Winter 2019/Fuller Online

TC550

Dailey

TC550: THEOLOGY OF SPORT AND FITNESS (4 Units: 160 hours). Erik Dailey.

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DESCRIPTION: From the Olympics, to the World Cup, to the weekly golf outing, sport captivates and enthralls. Few aspects of human culture have been so consistently present throughout history as sport. It has a pull on our lives, whether we are participants or spectators, which is often impossible to describe. It is no wonder then that discussion of sport has entered into religious and theological conversations. Running alongside sport is the recent surge of fitness and fitness culture, which are showing a tremendous influence on how we live our lives and perceive human thriving. This course will look at sport and fitness historically, ethically, culturally, and theologically—with detailed attention to the place of the body—all through a Christian lens. Where is God in these activities? What is God up to when we pursue sport and fitness?

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be able to (1) to demonstrate working definitions of play and sport in the Christian context, (2) show a general knowledge of the Church’s varied relationship with sport throughout history, (3) see the role sport and fitness have played in their own lives and faith formation (for good or bad), (4) engage in contemporary conversations about the human body and its relationship to God, and (5) explicate a general theology of sport and fitness, in conversation with historic Christian doctrine, that take these pursuits seriously, finding their proper place and role in the life of the church.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: Approximately 1,200 pages (including course reader selections).

Dailey, Erik W. The Fit Shall Inherit the Earth: A Theology of Sport and Fitness. Pickwick, 2018. ISBN: 978-1532649257, Pub. Price $25.00. [130 pages assigned].

Ellis, Robert. The Games People Play: Theology, Religion, and Sport. Wipf and Stock, 2014. ISBN: 978-1608998906, Pub. Price $39.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [168 pages assigned].

Gumbrecht, Hans Ulrich. In Praise of Athletic Beauty. Belknap Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0674021723, Pub. Price $26.50 [256 pages assigned].

Harvey, Lincoln. A Brief Theology of Sport. Cascade Books, 2014. ISBN: 978-1625646170, Pub. Price $19.00 [121 pages assigned].

Hyland, Drew. Philosophy of Sport. Paragon House, 1998. ISBN: 978-1557781895, Pub. Price $16.95 [105 pages assigned].

Johnston, Robert K. The Christian at Play. Wipf and Stock, 1997. ISBN: 978-1579100520, Pub. Price $22.00 [93 pages assigned].

Murphy, Nancey. Bodies and Souls, or Spirited Bodies? Cambridge UP, 2006. ISBN: 978-0521676762, Pub. Price $31.99. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [166 pages].

Course Reader

Callois, Roger. Man, Play and Games. U of Illinois Press, 2001. [34 pages].

Griffith, R. Marie. Born Again Bodies: Flesh and Spirit in American Christianity, California Studies in Food and Culture 12. University of California Press, 2004. [40 pages].

Treat, Jeremy R. “More Than a Game: A Theology of Sport,” Themelios 40.3, 2015. [11 pages]

RECOMMENDED READING:

Kyle, Donald G. Sport and Spectacle in the Ancient World, second edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 2014. ISBN: 978-1118613566, Pub. Price $46.95. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [164 pages].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Class participation, including participation in class discussions online. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1-5]. [40 hours].
2. 1,200 pages of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1-5]. [80 hours].
3. 800 word paper that talks about student’s own personal history with sports and/or fitness—for good or bad. How have these played a role in your life? Have they had any interaction with your faith? This paper will be ungraded, but proper writing form is still expected. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 3]. [4 hours].
4. 800 word paper that compares and contrasts the understandings of play found in Caillois, Gadamer, and Johnston. (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1]. [6 hours].
5. 800 word paper responding to Murphy’s Bodies and Souls or Spirited Bodies? How does Murphy’s thesis inform your own understanding of the body? (20%). [[This assignment is related to learning outcomes 4]. [6 hours].
6. Final Paper (choose one of the following): 3000 word paper that compares and contrasts the theologies of sport and fitness found in two of the following: Ellis, Harvey, Pope John Paul II, or Dailey, and that incorporates ideas from other required readings. Summarize their points, and, using your own background and experiences, offer criticism and synthesis for your own theology of sport and fitness. OR 3000 word proposal for a fitness ministry at your church (one that you have attended or your internship church). Outline the theological underpinnings for this ministry, how the ministry will be presented to the congregation, and the hurdles that must be overcome (or the groundwork that must be done) in order to implement it and see it thrive. Describe the both the roles of the pastor(s) and laity involved. OR 3000 word research paper that investigates one specific area of sport, fitness, and theology that interests you. Examine and enter into conversation with at least 2 other scholars who have written on the topic. (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 5]. [24 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C2 or TH5 requirements in the 120 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.