By: Flint Harris Joni us on Facebook, Follow me on Twitter
On my trip to Starkville last week, and I had the opportunity to talk with SEC fanatic, Jesus loving, and new author Chad Gibbs. Gibbs’ book entitled God and Football was recently released by Zondervan Publishing. The book takes a look at Faith and Fanaticism in the 
SEC. Gibbs visited every SEC campus last fall and wrote a chapter about each adventure including his trip to the stadium and worshipping on Sunday morning. The initial ordering was for 9,300 copies and the publisher just made a second order. That’s a good thing! I was curious how does an aspiring author get paid, and Gibbs told me, “I got an advance against royalties after the manuscript was finished.” After he earns that initial money through book sales, he will get a percentage of each additional book sold. He has quit his job and now is working on selling his book and speaking to churches and youth across the south.
There are several stories that make you laugh. Like the one about a Vanderbilt student telling Chad how much he loved all that sh&t, when referring to God and football. Or about having two different colored ties to wear to church for after the game- one with blue and orange, Auburn’s colors, and one not orange and blue in case of a loss. I know you can relate.
As an avid SEC fan, I was very excited to read about his journey. Gibbs admitted to me he was on a journey of his own, “I went as a personal journey of my faith.” Gibbs talked about wanting to know why football, and in his case Auburn football, was such a defining factor in his mood, daily living during the season, and his ability to worship on Sunday mornings. Gibbs told me, “The 2008 at season as an Auburn fan was really hard on me.” So, he wanted to know why football bothered him so much, “I did a lot of reflecting.” He has assured himself a spot in Heaven, a wonderful marriage, but the sour feeling after a loss that would not go away.
Gibbs astutely points out the Christian football fans in the SEC will spend an hour or more a day reading about their team, posting on message boards, and planning their next Saturday, but refuse to devote that kind of time to his or her quiet time with the Lord. Interesting observation, isn’t it? Almost makes you want to head over to your Bible right now. Gibbs wanted to know why a football game could bring so much happiness or sorrow to one’s life, but that same level of enthusiasm is hardly seen with regards to faith. Gibbs told me in closing, “I think Christians are looking for a take on sports through a Christian lens.” Look, I am not a big reader. I read one or two books a year and listen to several more on CD while I am driving, but this book is a must read. Yes, a must read for SEC football fans. I encourage you to pick a copy of the book and spend some more time in the Word too. As Gibbs wrote in his book, “Football is a horrible God.”
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Can I get this book on CD?! There is a chance I will “read” it if I can! Sounds like a great interview and a great book! Something that all SEC fans can relate to!
Great article Flint. Gonna go read both good books now..
[...] here is another interview with Flint Harris from HolyTurf.com. Be sure to check out his site for some great road trips around the SEC and Big [...]
[...] here is another interview with Flint Harris from HolyTurf.com. Be sure to check out his site for some great road trips around the SEC and Big [...]