In God's Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us About the Gospel

(Paperback)

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A unique and insightful guide to encourage readers to reflect on their spiritual journeys using the tenets of golf as a medium.

Based on legendary golfer Ben Hogan's five basic rules about golf, Levenson's book weaves together inspirational reflections on all aspects of a life led by faith. He parallels the grip of the golf club, the stance, the backswing, and the downswing with facets of Christian life, and ends with how to review the spiritual journey with patience and grace. Every part of the process of golf is analogous to living a life through the Gospels and understanding Jesus. Filled with wisdom from Ben Hogan and important biblical passages, In God's Grip encourages readers to use their love of golf as a catalyst to think deeper about their spiritual relationship with God.

Reviews

"Russ Levenson has done a masterful job of showing how the game of golf is a metaphor of living a good life through the Gospels and that when we are in 'God's Grip', anything is possible!" * Joe Sweeney, Author of Networking is a Contact Sport *
"If you enjoy golf, as I do, you think often about how to improve your game. Russ Levenson's well-written, well-researched new book,In God's Grip, is a winsome parable that uses golf to gently confront us with profound, life-changing tips to improve something far more important, our relationship with Christ." * Max McLean, Founder & Artistic Director, Fellowship for Performing Arts *
"Golf is a skill that requires practice and that can bring you hours of joy. The Rev. Dr. Russ Levenson shows that faith is a skill that requires practice and that can bring you hours of joy. He is a gifted apologist, past, and preacher. All three gifts are apparent in this compelling and beautiful book. Buy it for your friends, family, and for that person you know who just happens to play golf!" * Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary *
"If golf had been a game played in first century Palestine, undoubtedly Jesus would have told a parable about it. InIn God's Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us About The Gospel, Russ Levenson writes beautifully about the spiritual life, using the game of golf and Ben Hogan's timeless lessons.In God's Gripcomes from a life devoted to pursuing a relationship with God from the perspective of a seasoned priest and pastor who takes ancient truths and puts them int the context of our 21st-century life. It's a 'must read!'" * Fredrick Robinson, Editor, The Anglican Digest *
"This delightful little book on what golf can teach us about the most important questions people have about their lives is a truly great read. As a former teenage caddy at the oldest 18-hole golf course in North America (the Chicago Golf Club), who once caddied for the likes of Charlie Coody, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Weiskopf, and others, and is now pleased to serve as a divinity school dean, I recommend it wholeheartedly. Kudos to my friend Russ Levenson for combining these passions of his in just the right order." * Doug Sweeney, Dean of Beeson Divinity School *

Author Bio

Russell J. Levenson Jr. has been an ordained Episcopal priest for over thirty years and the spiritual advisor to thousands.He served as Rector of St. Martins Episcopal Church, the largest Episcopal Church in North America,for seventeen years until his recent retirement.Levenson co-officiated and offered a homily at the state funeral for President George H.W. Bush in Washington, D.C. and in Houston. He also officiated and preached at the funeral for First Lady Barbara Bush in Houston. He is the author of many books, included the acclaimed, Witness to Dignity. He lives in Alabama.