SFA history associate professor authors book about faith, college football

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Dr. Hunter Hampton, associate professor in Stephen F. Austin State University's Department of History, authored and is set to publish the book, "The Gridiron Gospel: Faith and College Football in Twentieth-Century America." The book will be published Dec. 23 by the University of Illinois Press.

The book analyzes the impact of football on Christian college campuses. According to Hampton, many Christian denominations sought spiritual and personal meaning on the football field, and fans watched the action to find God's lessons for them. Wins and losses expressed the divine will, while the game's popularity offered a potent way to evangelize nonbelievers. Hampton also investigates the sport's place in providing a stage for fostering Christian manhood, male community, gender dominance and on-the-field displays of heroic savagery that served a higher purpose.

"The book looks at two distinct features of American culture: Christianity and football," Hampton said. "Though recent data shows a decline in religious adherence, Christianity remains a constant influence on our nation and politics. Over the past century, football's power has expanded exponentially. Football and faith contain lessons in sacrifice, community and morality. They also accept violence, competition and rebuke as a means to a positive end. This book analyzes how each shaped the other."

Tim Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback, was one of Hampton's inspirations for this project. Though a modest NFL quarterback, he became a major religious figure because of his evangelical faith. His rise showed how easily sports and Christianity blend in American culture. This book explores how that connection developed.

"I hope that readers gain a greater appreciation and knowledge of the historical developments of both faith and college football," Hampton said. "Each chapter looks at a different Christian college's football program and examines how that religious group handled a crisis point in faith through football. Anyone interested in American religion, football and especially both will enjoy the book. I also hope it encourages readers to reflect on how these two facets of American culture continue to shape the world around us."

The book is available for purchase through the University of Illinois Press website and is currently offered at a 40% discount through the end of the year. For more information about SFA's Department of History, visit sfasu.edu/history.