Christianity & Leisure II

CHRISTIANITY AND LEISURE VOLUME II provides indispensable reading for leisure researchers who study leisure, for recreation practitioners who provide recreation services, and for all Christians as they incorporate leisure into their own lives. It is organized into five sections.

Leisure Theory

“How do we conceptualize leisure?” is a perennial question in the leisure studies field and one that Christians need to consider. While Christian reflections on leisure have tended to focus on the classical and activity views, classical, social psychological state of mind, and holistic views are included in this section as well as an historical essay on how American Puritan Sabbatarians were visionary innovators of modern leisure time. 

Empirical Research

Although Christians throughout history have reflected upon leisure, and how to understand it from a Christian perspective, there has been little empirical research on how Christians define and practice leisure. The largest section of this second volume consists of research on topics such as leisure meanings, leisure constraints, wilderness programs, leisure and spirituality, as well as retreats. This group of empirical papers is probably the largest concentration of social scientific research on Christianity and leisure published in one place.

Ethical and Applied Issues

“How shall we then live?” is always an important question for Christians as they wrestle with how to implement biblical principles in recreation, leisure, and play. Christian perspectives on the ethics and practice of leisure in general, as well as in specific contexts such as play, risk-taking activities, and recreation programming are explored.   

Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic recreation is a rapidly expanding subfield of recreation and leisure service delivery. While the worldview or beliefs and values of the therapist are not often considered, this section addresses some of these factors and provides a framework for therapeutic recreation practice from a Christian perspective. Topics include: the importance of a loving supportive community, a holistic paradigm that includes spirituality, ethical and moral principles, life stories and coherence, as well as leisure-spiritual coping.

Wellness, Spirituality, and Health

The connection between spirituality and health has a long anecdotal history, but only in the latter part of the twentieth century was the empirical nature of these relationships confirmed. These findings provide the basis for chapters on the relationship between holistic leisure and spiritual health; the flow state, leisure and spiritual well-being; canoeing as a leisure activity that contributes to spiritual growth; love-centered wellness; burnout; and stress.