Paul Putz
@paulputz.bsky.social
Historian. Director of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor’s Truett Seminary. Author of THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME
Into sports, theology, religion, culture, writing, teaching. Also all things Nebraska. James 1:19.
https://linktr.ee/PaulPutz
Into sports, theology, religion, culture, writing, teaching. Also all things Nebraska. James 1:19.
https://linktr.ee/PaulPutz
Pinned
Paul Putz
@paulputz.bsky.social
· Nov 17
Since we’re doing book intros…
Published last month, mine is a history of sports and Christianity in 20th century America. Really, it’s a history of American Protestantism through the lens of sports.
Endorsed by some of my favorite scholars, including Jemar Tisby, Molly Worthen, Matt Sutton, etc.
Published last month, mine is a history of sports and Christianity in 20th century America. Really, it’s a history of American Protestantism through the lens of sports.
Endorsed by some of my favorite scholars, including Jemar Tisby, Molly Worthen, Matt Sutton, etc.
Reposted by Paul Putz
I've got a book coming out in February on Dr. J, Moses Malone and the 1983 76ers. Preorder through the publisher and we'll send you free custom-made basketball cards of Dr. J and Moses. www.hachettebookgroup.com/grand-centra...
November 27, 2025 at 1:06 AM
I've got a book coming out in February on Dr. J, Moses Malone and the 1983 76ers. Preorder through the publisher and we'll send you free custom-made basketball cards of Dr. J and Moses. www.hachettebookgroup.com/grand-centra...
Who else is going to Boston this weekend for AAR/SBL?
Hit me up if you'll be around and want to connect. And if you're free Saturday, check out our "new books in sports and religion" panel.
Hit me up if you'll be around and want to connect. And if you're free Saturday, check out our "new books in sports and religion" panel.
November 19, 2025 at 2:48 AM
Who else is going to Boston this weekend for AAR/SBL?
Hit me up if you'll be around and want to connect. And if you're free Saturday, check out our "new books in sports and religion" panel.
Hit me up if you'll be around and want to connect. And if you're free Saturday, check out our "new books in sports and religion" panel.
Special moment for me this week. Got to celebrate receiving the Guittard Book Award at Baylor:
history.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/news/story/2...
When I started the book project, our two youngest weren’t even born yet.
Grateful for the incredible support my family has given me along the way!
history.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/news/story/2...
When I started the book project, our two youngest weren’t even born yet.
Grateful for the incredible support my family has given me along the way!
November 13, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Special moment for me this week. Got to celebrate receiving the Guittard Book Award at Baylor:
history.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/news/story/2...
When I started the book project, our two youngest weren’t even born yet.
Grateful for the incredible support my family has given me along the way!
history.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/news/story/2...
When I started the book project, our two youngest weren’t even born yet.
Grateful for the incredible support my family has given me along the way!
Reposted by Paul Putz
A great mail day.
New book from two of my favorite sports historians. And Justin Giboney’s latest.
Can’t wait to dive in!
New book from two of my favorite sports historians. And Justin Giboney’s latest.
Can’t wait to dive in!
November 6, 2025 at 12:22 AM
A great mail day.
New book from two of my favorite sports historians. And Justin Giboney’s latest.
Can’t wait to dive in!
New book from two of my favorite sports historians. And Justin Giboney’s latest.
Can’t wait to dive in!
A great mail day.
New book from two of my favorite sports historians. And Justin Giboney’s latest.
Can’t wait to dive in!
New book from two of my favorite sports historians. And Justin Giboney’s latest.
Can’t wait to dive in!
November 6, 2025 at 12:22 AM
A great mail day.
New book from two of my favorite sports historians. And Justin Giboney’s latest.
Can’t wait to dive in!
New book from two of my favorite sports historians. And Justin Giboney’s latest.
Can’t wait to dive in!
Josh Levin has made some of my favorite narrative history podcasts (Slow Burn, One Year).
He has a new project that explores “history, sports, and the surprising threads that connect past and present.”
Give it a listen so @joshuablevin.bsky.social can make more!
open.substack.com/pub/replaybo...
He has a new project that explores “history, sports, and the surprising threads that connect past and present.”
Give it a listen so @joshuablevin.bsky.social can make more!
open.substack.com/pub/replaybo...
November 3, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Josh Levin has made some of my favorite narrative history podcasts (Slow Burn, One Year).
He has a new project that explores “history, sports, and the surprising threads that connect past and present.”
Give it a listen so @joshuablevin.bsky.social can make more!
open.substack.com/pub/replaybo...
He has a new project that explores “history, sports, and the surprising threads that connect past and present.”
Give it a listen so @joshuablevin.bsky.social can make more!
open.substack.com/pub/replaybo...
Reposted by Paul Putz
If you are interested in the intersections of religion, college sports, and capitalism, then pre-order this book coming out December 1. It’s phenomenal.
October 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
If you are interested in the intersections of religion, college sports, and capitalism, then pre-order this book coming out December 1. It’s phenomenal.
Later this month I'll be at Wheaton College for a talk on my work as a historian of sports and Christianity in America.
If you're in the area, please join us! Or if you're not but you know someone who is, please spread the word.
More here: calendar.library.wheaton.edu/event/15257468
If you're in the area, please join us! Or if you're not but you know someone who is, please spread the word.
More here: calendar.library.wheaton.edu/event/15257468
October 7, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Later this month I'll be at Wheaton College for a talk on my work as a historian of sports and Christianity in America.
If you're in the area, please join us! Or if you're not but you know someone who is, please spread the word.
More here: calendar.library.wheaton.edu/event/15257468
If you're in the area, please join us! Or if you're not but you know someone who is, please spread the word.
More here: calendar.library.wheaton.edu/event/15257468
One of the best things about the work I get to do is that I often get to see/read some of the books in progress related to sports, religion, history, and/or theology.
And I've got to tell you: There are some great books in the pipeline coming out over the next year or so.
And I've got to tell you: There are some great books in the pipeline coming out over the next year or so.
October 3, 2025 at 9:47 PM
One of the best things about the work I get to do is that I often get to see/read some of the books in progress related to sports, religion, history, and/or theology.
And I've got to tell you: There are some great books in the pipeline coming out over the next year or so.
And I've got to tell you: There are some great books in the pipeline coming out over the next year or so.
Excited for this talk at Wheaton next month!
If you’ll be in the Chicago area on October 30, come by for a talk about sports, American history, and evangelical Christianity.
If you’ll be in the Chicago area on October 30, come by for a talk about sports, American history, and evangelical Christianity.
September 25, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Excited for this talk at Wheaton next month!
If you’ll be in the Chicago area on October 30, come by for a talk about sports, American history, and evangelical Christianity.
If you’ll be in the Chicago area on October 30, come by for a talk about sports, American history, and evangelical Christianity.
Reposted by Paul Putz
Some personal news:
I was informed this week that THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME has been awarded the 2025 Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from
@aschurchhistory.bsky.social.
This award is for "outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author."
I was informed this week that THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME has been awarded the 2025 Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from
@aschurchhistory.bsky.social.
This award is for "outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author."
September 19, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Some personal news:
I was informed this week that THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME has been awarded the 2025 Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from
@aschurchhistory.bsky.social.
This award is for "outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author."
I was informed this week that THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME has been awarded the 2025 Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from
@aschurchhistory.bsky.social.
This award is for "outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author."
Some personal news:
I was informed this week that THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME has been awarded the 2025 Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from
@aschurchhistory.bsky.social.
This award is for "outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author."
I was informed this week that THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME has been awarded the 2025 Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from
@aschurchhistory.bsky.social.
This award is for "outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author."
September 19, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Some personal news:
I was informed this week that THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME has been awarded the 2025 Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from
@aschurchhistory.bsky.social.
This award is for "outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author."
I was informed this week that THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME has been awarded the 2025 Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from
@aschurchhistory.bsky.social.
This award is for "outstanding scholarship in the history of Christianity by a first-time author."
Traveling today and I’ve got my airport reading ready to go
September 14, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Traveling today and I’ve got my airport reading ready to go
For the last decade in sports, the two bright spots from my home state have been Nebraska volleyball and Bud Crawford.
I’ll be surprised if Crawford can pull this off, but I love that he wanted to step in the ring and give it a shot. Doing Nebraska proud.
I’ll be surprised if Crawford can pull this off, but I love that he wanted to step in the ring and give it a shot. Doing Nebraska proud.
September 14, 2025 at 4:46 AM
For the last decade in sports, the two bright spots from my home state have been Nebraska volleyball and Bud Crawford.
I’ll be surprised if Crawford can pull this off, but I love that he wanted to step in the ring and give it a shot. Doing Nebraska proud.
I’ll be surprised if Crawford can pull this off, but I love that he wanted to step in the ring and give it a shot. Doing Nebraska proud.
Reposted by Paul Putz
There are people among us who are just…better humans. Maya Moore is one of those people. Her basketball excellence, which culminates tonight with her enshrinement in the Naismith Hall of Fame, is the less impressive part of her journey. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
Maya Moore's Hall of Fame career is the least important reason she's an all-time great
www.nytimes.com
September 6, 2025 at 1:29 PM
There are people among us who are just…better humans. Maya Moore is one of those people. Her basketball excellence, which culminates tonight with her enshrinement in the Naismith Hall of Fame, is the less impressive part of her journey. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
A new book dives into the history of America's obsession with debating the "Greatest of All Time."
How should Christians engage with this cultural fascination? How should we understand “greatness”?
My thoughts here:
www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/grea...
How should Christians engage with this cultural fascination? How should we understand “greatness”?
My thoughts here:
www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/grea...
There Are No Goats—or GOATS—in God’s Kingdom - Christianity Today
How Christians should understand our cultural fascination with debating the “Greatest of All Time.”
www.christianitytoday.com
September 4, 2025 at 12:54 AM
A new book dives into the history of America's obsession with debating the "Greatest of All Time."
How should Christians engage with this cultural fascination? How should we understand “greatness”?
My thoughts here:
www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/grea...
How should Christians engage with this cultural fascination? How should we understand “greatness”?
My thoughts here:
www.christianitytoday.com/2025/09/grea...
Went back in my research files to find this gem:
Lee Corso delivering a talk on the importance of motivation at the 1972 meeting of the American Football Coaches Association.
Tons of exclamation points and some ALL CAPS. You can hear his voice in this thing!
Lee Corso delivering a talk on the importance of motivation at the 1972 meeting of the American Football Coaches Association.
Tons of exclamation points and some ALL CAPS. You can hear his voice in this thing!
August 31, 2025 at 3:49 AM
Went back in my research files to find this gem:
Lee Corso delivering a talk on the importance of motivation at the 1972 meeting of the American Football Coaches Association.
Tons of exclamation points and some ALL CAPS. You can hear his voice in this thing!
Lee Corso delivering a talk on the importance of motivation at the 1972 meeting of the American Football Coaches Association.
Tons of exclamation points and some ALL CAPS. You can hear his voice in this thing!
Reposted by Paul Putz
Studying and learning about the intersection of sports and religion should not be unique or rare.
I make that case, and also write about some of the things we’re doing in that space at Baylor
Read here: open.substack.com/pub/paulputz...
I make that case, and also write about some of the things we’re doing in that space at Baylor
Read here: open.substack.com/pub/paulputz...
Every College Should Offer a "Religion and Sports" Class
And other thoughts from a busy summer at the intersection of faith and sports
open.substack.com
August 25, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Studying and learning about the intersection of sports and religion should not be unique or rare.
I make that case, and also write about some of the things we’re doing in that space at Baylor
Read here: open.substack.com/pub/paulputz...
I make that case, and also write about some of the things we’re doing in that space at Baylor
Read here: open.substack.com/pub/paulputz...
Studying and learning about the intersection of sports and religion should not be unique or rare.
I make that case, and also write about some of the things we’re doing in that space at Baylor
Read here: open.substack.com/pub/paulputz...
I make that case, and also write about some of the things we’re doing in that space at Baylor
Read here: open.substack.com/pub/paulputz...
Every College Should Offer a "Religion and Sports" Class
And other thoughts from a busy summer at the intersection of faith and sports
open.substack.com
August 25, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Studying and learning about the intersection of sports and religion should not be unique or rare.
I make that case, and also write about some of the things we’re doing in that space at Baylor
Read here: open.substack.com/pub/paulputz...
I make that case, and also write about some of the things we’re doing in that space at Baylor
Read here: open.substack.com/pub/paulputz...
This is just amazing to me. I wrote a book about sports and Christianity and it has now been reviewed or featured in:
First Things
Christian Century
America Magazine
Boston Globe
Gospel Coalition
Christian Scholar's Review
Living Church
Practical Theology
Journal of Religious History
First Things
Christian Century
America Magazine
Boston Globe
Gospel Coalition
Christian Scholar's Review
Living Church
Practical Theology
Journal of Religious History
August 22, 2025 at 8:22 PM
This is just amazing to me. I wrote a book about sports and Christianity and it has now been reviewed or featured in:
First Things
Christian Century
America Magazine
Boston Globe
Gospel Coalition
Christian Scholar's Review
Living Church
Practical Theology
Journal of Religious History
First Things
Christian Century
America Magazine
Boston Globe
Gospel Coalition
Christian Scholar's Review
Living Church
Practical Theology
Journal of Religious History
Several people have asked if I’m responsible for the Baylor class. I wish I was!
I do teach a class called “Sports and Christianity in Historical Context.” But mine is a grad class.
My friend Andy Meyer, who is awesome, teaches the undergrad religion and sport class.
I do teach a class called “Sports and Christianity in Historical Context.” But mine is a grad class.
My friend Andy Meyer, who is awesome, teaches the undergrad religion and sport class.
I could see coach @edsbs.bsky.social teaching the UNT course here
August 21, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Several people have asked if I’m responsible for the Baylor class. I wish I was!
I do teach a class called “Sports and Christianity in Historical Context.” But mine is a grad class.
My friend Andy Meyer, who is awesome, teaches the undergrad religion and sport class.
I do teach a class called “Sports and Christianity in Historical Context.” But mine is a grad class.
My friend Andy Meyer, who is awesome, teaches the undergrad religion and sport class.
Grateful for Clayton Trutor's sharp, thoughtful review of my book in America Magazine.
Clayton is one of the few historians around with legit expertise in both sports history and American religious history.
That expertise is apparent here 👇
www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture...
Clayton is one of the few historians around with legit expertise in both sports history and American religious history.
That expertise is apparent here 👇
www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture...
Review: Jocks for Jesus
In 'The Spirit of the Game,' Paul Emory Putz offers insights into the synergy between sports and Christianity in the United States.
www.americamagazine.org
August 16, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Grateful for Clayton Trutor's sharp, thoughtful review of my book in America Magazine.
Clayton is one of the few historians around with legit expertise in both sports history and American religious history.
That expertise is apparent here 👇
www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture...
Clayton is one of the few historians around with legit expertise in both sports history and American religious history.
That expertise is apparent here 👇
www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture...
In 1988, when Pam Postema became the first woman to umpire an MLB spring training game, a conservative Christian baseball player named Bob Knepper was not a fan:
“In my opinion, which I base on the Bible, I believe that God’s perspective is that women should not be in certain occupations.”
“In my opinion, which I base on the Bible, I believe that God’s perspective is that women should not be in certain occupations.”
Breaking News from @theathletic.com: Major League Baseball's first female umpire, Jen Pawol, is set to debut on Saturday
The NBA had its first female referee debut 28 years ago, while the NFL has had female referees for the past 10 years. nyti.ms/46MqrCw
The NBA had its first female referee debut 28 years ago, while the NFL has had female referees for the past 10 years. nyti.ms/46MqrCw
August 6, 2025 at 8:50 PM
In 1988, when Pam Postema became the first woman to umpire an MLB spring training game, a conservative Christian baseball player named Bob Knepper was not a fan:
“In my opinion, which I base on the Bible, I believe that God’s perspective is that women should not be in certain occupations.”
“In my opinion, which I base on the Bible, I believe that God’s perspective is that women should not be in certain occupations.”