About the Book
During a 1980s Edmonton Oilers game, fans unveiled a banner claiming, "On the 8th day, God created Gretzky." Intersections between religious belief and sporting participation are nothing new, where players, coaches, and fans are known to pray, cross themselves, and point to the heavens during a game. But what should be the relationship between sports and religious faith? On the Eighth Day introduces the theology of sport from a Catholic standpoint. It wrestles with sport's universal appeal, its rich symbolism, and its spiritual and moral characteristics. Sport is a place where embodied games can be sacramental; where traditions of the past speak to contemporary peoples; and where truth and justice are demanded in a world affected by sin. The eighth day recalls the playful, re-creative work of God the Creator embodied in Christ's resurrection. In this sense, this book marks out a "new day" in Christian attitudes toward modern sport and the continuing call to redeem sport in service of human flourishing. Comprehensive yet accessible, the book will engage thoughtful lay sports fans and academic students alike.
About the Author :
Matt Hoven is Matt Hoven is Kule Chair and Associate Professor of Religious Education at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta at Edmonton, Canada. He is the author of many academic works, including the book Hockey Priest: Father David Bauer and the Spirit of the Canadian Game
J. J. Carney is to "J. J. Carney is Professor of Theology at Creighton University. He is the author of multiple books, including For God and My Country: Catholic Leadership in Modern Uganda.
Max T. Engel is Associate Professor of Education and Theology at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He is the lead author of Your School's Catholic Identity: Name It, Claim It, and Build on It.
Review :
"This is a groundbreaking book, standard reading for anyone interested in sports and Christianity--whether Catholic or not. This is basic Catholic theology and basic sports studies at its best!"
--Chad Carlson, Hope College
"A clearly written, eminently accessible, and theologically perceptive reflection on sports . . . . The authors' balanced approach considers carefully the dangers and ethical challenges that are often encountered in the world of sports. Yet, drawing on the riches of the Catholic theological tradition and a wide range of historical and contemporary illustrations, they also help us recognize that participation in sports may offer nothing less than a sacramental encounter with the divine."
--Richard R. Gaillardetz, Boston College
"Laced with lively sports stories, this thought-provoking and accessible book is more than a Catholic theology of sports. It is also a sports theology. While theological guideposts for bringing out the best in sports abound in this book, so do sports guideposts for bringing out the best in faith and life. The authors go head-on with tough questions about flourishing, suffering, doping, social justice, and what it means to be faithful humans in sports."
--Tracy J. Trothen, Queen's University
"Hoven, Carney, and Engel have written a wonderful new book that introduces undergraduate students and others to Catholic theology and spirituality at the same time that it helps them to gain new insight into the problems and possibilities of sports itself. I highly recommend it!"
--Patrick Kelly, SJ, University of Detroit Mercy
"The authors . . . have managed to weave theological and philosophical ideas alongside stories from across the world of sports. This book is an important and much-needed addition to the ever-expanding academic work addressing sports and religion which will encourage others to explore how their Catholic faith has helped them make sense of this wonderful human pursuit."
--Mark Nesti, sport psychologist, SportinSpirit Limited
"Hoven, Carney, and Engel speak profoundly of transcendence, leisure, and virtue as fundamental points of connection between faith and sport. . . . All things authentically human can lead us to God. I highly recommend this book for all who coach athletics, play sports, or are just interested in the game!"
--Donald Hying, bishop, Diocese of Madison
"With its playful title, functional formatting, and critical questions, On the Eighth Day offers in-depth thought, reflection, and insight into the connection between theology and sports. Hoven, Carney, and Engel lend three voices that truly become one. The result? A text that enables the reader to find grace in sports and beyond."
--Anne Stricherz, author of Sports and Spirituality (blog)
"On the Eighth Day is an intelligent and engaging book on the theology of sports. It sparked my faith to be a more authentic sports chaplain. We can and should commune with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as much on the volleyball court as in the church sanctuary."
--Brent "Chappy" Kassian, pro-ministry sports chaplain
"In On the Eighth Day, we find a proper framework in which to experience and enjoy the role of sports in our lives. The authors remind us that sports ought to be a stage for the development of our relationship with God. . . . I recommend this book as a corrective for our culture. I also commend the authors for showing us how sports can be an arena for God's interaction in our lives."
--James R. Golka, bishop, Diocese of Colorado Springs
"Hoven, Carney, and Engel dig deep in On the Eighth Day. This book dives into the theology of sports, the history of the Catholic church, and the impact of sports on culture to create a mash-up unlike any other. Readers beware, this book is not the easy way out . . . On the Eighth Day is for the guys who sit in the front row of class."
--Bill Kramer, football coach, Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame
"This is the first text to provide a holistic, theological approach to sport from a Roman Catholic perspective...and is also accessible to a wide range of readers." William Whitmore, PhD, review in Sport in Society
"The authors ... proffer numerous practical examples of the deeper meaning to be found in a variety of sports, and display a thoughtful immersion in Catholic philosophy and theology as well as an uncanny ability to relate sport themes, metaphors, and structures to Catholic thought." Ronald J. Nuzzi, PhD, review in Journal of Catholic Education
"What has been largely lacking in the scholarly literature is a multi-layered analysis of this kind. The book should be of interest to sport and religion scholars, as well as to sociologists and cultural historians." Michal Mazurkiewicz, PhD, review in Practical Theology
"I find the reading of this book useful, beneficial, and stimulating for further development of theological as well as philosophical reflections allowing for a deeper understanding of sport." Ivo Jirásek, PhD, review in Journal of the Philosophy of Sport
