Gods and Games: Toward a Theology of Play

by David L. Miller

A deeply thoughtful, deeply irreverent look at the mythology of play

Gods and Games ties together Joseph Campbell's approach to myth and religion with Johan Huizinga's view of our species as Homo ludens — "Man the Game-player" — which suggests that play is a central aspect of the human spirit and human culture.

Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Sophfronia Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book and I'm a big believer in the importance of play in our work and in our lives. I felt I had to dig too much, though, to get to the heart of the book. The author spends a lot of time talking about the history of the concept of play rather than talking about play itself. I found myself just slogging through those parts. But there are many nuggets of inspiring, uplifting prose that will make you rethink how seriously you show up in the world.

[Ben Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books you'll need to read to understand.

[Paul Raymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The work of one of my best college professors for a very inspiring course.