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 Book Reviews
 Kneeling
in
the End Zone – Spiritual Lessons from the World of Sport
By Josh Tinley
The Pilgrim Press – 2009 – Cleveland – ISBN: 978-0-8298-1842-0
Tinley’s sporting metaphors and athletic stories would bring a smile to
the face of the Apostle Paul who was the first follower of Christ to
realize the effectiveness of using sporting metaphors and principles to
teach and illustrate the gospel. Thus, the spiritual principles
outlined in this book have a Biblical precedent and anyone having even
a mild interest in sports and/or faith will enjoy this book. Written in
an engaging fashion, it avoids the two pitfalls of most sport-faith
books: a) it’s not too theologically obtuse; b) nor does it fawn over
elite athletes.
Chapter Highlights
 Chapter
#1 as a life long Cleveland Indians fan I can relate to the way
Tinley sets the tone for theological concepts to be revealed throughout
this book. Chapter one’s theme of eternal hope will resonate with all
who are “in the tribe” or members of “Cub Nation.
Chapter #2 connects the Old Testament story of David and Goliath to
modern day sporting overachievers and encourages all underdogs to
persevere.
Chapter #3 Tinley points out how the inclusion in sports of people like
Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens better exemplifies
the Biblical principle of racial reconciliation than do most churches.
Chapter #4 is a refrain of chapter four only this time Tinley’s target
is gender rather than race.
Chapter #5 concentrates on the theological lessons to be learned from
the concept of teamwork.
Chapter #6 demonstrates ball players are uncanny in their ability to
create rituals and preserve traditions. They serve as a microcosm of
all of humans and their natural propensity towards ritual and
tradition. The point is: the need for ritual and tradition is endemic
to all people and points to an innate sense of the transcendent.
Chapter #7 this chapter on “gym rats” investigates the concept of
“practice makes perfect.” The obvious spiritual parallels come through.
Chapter #8 is another version on the common sport-faith theme of
integrity, cheating and character
Chapter #9 compares how athletes rise to “answer the call” in sport, to
how people of faith are often placed in positions to rise to the
challenge.
Chapter #10 is fairly unique in its comparing so called sporting
“miracles” and other “transcendent moments” to those times and places
in the spiritual realm where we comprehend a glimpse of the
“Transcendent” and how these experiences should motivate actions that
further the kingdom.
Chapter #11 helps the reader understand the importance of a good story.
Stories connect people to one another and provide inspiration for
overcoming obstacles.
Chapter #12 points out the importance of keeping sport in proper
balance and the inherit problems with having anything become an “idol.”
New Concept Found in this Book
I’m not sure it’s a totally new concept but Tinley’s chapter on
miracles is certainly a welcome and fresh approach to the many “well
worn paths” most often found in works integrating faith and sport.
The three appendices are novel and appreciated: A) a list of Religious
Colleges that have won national championships; B) religiously inspired
nicknames of teams and a glossary of religiously inspired sports
terminology; C) a dictionary of inspirational sports movies.
Catch Phrases Worth Remembering
- Nothing new here, but a review of Appendix C
will remind even a seasoned sports fan of a couple of descriptive
sports phrases
Overall Assessment
As a vocational sports theologian, I strongly relate to Tinley’s desire
to communicate God’s “game plan for life.” He connects the theological
dots of God’s Divine Revelation as found in the Living Word: Jesus and
the Written Word: Holy Scripture, along with God’s Natural Revelation:
the Created Order as observed through human nature taking part in
sporting endeavors. Tinley efforts come close to bridging the
sport–faith and the competition–theology divides. He displays a solid
foundation of training, experience and comprehension in both the
sporting and theological world. This unique combination serves him
well, as most authors usually lack in one area or the other.
None-the-less, this is sport theology “201” not to be confused with a
600 or 700 level course at a seminary. The result is a very readable
treatise for the average sports fan but I’m afraid it leaves serious
students thirsty for more.
Point of Contention
I like most of what the book has to offer. My main criticism is it
doesn’t go far enough in calling athletes and coaches to take the
ultimate “knee” and humble themselves before Christ, asking Him to
become their Savior and Lord.
Recommendations for a Second Edition
- Revise or delete a couple of the chapters which
have the feel of paying homage to the ubiquitous “political
correctness” of being inclusive at the expense of weakening the overall
product.
- Include Lord’s Day issues about worship, rest
and witness.
- Include a discussion guide that would enable
local church and para sports ministries to hold small group discussions
around these themes.
How can a local church sports ministry use this
book
1. As a thank you gift to volunteers in your ministry
2. As a small group discussion starter for a weekly men’s or women’s
group
3. As the basis for post game adult devotions
4. As a gift to a non-churched person participating in an league or
outreach event
Where to get the Book – ChristianBook.com
or Amazon.com
Disclaimers
I work for CSRM which makes this book available to its members and
others. In addition I was asked to write a recommendation for this book
which does appear on the books back cover.
Book Review: Kneeling in the End Zone by Josh Tinley
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