Religion and Sport in North America: Critical Essays for the Twenty-First Century

Religion and sport have a long history of association in North America, and this book explores the ways in which they inform, shape, and critique one another. It addresses contemporary issues related to sports such as globalization, commercialization, feminism, masculinity, critical race theory, and the ethics of doping, and is ideal for students and scholars studying these topics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The relationship between sport and religion in North America is a complex and multifaceted one, often overlooked or underestimated. While it may seem that these two spheres of activity are separate, they have been intertwined for centuries and continue to inform, shape, and critique each other in significant ways. Sport, in fact, is one of the most important sites for debates over a wide range of social and cultural issues, including gender, race, capitalism, the media, and civil religion.

In the past, scholarly writings on religion and sport have primarily focused on the question of whether sport can be considered a religion. This has led to a rich body of research that employs historical, philosophical, theological, and sociological insights to explore this topic. While these efforts have been valuable, they have also neglected contemporary issues related to sports, such as globalization, commercialization, feminism, masculinity, critical race theory, and the ethics of doping.

To address this scholarly gap, this volume brings together lively and up-to-date essays from leading figures in the field. The essays in this book treat religion as an indispensable prism through which to view sports, and vice versa. They explore the ways in which sport can be used to promote social justice, promote religious values, and challenge dominant ideologies.

The book is particularly relevant for students approaching the topic of religion and sport. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, covering key concepts, theories, and debates. It also includes case studies and examples from a range of sports, including basketball, football, soccer, and baseball, to illustrate the ways in which sport can be used to promote social change and challenge dominant narratives.

In addition, the book will be of interest to scholars studying sociology of religion, sociology of sport, religion and race, religion and gender, religion and politics, and sport in general. It offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between sport and religion and provides valuable insights into the ways in which these two spheres of activity interact and influence each other.

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of religion and sport. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the topic, providing insights that will be of interest to students, scholars, and practitioners alike.

Weight: 710g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367857240