The Games People Play: Theology Religion and Sport

Description: In The Games People Play Robert Ellis constructs a theology around the global cultural phenomenon of modern sport paying particular attention to its British and American manifestations. Using historical narrative and social analysis to enter the debate on sport as religion Ellis shows that modern sport may be said to have taken on some of the functions previously vested in organized religion. Through biblical and theological reflection he presents a practical theology of sports appeal and value with special attention to the theological concept of transcendence. Throughout he draws on original empirical work with sports participants and spectators. The Games People Play addresses issues often considered problematic in theological discussions of sport such as gender race consumerism and the role of the modern media as well as problems associated with excessive competition and performance-enhancing substances. As Ellis explains Sporting journalists often use religious language in covering sports events. Salvation features in many a headline and talk of moments of redemption is not uncommon. Perhaps somewhere beyond the clichéd hyperbole there is some theological truth in all this after all.