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





“The authors . . . have managed to weave theological and philosophical ideas alongside stories from across the world of sports. This book is an important and much-needed addition to the ever-expanding academic work addressing sports and religion which will encourage others to explore how their Catholic faith has helped them make sense of this wonderful human pursuit.”


—Mark Nesti, sport psychologist, SportinSpirit Limited





“Hoven, Carney, and Engel speak profoundly of transcendence, leisure, and virtue as fundamental points of connection between faith and sport. . . . All things authentically human can lead us to God. I highly recommend this book for all who coach athletics, play sports, or are just interested in the game!”


—Donald Hying, bishop, Diocese of Madison





“With its playful title, functional formatting, and critical questions, On the Eighth Day offers in-depth thought, reflection, and insight into the connection between theology and sports. Hoven, Carney, and Engel lend three voices that truly become one. The result? A text that enables the reader to find grace in sports and beyond.”


—Anne Stricherz, author of Sports and Spirituality (blog)





“On the Eighth Day is an intelligent and engaging book on the theology of sports. It sparked my faith to be a more authentic sports chaplain. We can and should commune with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as much on the volleyball court as in the church sanctuary.”


—Brent “Chappy” Kassian, pro-ministry sports chaplain





“In On the Eighth Day, we find a proper framework in which to experience and enjoy the role of sports in our lives. The authors remind us that sports ought to be a stage for the development of our relationship with God. . . . I recommend this book as a corrective for our culture. I also commend the authors for showing us how sports can be an arena for God’s interaction in our lives.”


—James R. Golka, bishop, Diocese of Colorado Springs





“Hoven, Carney, and Engel dig deep in On the Eighth Day. This book dives into the theology of sports, the history of the Catholic church, and the impact of sports on culture to create a mash-up unlike any other. Readers beware, this book is not the easy way out . . . On the Eighth Day is for the guys who sit in the front row of class.”


—Bill Kramer, football coach, Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame