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Randall Balmer is a prize-winning historian, leading public commentator on religion, and author of more than dozen books. He holds the John Phillips Chair in Religion at Dartmouth College.
[Passion Plays] does what no other sports book has ever done--that
is, connect the rituals of modern sport and trace them back to
American society's religious roots. Whether you prefer a home run,
touchdown, goal or basket, Balmer definitely scores with this book
and you will too if you take the time to read it."--Religion
Unplugged
This entertaining history examines the religious and cultural roots
of baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. . . . The
illuminating insights into how sports reflect the historical
periods and communities in which they developed will change how
fans see the games. This one is a winner."--Publishers Weekly
Passion Plays succeeds in synthesizing and repackaging material
that will be familiar to sport historians, offering a compelling
narrative with intriguing insights drawn from Balmer's perspective
as a scholar of religion. It is an excellent contribution to the
growing body of work on religion and sports."--Journal of Sport
History
Balmer's authoritative voice and accessible prose make this an
informative and engaging book, inviting even the most hardened
sports skeptic to think carefully about the topic. Put simply,
Passion Plays is essential reading for those seeking a deeper
understanding of the profound influence of the intermixing forces
of sports and religion on North American life."--Journal of
American History
An engaging look at the historical conditions surrounding America's
secular, on-field religions."--Kirkus Reviews
Compelling and absorbing...a lively introduction to the historical
origins of the sports that we watch and play, while also inviting
deeper reflection into the relationship between our religious
practices, our sporting devotions, and the social worlds that we
share with others...Balmer's posture is one of wonder and curiosity
as he revels in the potential implications of his findings. It's
that journeying spirit and the strength of Balmer's clear and
accessible writing that make this book shine."--Christianity
Today
Randall Balmer offers a rich, wide-ranging take on the relationship
between religion and sports in a relatively slim volume. . . .
effective and compelling. . . .engages with the various social,
political, and economic factors that contribute to our
understanding of sports culture and American culture at
large."--Mihee Kim-Kort, Reading Religion
Recommended . . . . Well written and includes fascinating examples
of the close connections between team sport and religion in shaping
American values, beliefs, and manly behavior."--CHOICE
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