other techniques to keep you tuned in. If you are trying to serve God, and question if you take your college football a little too seriously -- you need to read this book.
August 19, 2022
Were you raised in the South? Then whether you meant to or not, you became very familir with Christianity and the SEC. We join the author as he talks to Christians to find out if they struggle as much as he does with his enthuiasm for football and his devotion to God. Can both exist in harmony? Gibbs carefully plots out the games he'll attend and visits all (then) 12 schools. He also visits campus ministries and churches seeking like minded folk who love God and hold football in high esteem. Warning to the reader: The author is an Auburn fan, but he's also a Christian so we can love him as a weaker brother. ;)
November 12, 2018
Being a football fan, this was an exceptionally good read.
August 20, 2022
Fun read in preparation for football season.
December 23, 2012
What a fun book!
For those of us Christians who enjoy football (and probably enjoy football a bit too much), I thought this book brought wonderful perspective to the intersection of faith and football fanaticism. With poignant humor and depth of insight, author Chad Gibbs considers how his faith is affected by his love for Auburn Tiger football. Is it going too far? Has he said or done anything he might regret for his "faith" in sport? Worse yet, has it affected his relationship with God?
To answer these questions, he sets out on a journey to visit a home game for each of the SEC schools in the fall of 2009; the good, the bad and everything in between. As a long-suffering Washington State Cougar, I deeply appreciated his chapter on Vanderbilt University where (like WSU) they seemed to be WAY more focused on academics rather than athletics. At each stop, Gibbs talks with other Christians at each university, experiences their traditions, watches a game and attends a local church that Sunday. As a football fan, I admire his ability to take this journey and share his musings.
The only reason I gave it 4 Stars is because I wish he had done this for the PAC 12! "War Eagle" to you Chad; and Go COUGS!
For those of us Christians who enjoy football (and probably enjoy football a bit too much), I thought this book brought wonderful perspective to the intersection of faith and football fanaticism. With poignant humor and depth of insight, author Chad Gibbs considers how his faith is affected by his love for Auburn Tiger football. Is it going too far? Has he said or done anything he might regret for his "faith" in sport? Worse yet, has it affected his relationship with God?
To answer these questions, he sets out on a journey to visit a home game for each of the SEC schools in the fall of 2009; the good, the bad and everything in between. As a long-suffering Washington State Cougar, I deeply appreciated his chapter on Vanderbilt University where (like WSU) they seemed to be WAY more focused on academics rather than athletics. At each stop, Gibbs talks with other Christians at each university, experiences their traditions, watches a game and attends a local church that Sunday. As a football fan, I admire his ability to take this journey and share his musings.
The only reason I gave it 4 Stars is because I wish he had done this for the PAC 12! "War Eagle" to you Chad; and Go COUGS!
December 31, 2010
Having met the author -- and sharing a mutual affinity for and degree from Auburn University -- I admittedly have a little bias. As another qualifier, I've never considered myself a college football fanatic -- at least not to the point of painting my torso -- but while also working for Auburn, football is king during the fall and affects all we do. Trouble is, I've also been that fan planning all week for tailgates and game-day logistics, then tuckered out on Sunday to fully participate in (or, in some cases, attend), Sunday worship at my church. "God and Football" provides an anecdotal, sometimes step-on-your-toes, approach to getting each of us to consider the priorities in our lives -- football for some, and similar obsessions for others -- with a familiar Southern football theme and in a non-preachy manner. It's a great and easy read for any SEC fan looking to "get right" his or her relationship with God, or maybe the fan who is giving the the start of a relationship with God a thought.
June 30, 2015
For starters, I felt like this book was speaking directly to me, as both a Christian and a college football fanatic. Granted, I'm an alum of an FCS program and not a behemoth SEC program, so my "fandom" isn't fueled quite the same way as Chad's, but I understood where he was coming from in a lot of ways.
I have to admit that I was predisposed to liking this book, as I'm always a fan of books that are organized this way when it comes to college football. Clay Travis' Dixieland Delight is organized in a similar way. Each chapter is essentially a profile of a weekend spent on that campus. The chapters move quickly, there were enough football anecdotes to quench this football fan's thirst for them, and perhaps most importantly, Gibbs tells tales of the struggle in balancing college football and God in a way that won't make the reader feel guilty for feeling the way he does about that balance.
I have to admit that I was predisposed to liking this book, as I'm always a fan of books that are organized this way when it comes to college football. Clay Travis' Dixieland Delight is organized in a similar way. Each chapter is essentially a profile of a weekend spent on that campus. The chapters move quickly, there were enough football anecdotes to quench this football fan's thirst for them, and perhaps most importantly, Gibbs tells tales of the struggle in balancing college football and God in a way that won't make the reader feel guilty for feeling the way he does about that balance.
November 12, 2010
As a graduate and/or former student of 4 SEC schools (and the spouse of a graduate of a 5th), this book brought back fond memories. I actually laughed outloud at times, as I can relate to some of the craziness Gibbs depicts. I loved learning about other schools wacky traditions, fight-songs, mascots (real and otherwise), and fans! I would actually love to do this someday with my SEC fanatic husband (maybe a gift to ourselves after retirement).
I will say, however, that I personally cannot understand Gibbs quandry regarding his faith. I can't see taking football THAT seriously. But, having said that, and having been born in the state of Alabama, I know that there are MANY that WORSHIP their team, for sure. And, football in the South is a religion all unto itself!
Don't miss the glossary at the back of the book - It's the best part!
I will say, however, that I personally cannot understand Gibbs quandry regarding his faith. I can't see taking football THAT seriously. But, having said that, and having been born in the state of Alabama, I know that there are MANY that WORSHIP their team, for sure. And, football in the South is a religion all unto itself!
Don't miss the glossary at the back of the book - It's the best part!
January 23, 2013
This book wasn't as bad as the 2 stars I gave it, but I gave it the two stars because the author reinforced the feeling that most SEC fans have that there is no such thing as avid fans, let alone good football, outside of the SEC. Also, his inability to understand how fans could care about other sports besides football really annoyed me. Otherwise, I liked the idea of the author trying to reconcile his faith with his passion for football. I think many fans struggle with the feeling that their devotion to sports replaces their devotion to something, be it God, family, work, etc. An interesting read, and I definitely think my friends who are SEC fans will enjoy it more than others.
November 18, 2013
The book that i red for my second reading log is call God and Football. It is a non-fiction sport story. This book was about athletes and their stories while playing football. I liked this book because some of the stories related to me and the christian aspect of the book got me hooked.
This book started with the 2008 SEC football game. And how many people went and how many tickets were sold. As a Christian, Gibbs knows he cannot serve two masters, but at times his faith is overwhelmed by his fanaticism. Athletes told thier stories and Throughout their journey, they learned how others are able to balance their passion for their team with their devotion to God.
This book started with the 2008 SEC football game. And how many people went and how many tickets were sold. As a Christian, Gibbs knows he cannot serve two masters, but at times his faith is overwhelmed by his fanaticism. Athletes told thier stories and Throughout their journey, they learned how others are able to balance their passion for their team with their devotion to God.
December 23, 2015
This book was recommended to me by a past student and he let me borrow his copy. Chad writes a hilarious recounting of his adventures through the SEC. His premise is a little contrived--how to balance God and football--and comes to the conclusion that sports shouldn't be our source of happiness. Most people could come to that conclusion on their own but I think it's the journey that makes it a fun read. I'm no football fan but I found myself laughing along with Chad. I just wish I could be as witty and clever as him.
August 30, 2012
Entertaining read, but I didn't feel like the author broke any new ground. I give him credit for not offering a "solution" to the problem, but he didn't say anything revolutionary.
Oh, and take the time to look up Belmont. I'm not an alumnus, but their ties to the music business are fairly well known. The Beyonce/Belmont reference was sort of lazy, and not really funny.
But overall, a good book on a subject I like.
Oh, and take the time to look up Belmont. I'm not an alumnus, but their ties to the music business are fairly well known. The Beyonce/Belmont reference was sort of lazy, and not really funny.
But overall, a good book on a subject I like.
July 31, 2012
This book had me laughing out loud especially the first few chapters. The author, a rabid Auburn fan, goes to a football game in each SEC school and explores the conflict between his Christian faith and his "idolization" of college football. He is really funny which shouldn't have been a surprise since he lists Jon Acuff (author of What Christians Like) as a friend. My husband also really enjoyed this book.
October 13, 2013
"It was okay." Definitely more humorous than spiritual, and often the book was more of a platform for the author's sense of humor than his originally stated intent. I would've liked to see the book do more with the concept of visiting all the SEC cities and delivering different perspectives from Christian fans of each team. Oh well, it was a quick read and still had some redeeming qualities.
April 8, 2015
Interesting attempt at putting God and Football together in one conversation. However, I felt this book was more like a documentation of a road trip to the different teams in the SEC, more than a real discussion about God and Football. Nevertheless, it gives another perspective into the world of SEC Football.
December 13, 2010
I'm not really a religious person, so his constant references got a bit old. He seemed to repeat the same references as well. Overall, I enjoyed it because it dealt with the SEC and he definitely had me laughing hysterically at parts. I must say I preferred Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer to this book.
November 16, 2010
This book was a lot of fun. Being an avid South Carolina fan I was amazed how he just nailed the aura of a Gamecocks Saturday. With the way Auburn is performing this year, maybe the Good Lord likes this book too! ;)
December 19, 2010
The author visited each SEC school for a game during the 2009 season and went to a church in each town on the following Sunday. The book contains thoughts on football being more of a religion to people in the south than their actual religion. Thought provoking.
January 27, 2011
I loved this book. I love Chad Gibbs' humor and writing style, and of course the topic hits very close to home as well. His accounts of his trips to each SEC city/town are priceless. Highly recommend this book!
February 22, 2012
Fantastically funny little book on the fervor of football fanatics and where all that rates in light of spiritual life. A little too self-deprecating regarding the faith of the believer for my taste. But I suppose it is criticism well earned when reminded of how disproportionate our passions can be
Read
February 12, 2018Really good book. Humorous and insightful, though I would have liked to see Chad expound on some of his ideas a little more. He's a great writer, and this topic is incredibly relevant to those of us who live in the South.
August 22, 2012
I was introduced to this book by a close friend and I would highly recommend it. The book will keep you glued to it and laughing the entire time. Anyone interested in souther culture and how it relates to the South Eastern Conference should read this book
October 1, 2013
Really enjoyed the perspective in this book. Football stories in the SEC are some of the best stories to be told and there was no lack of those from Mr. Gibbs. Being an Alabama alum I enjoyed reading this a few years after the fact. It was nice to reminisce on that championship season. ;)
April 29, 2014
It was amusing and takes an honest look about how our hobbies such as football can be a concern to our faith walk and witness. He tours several SEC towns, goes to the games, and seeks out faith communities in their towns. I'm a BIG 12 kid and I now know infinitely more about the SEC landscape.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews