Abstract
The study of sport and religion has become increasingly popular as a topic of research and a curricular component. In this valuable collection of thirteen essays by North American and British-based contributors, the relationship of sports to Christianity is explored from different disciplinary perspectives, including theology, philosophy, history, psychology and sociology. The result is an accessible series of scholarly reflections, with further reading suggestions and questions for discussion, all of which can usefully serve an undergraduate course or church study group. Does sport have a sacramental character in mediating a sense of the divine? Can play become an important celebration of the gift of embodied existence before God? Are there ways in which sport can function redemptively in drawing people together? In general, this collection offers affirmative and persuasive answers to these questions, while recognising, perhaps belatedly at time, that sport can become a vehicle of idolatry, sexism, racism, violence and disordered priorities. Thought it might have entailed a longer volume, I would have welcomed more attention on particular sports, especially soccer with its quasi-religious followings; apart from athletics, the approach tends to be more generic. This lack of particularity is confirmed by a quick scan of the index
Several writers offer illuminating comparisons between sport and the spiritual disciplines. Distance running can become an ascetic activity that clears the mind and brings spiritual uplift, though some days it is sheer grind and mundane toil. Appreciation of a perfect shot under pressure evokes admiration and even awe in spectators. Opponents can be united in their love of the game and appreciation of skill. But, perhaps most telling, are the comments of those who were never much good at sports but still enjoyed them. In participating without success, they learned to love the game for its own sake, to celebrate its practice as a gift of God, to learn humility, and to take delight in the company of teammates and opponents. I recall one afternoon struggling round a famous links golf course. One of the fairways ran adjacent to the local cemetery. My partner remarked to me, ‘Just remember, there are many people over that wall who would enjoy a bad round of golf today.’