New Book: Does God Care Who Wins?
A compelling question. The answer impacts how we play sports and relate to God. This book unpacks the implications. >>> Watch the book trailer
Does God care who wins?
If you say, “No,” why no? Are our games not important enough in light of other world issues? This is the common reason given. It trivializes sports and leaves us wondering what else isn’t important enough in our lives to garner God’s concern.
If you say “yes”, why yes? Does God favor a particular team over another and if so, why? This answer tends to trivialize God and leaves us encouraging different values than those God declares matter to him in the gospel.
I am writing the book to challenge each of these common answers and discuss their implications while encouraging more dialogue on the question. I am also writing the book to give what I see as the answer that not only honors God but also brings meaning and passion to my sports.
It is an answer that has been in development for over 30 years. It began with my journey into professional golf and came to a head in the midst of my first PGA Tour School where I was trying to qualify to play on the PGA Tour. It has been formed along the way by discussions with athletes, coaches, and parents who wrestle with the question.
While this book is more about God than sports, it is not a theoretical approach to the question. Rather, the book comes from a very practical perspective — one that honestly addresses athletes, coaches, and parents and the real questions we all ask around this question.
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Read what people are saying about the book:
“Does God Care Who Wins? is a much-needed look at this vital question for anyone that has ever placed any importance in God, or winning, and certainly both. It will challenge you to think through the question that too many answer haphazardly or casually. Whether you’re a casual weekend warrior seeking your next YMCA championship, or a professional athlete, you’re sure to discover a new level of freedom. Get ready to enjoy the journey as Bob Schindler leads you to think through what the Bible says about this subject, rather than merely giving you an answer.”
–Evan Albertyn, Associate Pastor, Central Church of God and former South African national champion bi-athlete
“Finally, a book that helps coaches, athletes, player and fans understand God’s care for us and his goal to redeem us back to himself through sports.”
–M.L.Woodruff, Former baseball coach and Sports Outreach Minister at Istrouma Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
“I believe that one of the greatest historical heresies of the church is the idea that God cares about some things more than others. We have taken the things God created as ‘good’ and deemed them ‘not good enough.’ Left unaddressed, this sacred/secular dichotomy shapes the way we think about the value of our everyday lives: changing diapers, planting a garden, going to work, cleaning our homes, serving on the homeowners association, and yes, even sports. Schindler raises the important question of what really matters to God. His answer just might change the way you see every aspect of your life.”
-Dave Huber, Director of Leadership Development, Made to Flourish
“If we are honest with ourselves as competitors, it’s not that we haven’t considered this question as much as we’re not sure we really want to know the answer. If God does care, does it change the way we view our sport or competition? If he doesn’t, does that mean we have to give it up entirely? It’s a life altering reality and one we’d just assume not deal with.
“In this work, Bob tackles not only the challenge but also the implications of the answer. And yet he does so without the tireless platitudes we’ve been regurgitating our entire life as “Christian” competitors. The results and our call are way too important to simply leave this untouched. This is a must read for any coach or athlete wondering if or how their faith impacts their daily athletic pursuits”.
-Ryan Souders, Division III Soccer Coach, Calvin College
“‘Does God care if I win?’ The question has haunted my big-hearted, competitive-minded, limitedly-successful sporting life. I needed Him to care and I needed to win…too much. Bob nails some of the internal gyrations many of us experience in sports and in life, and then surprises us with his answer. God cares deeply, but in ways more profound and life-changing that I had considered. This book might change how you think about your golf game or your next promotion.”
-Palmer Trice, Founder and Director, The Barnabas Center
“Does God Care Who Wins? has changed the way I play, coach, and watch sports. As a result, I have a richer view of who God is and a deeper joy in my pursuit of sports.”
-Tim Briggs, Community Groups Pastor, Church at Charlotte
“What a great book on such a thought provoking topic! Bob Schindler, the world’s leader on Sports Ministry in the local church, does a wonderful job of helping to challenge our thinking theologically and practically. This book is a great tool for people in sports at every level and people leading any type of sports ministry.”
-Bob Dyar, Founder and President of CEDEsports