Customer Reviews

Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very long (300+ pages), dense and thoughtful book. I didn't always agree with the arguments Hoffman set forth, but he does an excellent job at thinking critically about a topic needs further exploration - namely the intersection between Christian faith and sports. A point that Hoffman often comes back to is that Christians have been influenced by sports more than the other way around.

The first half of this book is a history of the church's relationship with sports. This was an important section, though I found it hard to get through at times. It felt more like a book I would read for class rather than for pleasure. The second half of the book was more contemporary and tackled topics such as the killer instinct and prayer on the athletic field. I enjoyed this section much more and would recommend reading it first if you are interested in this treatise, but don't have time to go through the whole thing.

Overall, I found this book well-researched (the bibliography is massive) and necessary. Hoffman is an expert on the topic of faith and sports. He uses many stories and anecdotes across generations that I had either never heard or were buried in my mind and does a masterful job weaving it all together. Sports need to be brought into the conversation between Christ and culture. Hopefully, this book will open some much-needed dialogue regarding some insidious aspects of sports and competition. It gets into some solutions at the end, but just being aware and surfacing issues is an important first step.

(The book was provided for review by the publisher.)

There's more to faith in sports than a pre-game prayer. "Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports" looks into the relationship of Christianity and the sports that so many Christians love and embrace, often thanking God for their successes or the very least hoping for it. Stating that much of the religion in modern sports is empty and soulless, Shirl James Hoffman provides many stories of genuine faith in sports. "Good Game" is a worthy read for Christian athletes.

Is there a difference between how Christians view sports and competition as opposed to the rest of the world? Should there be?

Shirl James Hoffman addresses our society's obsession with sports. This is a fascinating book with much to ponder. I especially urge believers to thoughtfully read this and take a look at their attitudes toward sports. This will not be a popular book, and will likely make some folks angry or, at the least, defensive. But for those who read it with an open and reflective spirit, it will transform how they view the athletic competitions of our day.

Hoffman details the history of the Christian response to sport from the days of the early church to modern times. At various times in history, the "church" frowned upon athletics because of the mind-set needed and the potential for obsession. In modern times the church has not only accepted sports but embraced it in what the author calls Sportianity. The author also takes a look at character, and how sport impacts that, which, surprisingly, isn't always for the better.

Hoffman isn't a sports hater; on the contrary, he simply points out some troubling aspects of this obsession and provides suggestions for sports to become the well-played game it should be.


Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher; I was not required to write a positive review.

Good Game by Shirl James Hoffman is most defiantly the deepest, most thought-provoking, and heaviest book I have read. At some points, I found myself thinking that even C.S. Lewis's writings were a bit easier to work through. Sometimes you pay for what you get and with this book you get a lot of "meat to chew" on for the price!

While Good Game is by no means an easy read, quick read, or light read (just check out the incredibly massive bibliography) it is a read that is worth the time if you are up to the challenge. Hoffman really makes one think through the culture of sports and take a deep look into it's past, present, and future.

This is a book that I think is good, but also one that I can neither say "don't read" or "do read". Each person must approach this book ready to re-think a subject that so many of us are already so opinionated about. I am not sure if anyone will walk away in complete agreement, but I would highly encourage you to not dismiss everything he has to say either. There is great value in this book, I only wish it could be simplified and streamlined for easier reading.

This review copy was provided courtesy of The B&B Media Group.

"Good Game" is a thorough, expansive discussion of the relation between religion (Christianity in particular) and sport. Mr. Hoffman gives an excellent history lesson for the first half of the book. The second half is devoted to commentary on the current state of sports & the Church.

I found the initial history portion to be entertaining and educational. The second half, while interesting and thought-provoking, seemed to be delivered from atop a very high horse. I don't disagree with all of Hoffman's opinions, but I frequently felt that he went to far in decrying the choices that Christians make in regard to sports and fitness today. He also seems to contradict himself quite often.

While I found Mr. Hoffman to be frequently condescending and extreme, I still found this title to be very thought-provoking and timely. Many of the issues he raises really *are* worth considering and discussing. "Good Game" would make an excellent textbook for a Christian collegiate Sports Science class, if for no other reason than to inspire thoughtful debate.

I give this title only two stars because of my frequent and passionate disagreement with Mr. Hoffman's personal ideas. However, the book is very well written & researched, and he has a right to his opinions. I just wish the author had entertained a bit more empathy for the Body of Christ in general.

For more on this review, please visit my review blog, The Calico Critic.