Introduction

Abstract

Introduction Eric Bain-Selbo More than a decade ago, a relatively small group of scholars worked with Mercer University Press to launch the International Journal of Religion and Sport. The co-editors at the time were Christopher J. Anderson and Gordon Marino. The plan was to publish just once a year. But after that first volume in 2009, it was another four years before another volume was published. The co-editors for that volume were Eric Bain-Selbo and Andrew Parker. That volume was the last one published. Despite the good work of everyone involved, it just may not have been the right time for the journal. So, what’s different now? Just in the decade since the last volume of the journal, incredible strides have been made in the study of sport and religion. There now is a regular session on “Religion, Sport, and Play” at the American Academy of Religion. Springer launched a monograph series in religion and sport. Dozens of books have appeared and more and more young scholars are working on research in this area. So, when Terry Shoemaker and I were contacted by Catholic University of America Press about reviving the journal (with a slight name change), we not only agreed to serve as co-editors, we agreed enthusiastically and with confidence. The field of sport and religion has grown so significantly that we are confident that a journal can not only survive but can thrive. It is with that enthusiasm and confidence that we share this first issue with you. With this first issue, we thought it would be appropriate to have scholars in the field reflect on our history, the current state of scholarship, and where we might go in the future. These relatively short but very rich pieces accomplish several goals. First, they document much of the history of this area of study and memorialize some of the key figures in its development. Second, they provide some critical assessment of the scholarship happening today. And, third, they provide valuable insights as to where scholars can take (or should take) their research in the future. [End Page 1] A feature of every issue of the journal will be “Current Issues Conversations.” We will be bringing together a number of scholars, athletes, fans, and others in the sports industries for focused panels on pressing issues in the area of sport and religion. We kick off this special section of the journal with a panel discussion of the controversial Kennedy v. Bremerton School District case that was decided by the Supreme Court in June 2022. We hope that these discussions help readers expand their knowledge about important current issues and think more critically about a host of issues related to sport and religion. Finally, we’re taking the standard book review section and expanding it to a Book and Media Review section. This expansion will allow us to continue publishing book reviews, but also provides scholars with an opportunity to review relevant video games, television shows, documentaries, and movies. Interested in doing a review? Please let us know. As we move forward with the journal, we hope readers will reach out to us to provide feedback about the journal. And, of course, we are always interested in your scholarship. Please let us know if you have a completed article, something in the works, or just an initial idea for which you would like our feedback. [End Page 2] Copyright © 2023 The Catholic University of America Press