FSI In The News
Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary announced today that Paul E. Putz, PhD, director of the Faith & Sports Institute and program director of the Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies, has been named assistant professor of Christianity and sports. Additionally, Putz will occupy the Harold and Dottie Riley Chair and will serve as director of the Sports Chaplaincy and Ministry Program.
Paul Emory Putz, PhD, director of the Faith & Sports Institute and program director for the Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary, has been awarded the Frank S. and Elizabeth D. Brewer Prize from the American Society of Church History (ASCH) for his book, The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports.
As the challenges of nurturing the spiritual lives of young people while navigating the demands of youth sports continue to grow, Truett Seminary's Faith & Sports Institute is exploring innovative ways to integrate faith and athletics, fostering holistic growth in young athletes.
WACO, Texas (December 16, 2024) — Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary is pleased to host the fourth Global Congress on Sport and Christianity (GCSC or the Congress) from July 31 to August 2, 2025. This international event, which began in 2016, serves as a unique gathering for individuals passionate about exploring the relationship between sports and Christianity. From scholars and coaches to pastors and sports ministers, GCSC provides a collaborative platform for meaningful dialogue and connection.
Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary is pleased to announce that the University has been awarded a Capacity-Building Grant of $50,000 from the Educating Character Initiative (ECI) to help establish a collaborative project between Truett Seminary’s Faith & Sports Institute (FSI) and Baylor Athletics to support faith-based character formation in student-athletes across Baylor and beyond.
For many athletes, sports provide a place to develop their values, express their identities and share their faith with others. The Olympics have long been an important platform for Christians to do this work, said sports historian and author Paul Putz, Ph.D., director of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary and author of the forthcoming book, The Spirit of the Game: American Christianity and Big-Time Sports (Oxford University Press) in September.
Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary announced today the appointment of three new directors and the promotion of a fourth.
As an avid sports fan, historian, and pivotal member of the Faith & Sports Institute at Baylor’s Truett Seminary, Paul Putz, PhD, never dreamed that a message he shared at a Truett Chapel service would create a connection between Baylor and the family of the inventor of basketball.
FSI Assistant Director Paul Putz co-authored this reflection on the life and legacy of Baylor All-American Bill Glass, who pioneered new forms of sports ministry.
This article for The Cord magazine looks at a few of the ways athletes, coaches, ministers, and scholars have engaged with the Faith & Sports Institute and found a unique hub of resources and opportunities at the intersection of faith and sports.
On November 5, 2021, the Baylor University Board of Regents announced the approval of three new degree programs at George W. Truett Theological Seminary: the Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies, the Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation, and the Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology, and Food Justice.
FSI Postdoctoral Fellow Brian Gamel discussed the Olympics and the Bible's athletic metaphors on Christianity Today's "Quick to Listen" podcast.
The Faith & Sports Institute collaborated with Christianity Today's Creative Studio team to explore the intersection of faith, sports, and mental health and to consider how Christians can develop a culture of care for the whole athlete.
Writing for the Christian Scholars Review, FSI postdoctoral scholar Brian Gamel looks at Jesus’s words about “greatness” in the gospel of Mark and considers what they mean for Christian athletes and coaches today.