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Home > Christianity Today Magazine > Columns > Play Ball

Play Ball columns examine the relationship of sports and faith: sports is important precisely because it is a form of play, that is, a manifestation of the Sabbath. Contributors include Mark Galli, managing editor of Christianity Today, and author of Francis of Assisi and His World (InterVarsity), Collin Hansen, associate editor of Christianity Today, and Mark Moring, editor of Christianity Today Movies and Christianity Music Today.

What's to Love About Women's Sports
There's no denying the pure joy and determination of female athletes.
by Collin Hansen
posted 06/29/2006 10:00 a.m.

The NBA? Or the UN?
It's called the National Basketball Association, but it's looking quite international—thanks in great part to a Christian GM for the Dallas Mavs.
by Jason Bailey
posted 06/22/2006 09:30 a.m.

Of Czechs, Sex, and Wrecks
Random musings on the U.S. soccer team, World Cup prostitution, and Big Ben's bad bike crash.
by Mark Moring
posted 06/15/2006 09:30 a.m.

Onward Christian Shortstops
The Colorado Rockies make a noble—if problematic—plan for winning.
by Collin Hansen
posted 06/01/2006 09:30 a.m.

Incomplete Sentences
Many pro athletes convicted of a crime are sentenced to a lame excuse for "community service." It's time for the legal system to show a little backbone.
by Mark Moring
posted 05/11/2006 09:30 a.m.

Bowling Alone No More
A stealth revolution in attitude may be brewing.
by Mark Galli
posted 05/04/2006 09:30 a.m.

Sports as Soap Opera
Sportswriters seem to have forgotten their godly calling.
by Mark Galli
posted 04/27/2006 10:00 a.m.

'You Trying to Say Jesus Christ Can't Hit a Curveball?'
Fans vent their frustration on struggling slugger who professes religious devotion.
by Collin Hansen
posted 04/20/2006 09:30 a.m.

Un Problema Grande, No?
What major league baseball reveals about the dangers of immigration.
by Mark Galli
posted 04/13/2006 09:30 a.m.

WWJWD?
In the wake of UCLA's loss in Monday's NCAA championship game, I couldn't help but wonder: What would John Wooden do?
by Mark Moring
posted 04/06/2006 09:30 a.m.

There IS Crying in Basketball
If only we all had something so precious to weep about.
by Collin Hansen
posted 03/30/2006 09:30 a.m.

Pirates vs. Braves
Reforming sports one city at a time.
by Mark Galli
posted 03/23/2006 09:30 a.m.

Bjorn Again?
It's been a while since tennis legend Bjorn Borg was in the news. Too bad he's back because he's selling his Wimbledon trophies.
by Mark Moring
posted 03/16/2006 10:00 a.m.

Steroids 'R' Us
It's not just Barry Bonds's heart that is desperately wicked.
by Mark Galli
posted 03/09/2006 09:00 a.m.

A Royal Pain
Following Kansas City's baseball team ain't easy … but it builds character and perseverance.
by Collin Hansen
posted 03/02/2006 09:00 a.m.

Heavy Medal
At the Olympics, if you don't medal, you certainly must be a loser.
by Mark Moring
posted 02/23/2006 09:30 a.m.

Opening Ceremony Blues
The Olympics is symbolic, but not of world peace.
by Mark Galli
posted 02/16/2006 09:15 a.m.

Punches, Smashes, and Bombs
Boxing gives us a window into the violence inherent in all sports.
by Mark Galli
posted 11/11/2005 09:30 a.m.

Should We Ban Boxing?
The usual arguments against the "sweet science" cut many ways.
by Mark Galli
posted 10/28/2005 09:30 a.m.

Something Noble and Good
Professional sports is often boring, but real sports is not.
by Mark Galli
posted 05/13/2005 10:00 a.m.

The Lovely Paradox of NFL Draft Day
It's an event of biblical proportions—and wisdom.
By Mark Galli
posted 04/29/2005 10:00 a.m.

Negotiating Sunday Sports
This culture war was lost long ago. Now what?
By Mark Galli
posted 04/15/2005 09:30 a.m.

The Prodigal Sports Fan
There is hope for the idolater.
By Mark Galli
posted 04/08/2005 09:00 a.m.

The Thirst of the 24/7 Fan
Understanding the idolatry in sports.
By Mark Galli
posted 04/01/2005 09:00 a.m.

March Madnesses
The layers of insanity know no end—thank God.
by Mark Galli
posted 03/18/2005 10:15 a.m.

Spectating As a Spiritual Discipline
For those who have eyes to watch, let them watch something more than highlight films.
by Mark Galli
posted 03/11/2005 09:30 a.m.

The Grace of Sports
If Christ can't be found in sports, he can't be found in the modern world.
by Mark Galli
posted 03/04/2005 10:15 a.m.

Baseball Isn't Entertainment
The sooner we stop thinking sports are about the spectators, the more enjoyable the games will be.
By Mark Galli
posted 02/25/2005 10:15 a.m.

Salt and Light in the Arena
It's going to take more than a few good Christians to clean up sports.
by Mark Galli
posted 02/18/2005 09:30 a.m.

Rooting for T.O.
Why Terrell Owens irritates most of us most of the time.
by Mark Galli
posted 02/11/2005 09:30 a.m.

Freedom Between the Goal Posts
Sports is much more important than our culture lets on.
By Mark Galli
posted 02/04/2005 9:00 a.m.

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