Book Review: Ted Kluck – The Reason For Sports

Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Moody
Publication Date: September 1, 2009

People worship sports. They just do. They sacrifice enormous amounts of time, money, and energy to follow their teams and favorite athletes. They heap praise on these heroes and hold them up as god-figures. Every Sunday, thousands of people gather to praise their god of choice, filling stadiums decked out in team colors to signify their allegiance to their god as they chant and cheer. Sports is a religion, and it has millions of followers, many of them also Christians.

With these things in mind, how should believers approach and engage sports?

Ted Kluck (Why We’re Not Emergent and Why We Love the Church) attempts to help us think through this question, as well as provide numerous funny, poignant, and telling stories from his experience as a sports writer, in his new book, The Reason for Sports. More a collection of short essays than a unified whole, the book addresses issues such as: jock apologies, steroids, honesty, fantasy football, sports films, humility, and race relations, among others. The book is far from a complete treatise on the issues presented, but Kluck clearly understands two things well: the culture of sports and athletics, and the gospel.

My favorite chapter was probably the one on Mike Tyson and Ricky Williams. Kluck previously wrote a full book on Tyson, and some of his anecdotes about the boxer were very poignant. Both athletes, he points out, are a rare breed in professional sports, in that they are willing to be honest with people. Kluck states he’d rather listen to Williams discuss “his weaknesses than listen to Kurt Warner thank God for his Super Bowl performance” (p. 50). This isn’t a knock on Warner, who I greatly respect, but it’s nice to hear a Christian author give permission to find non-Christian athletes intriguing. He thinks like an evangelist, not a Christian desperate to find a successful Christian athlete to co-opt as one of our own and hold him up to the world as a shining example that yes, Christians can win (there’s also a chapter where he talks about how this has been done with Tony Dungy as well).

The discussion on sports movies was also interesting. I don’t agree with everything Kluck says about Braveheart (this isn’t a sports movie, obviously, but by comparison he points out he’s not a fan), but the discussion about what made Chariots of Fire so good was great, and something Christian filmmakers need to seriously consider (listen up Sherwood). Another favorite chapter was on humility called “Why I Love Muhammad Ali (but Why He Also May Have Ruined Sports)”. Kluck’s discussion of the way athletes behave in the me-first culture of sports today was spot on, while avoiding Christian clichéd responses.

I think that’s what I enjoyed most about this book. He doesn’t fall back on the traditional Christian responses to things. He doesn’t make everything black and white either (for example, can my favorite athlete be someone who is known to be a bad guy off the field?). The discussions are nuanced, exploring the genuine contradictions that are present for many Christians who love sports. These questions need to be addressed. Kluck doesn’t answer them all, but he’ll get you thinking, and provide some enjoyable reading in the process.

- Recommended.

David Robinson’s Hall of Fame Speech

There’s been quite a bit written about Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame induction speech the other night. Many thought he was less than gracious during his comments. The thing that really struck me was how much he loved the game, and how little he seems to have now that he’s out of it. He claimed basketball was where he went for comfort and peace. What about now that it’s gone?

I pray that he will eventually find the perspective of David Robinson, the Hall of Fame center from the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson, in a fraction of the time Jordan was allotted, thanked everyone he could think of, and closed with a much more eternal perspective. I really enjoyed his speech and I’m thankful to have people like him to point to when I want to teach my son about humility and graciousness. Thanks, David.

Josh Hamilton and Christian Repentance

If you don’t know who Josh Hamilton is, you’ve obviously not been following baseball over the past couple years. Josh was once a first pick in the Major League Baseball draft. He was a can’t-miss prospect, destined for glory as a gifted athlete who could do no wrong on the baseball field. Unfortunately, Josh did a lot of things wrong off the field, battling alcoholism and addiction to drugs. Before even making it to the big leagues, Josh found himself out of baseball.

That’s not the end of the story, however. After being confronted with Jesus Christ, Josh turned his life around, repenting of his past actions, determined to life his life for Christ. He made it to the majors with the Cincinnati Reds, who then traded him to the Texas Rangers. Last year, Josh participated in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star game at Yankee Stadium and put on an amazing display, capturing the hearts of the public due to his skill and story. Through it all, Josh continued to talk about Jesus Christ, how nothing he’s accomplished would be possible without him, and not in your typical athlete-speak of “I want to thank God.” Josh loves Christ and wants to live for him.

That’s not the end of the story, either, however.

This also painted a target on his back. Many were just waiting for him to fail. And he did. Recently, some photos surfaced of Josh partying last January in a bar with multiple women. Nothing to the level of what you expect from professional athletes, but also not the actions you’d hope for from a follow of Christ.

The thing is, by the time the photos came out, they had already been dealt with. Josh had already told his wife about what he did, repented, and asked for forgiveness. He’s already told his team, the Texas Rangers, what happened. He didn’t wait for the evidence before admitting his sins. He came clean. He handled his sin like a Christian.

Some will judge and say he let Christians down by destroying his witness. On the contrary, I think he’s enhanced it all the more. He’s living out the gospel of grace in front of everyone. His sins just happen to end up on SportsCenter. As I was thinking through all this, I came across this open letter to Josh written by Ted Kluck at Christianity Today. Ted has written for numerous sports publications, and also co-wrote Why We’re Not Emergent and Why We Love the Church with Kevin DeYoung. He also has a book called The Reason for Sports: A Christian Fanifesto coming out September 1.

From his letter:

What the Deadspin [website where the photos serviced] crowd fails to appreciate about your situation is that in its aftermath, you demonstrated Christian virtues of humility and repentance. Your willingness to atone publicly for your sins, acknowledging what you did wrong and a desire to change, sets a great example for sports fans everywhere—Christian or not. In an era when PR-department-generated “sports apologies” usually range from lying, at worst, to just sort of evasive and weak, at best, your apology is a bright light. And the way you’ve turned your life around—overcoming your addictions to drugs and alcohol while giving your life to Christ—is still an inspiration to millions.

A word to the evangelicals who feel somehow let down or ripped off by your mistake: Don’t. To put it simply, there is a speck in your eye and a plank in mine. It’s just that your speck ended up all over the Internet because of what you do for a living. As a young(ish) husband and father myself, I’m sad about what you did and the pain it caused your family, and my prayer is that God would honor your desire to remain clean and move forward. But far be it from me to cast the first stone. Our lives are more complicated than any glossy, 800-word Christian Athletes Are Great! puff piece could even begin to capture. I know because I’ve written some of those puff pieces. Your recent indiscretion is a reminder that even our best role models will sometimes stumble, but can remain role models nonetheless.

So keep hitting baseballs, cognizant of the fact that by the time this story runs there will be somebody else’s blood in the Internet water. Some other bar fight, coke bust, failed class, or DUI. This isn’t great but it’s the world we live in. And know that there are Christians who are proud of you—proud of the courage it took to own up, and proud of your desire to live a holy life and grow in sanctification.

Read the whole letter at Christianity Today. Thanks for your witness, Josh.

Chris Paul on ESPN’s My Wish

Great story here from ESPN’s My Wish series. Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets meets with a kid who had lymphoma. I’m amazed at the strength of this kid, and the humility and generosity of Chris Paul. Great stuff.

Happy Trails, Tom

Tom Glavine was released by the Atlanta Braves yesterday. The 43-year-old lefty was just ready to come back from injury after making his last rehab start, only to be shocked by his release. I concur with Chipper Jones who said, “Sentimentally, [the day] stunk. But if you look at it in terms of this organization going forward, you have to hope it’s a step in the right direction.”

We’ll miss you, Tom.

In his honor, I wanted to bring back something from his glory days, the immortal Nike commercial with him and Greg Maddux, “Chicks Dig The Long Ball.”

This is still hysterical.

One Shot

Amazing story. You’ve probably heard the first part (although it always gets to me no matter how many times I see it). The second part is amazing as well (sorry about the audio being off).

HT : JT

Mahaney on Michael Phelps

Speaking of C.J. Mahaney, who has an extensive past with illegal drugs, he had an interesting post today on the Michael Phelps bong picture and associated stories about it. I respect C.J.’s opinion anyway, but even more so on this issue. When it comes to pot (and worse drugs), C.J. knows what he’s talking about (see his testimony below). He knows the empty promises drugs make.

From his post:

The photograph of Phelps reminds me of myself prior to conversion, a competitive swimmer (of slightly lesser skill), a sinner (of greater degree), held captive by sin, pursuing the fleeting pleasures of this world. And sadly, in my case, pursuing sin with passion.

So what was Phelps searching for in that bong pipe? What emptiness in his soul was he trying to satisfy?

Once again we are reminded that athletic gifting, championship trophies, gold medals, and million dollar endorsement deals cannot satisfy the soul…

…It was Augustine who said that the soul is restless until it finds its rest in God. So true. Only God can satisfy the soul. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ provides forgiveness of sin, and therefore it is here in this gospel that we find rest for our restless souls.

Study the unflattering picture of Michael Phelps to be reminded of the deceitfulness of sin and the superficiality of fame and money. But also study the picture to be reminded of the message of Christ and him crucified for restless sinners like you, and me, and Michael Phelps.

Here’s a clip from one of C.J.’s sermon during which he gives his personal testimony outlining his past sin and how he came to be a Christian:

Mahaney on Michael Phelps

Speaking of C.J. Mahaney, who has an extensive past with illegal drugs, he had an interesting post today on the Michael Phelps bong picture and associated stories about it. I respect C.J.’s opinion anyway, but even more so on this issue. When it comes to pot (and worse drugs), C.J. knows what he’s talking about (see his testimony below). He knows the empty promises drugs make.

From his post:

The photograph of Phelps reminds me of myself prior to conversion, a competitive swimmer (of slightly lesser skill), a sinner (of greater degree), held captive by sin, pursuing the fleeting pleasures of this world. And sadly, in my case, pursuing sin with passion.

So what was Phelps searching for in that bong pipe? What emptiness in his soul was he trying to satisfy?

Once again we are reminded that athletic gifting, championship trophies, gold medals, and million dollar endorsement deals cannot satisfy the soul…

…It was Augustine who said that the soul is restless until it finds its rest in God. So true. Only God can satisfy the soul. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ provides forgiveness of sin, and therefore it is here in this gospel that we find rest for our restless souls.

Study the unflattering picture of Michael Phelps to be reminded of the deceitfulness of sin and the superficiality of fame and money. But also study the picture to be reminded of the message of Christ and him crucified for restless sinners like you, and me, and Michael Phelps.

Here’s a clip from one of C.J.’s sermon during which he gives his personal testimony outlining his past sin and how he came to be a Christian:

Don’t Waste Your Sports – C.J. Mahaney

As part of a series of “Don’t Waste Your ______” done at Covenant Life Church, C.J. Mahaney preached a sermon entitled, “Don’t Waste Your Sports.” I had this sermon on my iPod and listened to some of it on my way into work this morning. Needless to say, I wish I would have heard a sermon like this much earlier in my life, as I have for years turned sports into one of my biggest idols, but I’m glad I heard it before my son is near the age of playing sports.

C.J. is a huge sports fan, but is able to be that in a way that glorifies God and builds godly character in him and his children. I hope by God’s grace to grow into more of this kind of person and raise children who will put the gift of sports in it’s proper place in their lives.

Below are a few clips from the sermon. You can also purchase the DVD from Sovereign Grace Ministries website for $9. This is something I want to have around to learn from and watch with my son later. Also check out Stephen Altrogge’s book, Game Day for the Glory of God. Similar ideas and a great book.

Game Day and Judgment Day

Thanking God for Sports

Don’t Waste Your Sports – C.J. Mahaney

As part of a series of “Don’t Waste Your ______” done at Covenant Life Church, C.J. Mahaney preached a sermon entitled, “Don’t Waste Your Sports.” I had this sermon on my iPod and listened to some of it on my way into work this morning. Needless to say, I wish I would have heard a sermon like this much earlier in my life, as I have for years turned sports into one of my biggest idols, but I’m glad I heard it before my son is near the age of playing sports.

C.J. is a huge sports fan, but is able to be that in a way that glorifies God and builds godly character in him and his children. I hope by God’s grace to grow into more of this kind of person and raise children who will put the gift of sports in it’s proper place in their lives.

Below are a few clips from the sermon. You can also purchase the DVD from Sovereign Grace Ministries website for $9. This is something I want to have around to learn from and watch with my son later. Also check out Stephen Altrogge’s book, Game Day for the Glory of God. Similar ideas and a great book.

Game Day and Judgment Day

Thanking God for Sports

Watching the Super Bowl to the Glory of God

Erik Raymond with a good post on how to honor God while watching the Super Bowl tonight.

His 5 points:

1. See the players as image bearers.

2. Take opportunities to talk to your kids.

3. Think about Providence.

4. Watch games with your wife.

5. Watch games with friends.

See the whole post to see these points fleshed out a little bit more. And enjoy the game tonight!

HT : Zach Nielsen

Watching the Super Bowl to the Glory of God

Erik Raymond with a good post on how to honor God while watching the Super Bowl tonight.

His 5 points:

1. See the players as image bearers.

2. Take opportunities to talk to your kids.

3. Think about Providence.

4. Watch games with your wife.

5. Watch games with friends.

See the whole post to see these points fleshed out a little bit more. And enjoy the game tonight!

HT : Zach Nielsen

Tim Tebow Profile on ESPN.com

There was a great article on ESPN.com yesterday by Pat Forde profiling Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Now I am a Kentucky fan and my wife’s a Tennessee grad, but it’s hard not to like this guy. My wife even gets mad at him because he’s “making her like Florida” and she doesn’t want to…

Anyway, check out this sample from the article:

Sporting America has become too jaded to appreciate Tim Tebow. We’ve been Marion Jonesed and Mark McGwired and Barry Bondsed into suspecting there must be a dark side to the Florida quarterback, who does so many things right on and off the football field. We roll our eyes at his “saving the world in the Philippines,” when how many among us have bothered to go across town to help the poor, much less across the globe the way Tebow has? We’ve been conditioned not to trust a virtuous athlete when he’s right in front of us…

…It truly would be a shame to submit to cynicism and not fully appreciate the gift of Tebow — the way he plays football with an unquenchable passion, and the way he approaches life with even greater ardor. If you think he hits linebackers hard on fourth-and-1, that’s nothing compared to the way he tackles his higher calling to spread the word. In this one instance, what looks too good to be true really is true.

There are plenty of athletes who talk the pious talk. Plenty of athletes who write scripture on their eye black the way Tebow does or thank God after victories. But how many have walked the walk like Tebow — walked it into the prisons, into the slums of the Philippines, into the hearts of people in need of a role model? How many, at age 21, have done as much work on behalf of those less fortunate?

Read the whole article.

Tim Tebow Profile on ESPN.com

There was a great article on ESPN.com yesterday by Pat Forde profiling Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Now I am a Kentucky fan and my wife’s a Tennessee grad, but it’s hard not to like this guy. My wife even gets mad at him because he’s “making her like Florida” and she doesn’t want to…

Anyway, check out this sample from the article:

Sporting America has become too jaded to appreciate Tim Tebow. We’ve been Marion Jonesed and Mark McGwired and Barry Bondsed into suspecting there must be a dark side to the Florida quarterback, who does so many things right on and off the football field. We roll our eyes at his “saving the world in the Philippines,” when how many among us have bothered to go across town to help the poor, much less across the globe the way Tebow has? We’ve been conditioned not to trust a virtuous athlete when he’s right in front of us…

…It truly would be a shame to submit to cynicism and not fully appreciate the gift of Tebow — the way he plays football with an unquenchable passion, and the way he approaches life with even greater ardor. If you think he hits linebackers hard on fourth-and-1, that’s nothing compared to the way he tackles his higher calling to spread the word. In this one instance, what looks too good to be true really is true.

There are plenty of athletes who talk the pious talk. Plenty of athletes who write scripture on their eye black the way Tebow does or thank God after victories. But how many have walked the walk like Tebow — walked it into the prisons, into the slums of the Philippines, into the hearts of people in need of a role model? How many, at age 21, have done as much work on behalf of those less fortunate?

Read the whole article.

Stephen Curry Held Scoreless

This is just strange. Stephen Curry, Davidson’s star point guard who came into last night’s game with Loyola (Md.) averaging 35 points a game, was held scoreless when Loyola’s coach, Jimmy Patsos, decided to double-team him the entire game, no matter where he was on the court. Regardless of whether he had the ball or not, there were 2 defenders on him.

Curry, being a very intelligent kid, just went to the corner every possession and let his teammates play 4-on-3 for the entire game, which Davidson won 78-48. Loyola continued this ridiculous defense even down 30 points near the end of the game. Curry only took 3 shots, and the junior was held under double figures for only the 2nd time in his career.

You really have to wonder about Patsos’ motivation for doing this. Did he really think his team had a better chance of winning 4-on-3 against a much better Davidson team?

This quote is pretty telling: “Anybody else ever hold him scoreless? I’m a history major. They’re going to remember that we held him scoreless or we lost by 30?”

So who cares about winning? Let’s try to be remembered because we held a great player scoreless. A player who cared so little about his personal scoring average and accolades that he was willing to stand aside and let his teammates shine for a night without complaining.

I don’t think anyone’s even going to remember this coach’s name. But I think quite a few people will remember that Curry, despite having a chance at winning national player of the year this year, despite carrying a 35 point-per-game average, didn’t force things to try to keep those things in tact. He put winning first, something Loyola’s coach clearly knows nothing about.