What does this research mean for the field?

Integrating a Theology of Sport course grounded in Ignatian pedagogy into Catholic secondary education increases students' awareness of sport as a site of joy and meaning and enhances their understanding of the Church's engagement with athletics. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To examine the design, pedagogical structure, and educational impact of an elective high school course exploring the theological and spiritual dimensions of athletics.

August 22, 2026Catholic education/Catholic education (Dayton, Ohio. Online)Open Access

Finding God in All Things: A Course on Theology of Sport at a Jesuit High School

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Authors

CSCraig M. SmithUniversity Prep

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Implication

Curricular evaluation demonstrates enhanced spiritual reflection in high school athletes, highlighting pathways to integrate theological inquiry with athletics.

Key Points

To examine the design, pedagogical structure, and educational impact of an elective high school course exploring the theological and spiritual dimensions of athletics.
Designed and implemented a senior elective course grounded in Ignatian pedagogy at an all-boys Jesuit Catholic high school in the eastern United States.
Integrated foundational texts, including Jürgen Moltmann’s Theology of Play, Vatican teachings on athletics, and contemporary theological sources.
Evaluated curricular impact through qualitative analysis of student reflections on athletic participation, faith, and meaning.
Student reflections demonstrated a heightened awareness of athletic competition as a meaningful domain for joy, spirituality, and personal growth.
Coursework fostered an expanded understanding of Catholic Church engagement with modern sport, breaking down barriers between athletic and spiritual formation.

Cite This Study

Craig M. Smith (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a89600eca7ade938187f263 https://doi.org/10.15365/joce.2902102026

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Implication

Curricular evaluation demonstrates enhanced spiritual reflection in high school athletes, highlighting pathways to integrate theological inquiry with athletics.

Finding God in All Things: A Course on Theology of Sport at a Jesuit High School

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Finding God in All Things: A Course on Theology of Sport at a Jesuit High School

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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