Of gods and games : religious faith and modern sports /

This is a short and lively look at the connections between the seemingly unconnected worlds of sports and religion. However, Baker (history, Univ. of Maine) argues in this easily accessible and deeply rewarding text that American sports and American religion intersect with "spiritual fervor." In this 3-part volume, part of the "George H. Shriver lecture series," Baker delves into the play, the coaching, and the news reporting of the world of sport. This book is both contemporary and historical in its scope, and Baker, ever the expert, deftly moves between the well-known religious lives of athletes such as Tim Tebow and coaches such as Dean Smith to less popular athletes like basketball player Shelly Pennefather and reporter Arch Ward. Each story illuminates the complicated experiences Americans have with their views of sports. In short, Baker's newest exploration of religion, play, and sport is an excellent work by one of the best scholars of the field. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --Andrew R McKee, Florida State University