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Category: History

Muscular Christianity and Moral Formation Through Sports

by Paul Putz | Jan 31, 2022 | Coaching, History, Race, Running The Race Well, Theology | 0

This is the first post in a five-part series looking at Christian approaches to athletic competition over the past century.

Dean Smith and the “Sacred Calling” of Coaching

by Paul Putz | Sep 28, 2021 | Coaching, History, Leadership Profiles, Theology | 0

A look at North Carolina basketball coach Dean Smith’s theological understanding of coaching.

Who Was Karl Downs? Exploring the Life and Legacy of Jackie Robinson’s Mentor

by Paul Putz | Mar 12, 2021 | History, Leadership Profiles, Race | 0

As the man who mentored and inspired Jackie Robinson at a formative age, Rev. Karl Downs is one of the most important Christian leaders in American sports history. This article dives deeper into Downs’ life and legacy, including his views on sports and his involvement in the civil rights movement.

Reforming Sports: Herman Bavinck on ‘Sportmania’

by Paul Putz | Dec 16, 2020 | History, Theology | 0

Theologian James Eglinton, author of a new biography of Herman Bavinck, discusses how the Dutch Reformed theologian understood and interacted with sports as an element of human culture.

John Hurst Adams, Church Leader and Civil Rights Icon—And Also Malcolm Brogdon’s Grandfather

by Paul Putz | Jun 8, 2020 | History, Leadership Profiles, Race | 0

A look at the life and legacy of civil rights and faith leader John Hurst Adams, grandfather of NBA player Malcolm Brogdon.

Reckoning with Race in American Sports History

by Paul Putz | Jun 3, 2020 | History, Race | 0

A list of sources for Christians who are interested in exploring the history of race and sports in the United States.

A Conversation With Cindy Smith, A Pioneer in Sports Ministry for Women

by Paul Putz | Apr 28, 2020 | History, Leadership Profiles | 0

In 1976 Cindy Smith was hired by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to direct their sports ministry programming for women. In this interview from 2017, Cindy talks about her life and pioneering role in sports ministry.

What Would James Naismith Think About Michael Jordan And ‘The Last Dance’?

by Paul Putz | Apr 23, 2020 | History | 0

There are no two names that symbolize basketball more than James Naismith and Michael Jordan. Historian Paul Putz considers what basketball’s founder might have thought of Jordan in light of his original vision for the game.

Let’s Remember the Life-Changing Legacy of Eric Liddell

by Paul Putz | Apr 17, 2020 | COVID-19 and Sports, History, Leadership Profiles, Running The Race Well | 0

Cindy White, Program Director for the Faith & Sports Institute Retreat, discusses the life-changing legacy of Olympic gold medalist Eric Liddell and explains why Christian athletes today should learn from his example.