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God and Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC
by
Chad Gibbs
In 2008 over six million people attended an SEC football game. They spent thousands on season tickets, donated millions to athletic departments, and for three months a year ordered their entire lives around the schedule of their favorite team. As a Christian, Gibbs knows he cannot serve two masters, but at times his faith is overwhelmed by his fanaticism. He is not alone.G...more
Paperback, 240 pages
Published
August 24th 2010
by Zondervan
(first published August 6th 2010)
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This was a fun, easy read that hit on an important topic and hit it well.
The inherent issue addressed by this book— stated clearly in the title, the tension between football fanaticism (especially in the Southeastern Conference, but in many other football conferences and many other sports as well) and the Christian faith— is an issue that I’ve recognized for years as a central struggle, or at least something that should be a central struggle, for Christians who are also sports fans. The problem...more
The inherent issue addressed by this book— stated clearly in the title, the tension between football fanaticism (especially in the Southeastern Conference, but in many other football conferences and many other sports as well) and the Christian faith— is an issue that I’ve recognized for years as a central struggle, or at least something that should be a central struggle, for Christians who are also sports fans. The problem...more
Similar to Clay Travis' "Dixieland Delight," the emphasis of Chad Gibb's "God and Football" is a bit more spiritual and features a lot less swearing.
After seeing the passion displayed by SEC fans for their favorite teams and then comparing that the passion displayed for their Christian walk, Gibbs decided to visit all 12 SEC stadiums and see how other fans balanced their love of football with their love of Christ. The end result is this memoir, a journey to all the campuses in the SEC and a loo...more
After seeing the passion displayed by SEC fans for their favorite teams and then comparing that the passion displayed for their Christian walk, Gibbs decided to visit all 12 SEC stadiums and see how other fans balanced their love of football with their love of Christ. The end result is this memoir, a journey to all the campuses in the SEC and a loo...more
Having met the author -- and sharing a mutual affinity for and degree from Auburn University -- I admittedly have a little bias. As another qualifier, I've never considered myself a college football fanatic -- at least not to the point of painting my torso -- but while also working for Auburn, football is king during the fall and affects all we do. Trouble is, I've also been that fan planning all week for tailgates and game-day logistics, then tuckered out on Sunday to fully participate in (or,...more
Oh man. I'm so glad someone wrote this book. I've always been a bit disgusted at the worship of football and Chad Gibbs is able to recognize his own failing as a Christian by admitting his obsession with football frequently ventures into the realm of idol worship. He visits each of the teams in the SEC and talks with people of various Christian denominations about how they balance their love of football with love of God. It's a fascinating read and I like Gibbs' sense of humor. I'd especially re...more
This book wasn't as bad as the 2 stars I gave it, but I gave it the two stars because the author reinforced the feeling that most SEC fans have that there is no such thing as avid fans, let alone good football, outside of the SEC. Also, his inability to understand how fans could care about other sports besides football really annoyed me. Otherwise, I liked the idea of the author trying to reconcile his faith with his passion for football. I think many fans struggle with the feeling that their de...more
What a fun book!
For those of us Christians who enjoy football (and probably enjoy football a bit too much), I thought this book brought wonderful perspective to the intersection of faith and football fanaticism. With poignant humor and depth of insight, author Chad Gibbs considers how his faith is affected by his love for Auburn Tiger football. Is it going too far? Has he said or done anything he might regret for his "faith" in sport? Worse yet, has it affected his relationship with God?
To ans...more
For those of us Christians who enjoy football (and probably enjoy football a bit too much), I thought this book brought wonderful perspective to the intersection of faith and football fanaticism. With poignant humor and depth of insight, author Chad Gibbs considers how his faith is affected by his love for Auburn Tiger football. Is it going too far? Has he said or done anything he might regret for his "faith" in sport? Worse yet, has it affected his relationship with God?
To ans...more
Hi Chad! I know you're reading. I really liked your book. I'm glad the Auburn nation finally got that National Championship-thingy. It will be Auburn's turn again next year since Auburn and Alabama now win the National Championship on alternating years, so next fall I will add War Eagle to my vocabulary - just for God, you, and my best church buddy who loaned me his copy of your book and said with all seriousness: "You need to read this."
This book had me laughing out loud especially the first few chapters. The author, a rabid Auburn fan, goes to a football game in each SEC school and explores the conflict between his Christian faith and his "idolization" of college football. He is really funny which shouldn't have been a surprise since he lists Jon Acuff (author of What Christians Like) as a friend. My husband also really enjoyed this book.
As a graduate and/or former student of 4 SEC schools (and the spouse of a graduate of a 5th), this book brought back fond memories. I actually laughed outloud at times, as I can relate to some of the craziness Gibbs depicts. I loved learning about other schools wacky traditions, fight-songs, mascots (real and otherwise), and fans! I would actually love to do this someday with my SEC fanatic husband (maybe a gift to ourselves after retirement).
I will say, however, that I personally cannot under...more
I will say, however, that I personally cannot under...more
view all 5 comments
The author visited each SEC school for a game during the 2009 season and went to a church in each town on the following Sunday. The book contains thoughts on football being more of a religion to people in the south than their actual religion. Thought provoking.
I was introduced to this book by a close friend and I would highly recommend it. The book will keep you glued to it and laughing the entire time. Anyone interested in souther culture and how it relates to the South Eastern Conference should read this book
Absolutely loved this book. Being a Christian and also a big football fan it really made me look at priorities in my own life. Some parts of the book I was laughing so hard i was crying. Very good book that I would recommend to any football fan.
Really good book. Humorous and insightful, though I would have liked to see Chad expound on some of his ideas a little more. He's a great writer, and this topic is incredibly relevant to those of us who live in the South.
It was ok. Since I'm not an avid fan like the author, I really don't have a problem with making football my Idol. In the whole scheme of things, it's just a game. When it's over, it's over!
I don't even LIKE football, and yet I didn't want this book to end. I can think of no better way to sum up how much I enjoyed this.
I loved this book. One of the best I have read this year. A humorous view on how to keep a person's faith and their love of their college football team in perspective.
Great subject matter, good writing but I wish that the approach had been more in-depth.
I loved this book, and if you love football and God, you will too.
Fun and thought-provoking... but mostly just fun
Fantastically funny little book on the fervor of football fanatics and where all that rates in light of spiritual life. A little too self-deprecating regarding the faith of the believer for my taste. But I suppose it is criticism well earned when reminded of how disproportionate our passions can be
Entertaining read, but I didn't feel like the author broke any new ground. I give him credit for not offering a "solution" to the problem, but he didn't say anything revolutionary.
Oh, and take the time to look up Belmont. I'm not an alumnus, but their ties to the music business are fairly well known. The Beyonce/Belmont reference was sort of lazy, and not really funny.
But overall, a good book on a subject I like.
Oh, and take the time to look up Belmont. I'm not an alumnus, but their ties to the music business are fairly well known. The Beyonce/Belmont reference was sort of lazy, and not really funny.
But overall, a good book on a subject I like.
Amazing, Hilarious, Laugh Out Loud funny. One of my favorite books ever! Thank you, Mr.Gibbs. You are truly a comedian. This book had me cracking up. If you do read this book and you are an Auburn fan, then you might like the definition of "Roll Tide" in the back of the book. That one had me cracking up for a couple of days. I definitely give this book 5 stars.
I'm not really a religious person, so his constant references got a bit old. He seemed to repeat the same references as well. Overall, I enjoyed it because it dealt with the SEC and he definitely had me laughing hysterically at parts. I must say I preferred Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer to this book.
I loved this book. I love Chad Gibbs' humor and writing style, and of course the topic hits very close to home as well. His accounts of his trips to each SEC city/town are priceless. Highly recommend this book!
This book was a lot of fun. Being an avid South Carolina fan I was amazed how he just nailed the aura of a Gamecocks Saturday. With the way Auburn is performing this year, maybe the Good Lord likes this book too! ;)
I'm having such a good time reading this book... so many LOL moments. A must for SEC football fans.
Apr 20, 2013
John Mcleod
marked it as to-read
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