Godball

From a New York Times bestselling author, sports journalist, and fellow believer comes a riveting exploration of the sports-centered Christian revival sweeping America.   After a thirty-year reduction in Americans who identified as Christians, the 2020s have seen the birth of a new Christian revival bordering on revolution. Pastors and Christian leaders see it, as do many secular observers. But nowhere is the trend more evident than in sports.    Tune into any post-game interview or press conference, and it won’t be more than a minute before you hear someone giving a Jesus shoutout: “First and foremost, I want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!” Language that was once limited to more intimate circles of faith are now being broadcast to—and is also being embraced by—the mainstream. Some of these events turn into full-blown testimonials. Acclaimed sports journalist Steve Eubanks argues something deeper is at play here: these athletes have become Christianity’s most powerful evangelists. Why is this happening? Why are athletes and coaches, of all groups, leading this latest evangelical charge? Where did it start? Who or what continues to drive it? What role is it playing in the increase in young people (particularly men) declaring themselves as Christians? And, more importantly, what does it all mean?  A man of deep faith, Eubanks embarks on a reporting journey to find the answer to these questions, interviewing many high-profile Christian athletes. Read this book to hear from Scottie Scheffler, Kirk Cousins, Riley Gaines, Sage Steele, Sydney McLaughlin, Jonathan Issac, David Pollack, Dusty Baker, Dabo Swinney, and others in their own words about their faith.    Eubanks explores the pivotal role of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton; traces a common conviction among Christian athletes and coaches who see the revival as part of a larger spiritual battle; and warns that the rapid rise of sports gambling may be a toehold of sin capable of undermining the entire movement. In this inspiring and revealing new book, Eubanks takes readers inside the explosion of Christian evangelism in sports -- and shows how the world’s top athletes are doing God’s work to save the church.