Faith and Sports: A Complex Relationship

In this episode of Gospelbound, Paul Putz joins Collin Hansen to examine the deep connections between American Christianity and big-time sports, drawing from Putz's new book, The Spirit of the Game, American Christianity and Big Time Sports.

They trace the historical development of Christian involvement in sports, starting with the influence of "middlebrow" mainline Protestants and the pivotal role of the FCA. The discussion highlights the shifting perspectives of sports journalism, from celebratory to critical and now often politically charged. They also touch on the complex intersections of faith, race, and cultural issues within the sporting world, particularly in recent years.