The spectacle of modern sport displays all the latest commercial
and technological innovations, yet age-old religious concerns still
thrive at the stadium. Coaches lead pre-game and post-game prayers,
athletes give God the credit for home runs and touchdowns, and fans
wave signs with biblical quotations and allusions. Like no other
nation on earth, Americans eagerly blend their religion and sports.
"Playing with God" traces this dynamic relationship from the
Puritan condemnation of games as sinful in the seventeenth century
to the near deification of athletic contests in our own day.
Early religious opposition to competitive sport focused on the
immoderate enthusiasm of players and spectators, the betting on
scores, and the preference for playing field over church on Sunday.
Disapproval gradually gave way to acceptance when "wholesome
recreation" for young men in crowded cities and soldiers in faraway
fields became a national priority. Protestants led in the
readjustment of attitudes toward sport; Catholics, Jews, Mormons,
and Muslims followed. The Irish at Notre Dame, outstanding Jews in
baseball, Black Muslims in the boxing ring, and born-again athletes
at Liberty University represent the numerous negotiations and
compromises producing the unique American mixture of religion and
sport.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
