18 Resources on Faith and Sport

March Madness. A phrase that brings both exhilaration and despair as we watch the teams we love compete for a national championship. We fill out brackets, hold watch parties, and cheer our hearts out for 3 straight weekends. It is simply the greatest time of the year, the best sporting event ever.

Maybe you aren’t as excited as I am, but I think you would agree that college sports (and sports in general) play a huge part in our society. If you aren’t convinced, just know the TV deal for March Madness was renewed for 8.8 billion dollars in 2016. Sports matter, plain and simple.

So, the question is, how should Christians think about sport? How should we participate? Sports can be used for our good or to our detriment, to form us or malform us. Christians need to develop a biblical understanding of play, competition and sport. The resources below will help you do just that. There are resources for all levels, athletes, coaches, parents, beginners, and experts.

Introducing Faith and Sport – The Round of 64

• Competition and Creation by Frank Reich.
• Competition as Relationship: Sport as a Mutual Quest for Excellence by Stewart Weir
• More Than a Game: A Theology of Sport by Jeremy Treat: Treat’s article was my first exposure to a thoughtful perspective on sport from a high-level theologian. He wasn’t the first to write on the issue, but he may have been the clearest. Treat is a pastor-theologian who loves Jesus, cares about God’s Church, and wants others to enjoy sport as a means of worship. Treat founds his argument in creation, which is the best place to start. You can listen to Treat’s perspective on faith and sports in a Christ and Culture episode titled, “Jesus and Travel Ball.”
• In the Arena: The Promise of Sports for Christian Discipleship by David Prince: Prince provides one of the most focused books on sports and discipleship around. He provides a brief foundation for sport from a biblical perspective before using that foundation to outline sports’ potential for discipleship. This is a great resource for athletes, parents, coaches, and pastors.
• The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports by Brian Smith: I have very much appreciated Brian’s work over the years. The Christian Athlete is a culmination of his work, research, and experience in sport. This is a great start for any athlete, coach, or parent who loves sports and wants to glorify God.
• 3D Coach: Capturing the Heart Behind the Jersey by Jeff Duke

Intermediate Level – The Sweet 16

• A Brief Theology of Sport by Lincoln Harvey: Harvey provides a concise overview of a theology of sport and also works in important historical notes that help provide context for sport throughout the Church’s history. This is important, as the church has not always viewed sport the same way. It helps rightly balance our view in the 21st century. Although I don’t agree with Harvey’s conclusions, there is much to learn from his work.
• The Bible and Competition, (Lecture) at The Sport and Faith Institute: Reich was invited to do a Q&A with the Sport and Faith Institute at Baylor University’s Truitt Seminary. Reich is able to expound on his earlier article and connect this with his experience as a Seminary President and NFL Head Coach.
• Christmanship: A Theology of Competition, Sport, and Sport Ministry by Greg Linville
• The God Who Plays by Brian Edgar
• Competition as Relationship: Sport as a Mutual Quest for Excellence by Stewart Weir: Weir’s work helps rightly understand competition as a relationship that should be cultivated and that we can glorify God through competition. Competition is better not when we hate our opponent but when we love them.
• Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports by Shirl Hoffman: Hoffman is one of the most careful thinkers in the world of faith and sport. Although I disagree with Hoffman on some key points, this work in particular has pushed me to study the Bible more deeply and develop clear reasons for believing in the potential goodness of competition. Any serious thinker of faith and sport should read this important work.

Advanced Level – The Final Four

• Theology of Play by Jürgen Moltmann: Moltmann’s work is a pivotal piece in a development of faith and sport. He has influenced many aspects of the theology, so any serious researcher should work through this book.
• The Christian at Play by Robert K. Johnston
• Sport and Religion by Shirl J. Hoffman
• Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture by Johan Huizinga

Supplemental Readings – Bracket Breakdowns

• Every Moment Holy Vol. 1: You can find a wonderful prayer that sums up an athlete’s heart, one that desires to love God and love neighbor, on page 105.
• The Rest of Life: Rest, Play, Eating, Studying, Sex from a Kingdom Perspective by Ben Witherington

I hope that you will engage sport with an open mind. I truly believe we will make sport better when we love God and love our neighbor in our competition.