The Faith of 50 Million: Baseball, Religion, and American Culture (Paperback)

by William R. Herzog II, Christopher H. Evans (Author) "Baseball was born in the Elysian Fields of Hoboken, New Jersey, during the 1840s and, from its earliest days, has conveyed a sense of the..." (more)
Key Phrases: Red Sox, World Series, Joe Jackson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
The religion scholars in this intriguing collection view baseball as a civil religion that can tell us much about American character and attitudes. Although more of us probably watch the Superbowl than any baseball event, baseball, with its historic claims and ties, is still regarded by many as the national pastime. Evans and Herzog, both professors at the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, NY, present ten essays on a wide range of topics, from the racial integration of the sport to the role of women and baseball. The authors, including Stanley Hauerwas (theological ethics, Duke Univ. Divinity Sch.), Christopher H. Evans (church history, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity Sch.), and Tracy J. Trothen (ethics and pastoral theology, Univ. of Winnipeg), are especially adept at examining how baseball has always been susceptible to gambling and corruption. Although written from a Protestant religious background, this unusual anthology will appeal to readers of various faiths and is best suited for libraries with comprehensive religion or sports holdings. Paul Kaplan, Lake Villa Dist. Lib., IL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
"A gem in every way." -- John Rossi, author of "The National Game: Baseball and American Culture"

"Lively essays on American baseball by diamond-minded theologians." -- David Q. Voigt, author of "Baseball: An Illustrated History"

“A unique and deeply felt study of the game so close to the dreams and emotions of many generations..." -- Donald Honig,author of Baseball America

“Not just a single, double, triple, or a home run, but a grand slam!...A ‘must’ read.” -- Benjamin G. Rader, author of Baseball: A History of America's Game

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Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1 edition (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664223052
• ISBN-13: 978-0664223052
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #794,729 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thank God for Baseball, November 4, 2007

By	C. B. Park - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I expected a review of the phenomenon of baseball in American culture. What I didn't expect was good scholarship and fine theological reflection! Both are there. The essays are wonderful and examine the parallels between Christianity and baseball from the perspectives of history, ethics, and hope. Read it before your next trip to the ball park!