On the Eighth Day

“This is a groundbreaking book, standard reading for anyone interested in sports and Christianity—whether Catholic or not. This is basic Catholic theology and basic sports studies at its best!”
—Chad Carlson, Hope College



“A clearly written, eminently accessible, and theologically perceptive reflection on sports . . . . The authors’ balanced approach considers carefully the dangers and ethical challenges that are often encountered in the world of sports. Yet, drawing on the riches of the Catholic theological tradition and a wide range of historical and contemporary illustrations, they also help us recognize that participation in sports may offer nothing less than a sacramental encounter with the divine.”
—Richard R. Gaillardetz, Boston College



“Laced with lively sports stories, this thought-provoking and accessible book is more than a Catholic theology of sports. It is also a sports theology. While theological guideposts for bringing out the best in sports abound in this book, so do sports guideposts for bringing out the best in faith and life. The authors go head-on with tough questions about flourishing, suffering, doping, social justice, and what it means to be faithful humans in sports.”
—Tracy J. Trothen, Queen’s University



“Hoven, Carney, and Engel have written a wonderful new book that introduces undergraduate students and others to Catholic theology and spirituality at the same time that it helps them to gain new insight into the problems and possibilities of sports itself. I highly recommend it!”
—Patrick Kelly, SJ, University of Detroit Mercy