As an athlete, the son of a former NFL cornerback, and a theological scholar, Green has long been troubled by the way in which Black athletes are routinely commodified and dehumanized, especially when compared with their white counterparts. Appellations for Black athletes (including “beast”) typically focus on physical capability versus descriptors of white athletes as cognitively superior and sound in terms of character. Green argues in his book for the recognition of the divine embodiment of Black athletes and the inextricable link between mind and body.
“In this soon-to-be celebrated book,” observes President Molly T. Marshall, “Dr. Gary Green emerges as both cultural critic and theological anthropologist. His keen observations about race, spirituality, and the commodification of Black players in professional sports shed light on the current zeitgeist. I believe the author opens up an uncharted critical pathway of interpretation as he writes of ‘embodied brilliance.’"
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Dr. Demian Wheeler, Acting Dean, adds, “Dr. Gary Green is an emerging constructive theologian whose cutting-edge research arcs across multiple academic disciplines, from pastoral theology and cultural theory, to social ethics and African American studies, to neuroscience and religion and sport. His first book, Playing the Game, promises to break new ground, illumining the divinity of Black athletes and the racial politics that work to stifle it. We are thrilled to celebrate his scholarly debut on November 19!”
At the November 19 event, Green will welcome three panelists to elucidate more themes in Playing the Game:
Dr. Lakisha R. Lockhart-Rusch is a womanist play facilitator and innovative educator who teaches Christian education courses at Union Presbyterian Seminary. Her most recent book is titled Doing Theological Double Dutch: A Womanist Pedagogy of Play.
CJ Ham, #30, is a fullback for the Minnesota Vikings, where he has been a starter since 2017. Off the field, he takes pride in giving back. In 2024, the Vikings selected CJ as their Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.
Tamice Spencer-Helms is both a United student and staff member. While pursuing their DMin in Social Transformation, Tamice is also serving as one of United’s amazing admissions counselors. Tamice will offer the student response.
United is delighted to extend this invitation to celebrate Rev. Dr. Green’s outstanding accomplishment with his new book on November 19, 2025. View details, including onsite and online registration, here.
Additional Notes
Details about the author. Misc. notes. smaller text section.
About United
Founded by the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a welcoming, ecumenical school that embraces all denominations and faith traditions, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities has been on the creative edge of progressive theological thought and leadership since it was established in 1962. Today, United continues to train leaders who, through the eyes of faith, engage in the dismantling systems of oppression, exploring multi-faith spirituality, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Media Contact
Nathanial Green (he/him), Director of Marketing and Communications United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities press@unitedseminary.edu • 651-255-6138
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