The Games People Play (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781498258302)

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 sport's 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 cliched hyperbole, there is some theological truth in all this after all.""

Author: Robert Ellis
ISBN-10: 1498258301
ISBN-13: 9781498258302
Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers
Language: English
Published: 04/21/2014
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.36lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.75d