Playing with God : religion and modern sport /

True, the literature includes far too many books on the relationship between sport and religion, most of them superficial and without merit. But this book is the exception; indeed, it is the best presentation of this interplay published to date. The reason lies in large part with the author's background and education. A one-time football quarterback, Baker (emer., Univ. of Maine) completed a seminary degree and doctorate in history and has had countless experiences in sports. On top of this, he is a skilled writer, and one comes away from the book with its language echoing in one's head. After broad historical background, Baker presents the interplay of religion and sport as it moved from embattled opposition to complete acceptance to willingness of each to use the other. He is correct in observing that "the long arc of modern sport's interaction with religion can best be viewed as a dance in which the terms of engagement have changed over time." Baker himself brings liberals and conservatives, Jews and Muslims, Catholics and Protestants, and patriots and believers to the dance--in other words, he makes this a rich story grounded on amazing depth of knowledge. One of his many fascinating tidbits has encouraged this reviewer, on his next visit to New York City, to visit the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine and see the sports bay window. Including 47 pages of notes and a thorough index, this book is must reading for anyone interested in sports and religion. Summing Up: Essential. All readers; all levels. G. H. Shriver emeritus, Georgia Southern University

A time-traveling Puritan would have gaped in disbelief at the Giants who joined in sideline prayer during the 1991 Super Bowl. But sports historian Baker understands how American religion has come to embrace athletic games in surprising ways. Richly detailed and insightful, this narrative illuminates the circumstances that fused sports with the muscular Christianity of liberal Protestants worried that city life was making boys weak and worldly. And when World War I plunged the entire nation into a fiery trial, patriotism melded with sport and faith to form a new trinity that transcended denominational limits. Thus, Catholics joined liberal Protestants in baptizing sport and elevated Knute Rockne to cultural sainthood. Baker acknowledges that conservative Protestants, Jews, Mormons, and Moslems have approached sports in ways that have sometimes separated them from other devout fans. And he confronts the tawdry realities (gambling scandals, steroid abuse, sexual assaults) that have dismayed the pious. But this compelling mosaic leaves no doubt as to the durability of the American marriage of devotion and sport. --Bryce Christensen Copyright 2007 Booklist

Baker (history, emeritus, Univ. of Maine) has long specialized in sports. In this worthy addition to his works, he again considers sports in America, this time studying the mutual influence of sports and religion. Today, we as Americans play to win, and we expect God to participate-if not to deliver victory for "our side," then at least to ensure we play our best. Furthermore, we believe that sport builds not only physical strength but also moral character and that it complements any religious practice. This has not always been the case, as Baker shows. The early Puritans and other refugees from religious strife in Europe thought that sport was at best a wasteful distraction from duty and religious observance, and they inveighed against it. With the advent of "muscular Christianity" in the 19th century, that sour perspective took a 180-degree turn toward warm approval. In our own time, Islam has supported athletes and athletics; universities with religious affiliation participate; even professional-league teams are under religious influence. Well written and highly informative, his book will appeal to casual and interested readers; recommended for public and academic libraries.-James F. DeRoche, Alexandria, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.