A Theology of Play - by Kevin Gushiken (Paperback)

About the Book

"You are allowed to experiencing deep joy in following Jesus. God has given humans freedom and permission to play-to fully enjoy life's moments as he intended, with no ulterior motive. The Christian life without play becomes malformed, and believers can miss aspects of the abundant life Jesus came to give. In A Theology of Play, Kevin M. Gushiken builds a case for getting serious about play as a vital element of being a Christian. Play, he writes, is not merely an activity but a way of living. Gushiken explores play from various biblical and theological lenses: How an identity grounded in God's good creation invites us to play. The connection between play and the biblical concept of Sabbath. Why past hurts don't have to keep us from enjoying the present. Releasing false guilt and shame to find true freedom to play. How to play in the midst of difficulty and pain. Ultimately, knowing and enjoying God brings freedom and pleasure. A Theology of Play helps Christian believers identify barriers to play in their day-to-day lives and offers faithful guidance in recapturing play within the rhythms of life"--

Book Synopsis

God encourages you to experience great joy in following Jesus
God has given humans freedom and permission to play--to fully enjoy life's moments as he intended, with no ulterior motive. The Christian life without play becomes malformed, and believers can miss aspects of the abundant life Jesus came to give.
In A Theology of Play, Kevin Gushiken builds a case for getting serious about play as a vital element of being a Christian. "Play," he writes, "is not merely an activity but a way of living." Gushiken explores play from various biblical and theological lenses:

• How an identity grounded in God's good creation invites us to play
• The connection between play and the biblical concept of Sabbath
• Why past hurts don't have to keep us from enjoying the present
• Releasing false guilt and shame to find true freedom to Play
• How to play in the midst of difficulty and pain

Ultimately, knowing and enjoying God brings freedom and pleasure. A Theology of Play helps Christian believers identify barriers to play in their day-to-day lives and offers faithful guidance in recapturing play within the rhythms of life.

Review Quotes

"A Theology of Play is a therapeutic solution for the body of Christ. Dr. Gushiken's approach to this book is simplistically deep as he shares from the bowels of his soul. It is apparent that each chapter addresses a layer of his life, while he masterfully mesmerizes his readers through verbal imagery. Dr. Gushiken uses familiar life illustrations that give a reader an affirmation of confidence. The confidence and encouragement that it is all right to play. You will learn about the importance of 'play.' He states that 'Playing involves being present in the moment. It is not possible to truly play if we are thinking about tomorrow.' Dr. Gushiken reminds the reader that barriers may hinder play. Therefore, if we remove the barriers of hurt and pain, we can experience the freedom God intended. Dr. Gushiken left me with the desire to experience the altruism of play. He states, 'I want to imagine that heaven will be filled with worshiping God, learning about God, communing with God, and playing in the presence of God.' Thank you for sharing your thoughts!"--Kevin M. Aiken "President, Manna Bible Institute,
President of The Cheyney University Foundation,
Heart of Worship Restoration Center, Lead Pastor" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"A Theology of Play is not just a book; it's a transformative journey that masterfully intertwines the joy of play with profound theological insights. Kevin's in-depth exploration goes beyond mere analysis, inviting us to discover the divine dance within the realms of play. This book speaks to everyone interested in theology and anyone eager to embrace play as a meaningful and essential part of daily life. It challenges and enriches our understanding, encouraging us to rediscover the liberating power of play. Whether deepening your spiritual journey or seeking more joy in everyday moments, this book is a must-read. Prepare yourself for a compelling journey into the sacred dimensions of laughter, creativity, and connection. It inspires and uplifts the soul, mind, and body, reminding us that play is a human activity and a divine invitation. A Theology of Play prompts us to reconsider play's role in our lives, promising personal growth, spiritual enrichment, and an opportunity to play with God in his ongoing creation. This book is a celebration of the spiritual essence of play and a reminder that God is still playing. Join God in this joyful and holy exploration."--Jorge Barro "Executive Director, Faculdade Teologica Sul Americana,
Author of Missional Discipleship" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"As a lifelong Christian and a perfectionist with a loud internal critic, this book is exactly the challenge and permission I needed to let myself learn how to play, and to play more. Play is not only for children, and it's not a sign of immaturity; as Kevin Gushiken points out, it's a mindset that is essential to our faith and growth as followers of Christ at any age. I especially needed the chapters on 'Playing in My Identity' and 'Playing at Work' to lighten up aspects of my life that I often take far too seriously. Thanks to Kevin for moving us toward the freedom and pleasure that God intended for our lives through this much-needed book!"--Angie Ward "Director of the Doctor of Ministry, Denver Seminary, Author of I Am a Leader and Uncharted Leadership" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Don't be fooled by the title. This is so much more than a book about play. This book enjoins the reader on a quest to a dimension of spiritual formation that is often overlooked by those in academia and ministry praxis. I soon found myself on a journey of soulful contemplative reflection and examination about my own drivenness and self-achievement. Tapping the brakes long enough to digest each chapter allowed time for me to muse about practical ways I could incorporate more rhythms of play into my own life. This is a helpful tome for the ministry leader that needs to slow down the cadence of life and find balance. This book is now tucked in my personal library between the works of Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton but it will not remain there long as I will frequent this reference in my journey toward Christlikeness."--Michael J. Anthony "Professor of Educational Ministry & Leadership, Dallas Theological Seminary,
Author of A Theology of Christian Education and Management Essentials for Christian Ministries" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Finally! A book we in the African church have been waiting for. For a long time, African culture has presented that an unplayful leader is a strong leader--one to be taken seriously. That to play is to lose respect. Pastors and leaders in Africa mostly see playing as contrary to their pious calling and hold stalwartly that 'play' is unspiritual, unserious, for only children, and ultimately of little value. Gushiken has provided thought-provoking and insightful thoughts which ignite a review of Christian expression and hopefully kindles a recapture of play within the rhythms of life. For most of Africa and the world, life is suffering, and Gushiken helpfully shows how to play amid difficulty and pain. Having observed and served leaders in the African space for close to two decades now, I see that Christian leaders must urgently wrestle with how to think about play, and I hope that this guide will furnish conversations on play with its rich biblical and theological perspectives, including how an identity grounded in God's good creation invites us to play, how playing requires permission, how to play in the midst of pain in life, and playing at work. A Theology of Play helps break barriers to play in our day-to-day lives no matter our age or culture."--Richmond Wandera "President, Pastors Discipleship Network Africa, Uganda,
Senior Pastor, New Life Baptist Church, Kampala City, Uganda" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"I am a better husband, father, and leader because of A Theology of Play. Carved from his own personal experience and biblical wisdom, Kevin paints the clear directive that Christians should lead the way when it comes to play. Every chapter can be read as a stand-alone resource to be revisited. God is the author of play, and Kevin invites us to enjoy life as God intended in the world he created. This is a must-read for anyone serious about the role of play in our daily lives."--Joshua Beers "President, OneLife Institute" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"I grew up in a culture that values productivity and frowns upon play. Gushiken's theological exploration of play makes a strong case for play as a spiritual discipline and explains play's emotional, relational, vocational, and spiritual benefits. The book challenges readers to examine barriers to play that distort our view of God and stop us from enjoying life to the fullest. Read and go play!"--Ling Dinse "Doctor of Social Work
Chair of Social Work Department, Messiah University" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"In a world which models success through activity and achievement, the idea of play is not often valued in many global cultures. Refreshing in scope, this book offers a new construct centered around the practice of play, moving us to a deeper understanding and practice that play has within our own healthy spiritual and leadership formations. Thoughtful reflections, practical insights, and a sound theological basis, provide a tool which could be used for individual and communal transformation of individuals and the communities they serve."--Rick Rhoads "President, BCM International" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Play, what seemed so simple as a child, becomes more difficult to experience as the years pass. Kevin Gushiken takes the reader on a journey to discover play as God intended us to enjoy. In a biblical, practical, and winsome way, play is introduced back into our hectic lives. Kevin offers insights into play that invite you to discover and consider how it impacts daily life. And to that end, to enjoy life as God intended."--Kevin Oessenich "Executive Director and CEO, World Team USA" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Professor and author, Kevin Gushiken, pens a brilliant life-essential that we rarely consider. We are wonderfully awakened to the rhythm and balance that God originally designed. A Theology of Play beckons us to a refreshing awareness that gives the reader divine permission to experience life in its abundance and joy to its fullest."--Wayne Cordeiro "President and Pastor, New Hope Church and College, Oregon-Hawaii,
Author of Leading on Empty and The Irresistible Church" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"This book provides a necessary wakeup call to all persons like me, who sometimes are tempted to understand play as the prerogative of children, never as the delight of adulthood. Gushiken effectively debunks that kind of thinking and instead offers a focused apologetic that positions play as our privilege to engage in 'moments in our life as God intended with freedom and presence.' He effectively positions play as an integral part of faithful biblical discipleship rather as an option to consider only when and if we find the time. The chapters are well organized and compelling. I especially valued his focus on unique language of play and his emphasis on the five play languages. Chapter 9, 'Playing at Work, ' is worth by itself the price of the book. Overall, this book effectively presents a topic seldom referenced in either leadership or discipleship literature. I highly recommend it!"--Gene Habecker "President Emeritus, Taylor University; Senior Fellow, Sagamore Institute,
Author of The Softer Side of Leadership and Rediscovering the Soul of Leadership" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Yes for A Theology of Play! My background was a conservative local church and Bible college where there were little room for carefree and pleasurable play. 'Don't do a half day's work for the Lord...' was sung. Having been in the ministry for more than three decades now, the book affirms what I have promoted all along. Dr. Gushiken provides a helpful definition and descriptions of 'play, ' a strong biblical worldview of the concept, and a thorough discussion with argumentation of why and how play matters. The book is written conversationally, and most titles begin with 'Learning to...' which is an invitation to engage. I believe Dr. Gushiken is the first to provide a fresh and a bold look at the critical role of play in the Christian life."--Joanna Feliciano-Soberano "Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Asian Theological Seminary,
Author of Teaching Across Cultures" (1/26/2024 12:00:00 AM)