GRAHAM DANIELS was a professional football player with Cambridge United in the 1980s. He was also a Christian. The pastoral advice that he received at that time was either to give up his football because of the perceived or imagined temptations of the game or to use his fame as a platform to share his faith: nothing about how to use his sporting gifts to the glory of the God of all life, sport included. Happily, he continued as a footballer, later became the director of Christians in Sport, and has helped many Christian sportspeople relate their faith to their sport.
Now, with Jonny Reid, Director of Engagement at Oak Hill Theological College and a self-confessed lover of sport, Daniels has written a thoughtful and practical book both for Christians playing or coaching sport, whether at elite or amateur level, and for Christians who love and enjoy watching sport.
The early chapters of the book give the theological framework for sport as a gift from God, something to be enjoyed, played, and watched, but something that should never become an idol, a substitute religion. A Christian’s identity and worth is not to be based on their performance on the sports field, but on their being loved as a son or daughter of God.
Later chapters give practical, thoughtful, and nuanced advice for Christian players of sport, and there are also chapters of similarly wise advice for Christian parents, supporters, and coaches. In each regard, the difficult questions are not avoided. Issues such as competitiveness, selfishness, and playing on Sundays are addressed with a mixture of helpful advice from Christian sports players and with relevant Bible verses and perspectives.
Millions play, watch, and enjoy sport around the world. This book is full of good stories and appropriate Bible verses and will help anyone to develop a wise Christian perspective on sport.
The Revd Henry Corbett is Chaplain to Everton Football Club.
Spiritual Game Plan: Competing with joy and godliness
Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid
The Good Book Company £8.99
(978-1-78498-989-7)
Church Times Bookshop £8.09
