In God's Grip - by Russell J Levenson (Paperback)

About the Book

"A unique and insightful guide to encourage readers to reflect on their spiritual journeys using the tenets of golf as a medium. Based on legendary golfer Ben Hogan's five basic rules about golf, Levenson's book weaves together inspirational reflections on all aspects of a life led by faith. He parallels the grip of the golf club, the stance, the backswing, and the downswing with facets of Christian life, and ends with how to review the spiritual journey with patience and grace. Every part of the process of golf is analogous to living a life through the Gospels and understanding Jesus. Filled with wisdom from Ben Hogan and important biblical passages, In God's Grip encourages readers to use their love of golf as a catalyst to think deeper about their spiritual relationship with God"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A unique and insightful guide to encourage readers to reflect on their spiritual journeys using the tenets of golf as a medium.

An homage to legendary golfer Ben Hogan's Five Lessons, In God's Grip examines how a life of faith can mirror the game of golf. Through inspirational reflections, Russ Levenson parallels the grip of the golf club, the stance, the backswing, and the downswing with facets of Christian life, and helps you understand how to review your spiritual journey (and your golf game) with patience and grace. Filled with wisdom from Ben Hogan and important biblical passages, In God's Grip encourages readers to use their love of golf as a catalyst to think more deeply about their relationship with God.

Review Quotes

"Golf is a skill that requires practice and that can bring you hours of joy. The Rev. Dr. Russ Levenson shows that faith is a skill that requires practice and that can bring you hours of joy. He is a gifted apologist, pastor, and preacher. All three gifts are apparent in this compelling and beautiful book. Buy it for your friends, family, and for that person you know who just happens to play golf!"

"If golf had been a game played in first century Palestine, undoubtedly Jesus would have told a parable about it. In In God's Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us About The Gospel, Russ Levenson writes beautifully about the spiritual life, using the game of golf and Ben Hogan's timeless lessons. In God's Grip comes from a life devoted to pursuing a relationship with God from the perspective of a seasoned priest and pastor who takes ancient truths and puts them in the context of our 21st-century life. It's a 'must read!'"

"If you enjoy golf, as I do, you think often about how to improve your game. Russ Levenson's well-written, well-researched new book, In God's Grip, is a winsome parable that uses golf to gently confront us with profound, life-changing tips to improve something far more important, our relationship with Christ."

"Russ Levenson has done a masterful job of showing how the game of golf is a metaphor of living a good life through the Gospels and that when we are in 'God's Grip', anything is possible!"

"There is a direct correlation between faith and golf. It is the belief in one's own ability with a clean confidence, and the conviction that God is always in control!! I am grateful for the gift of this book."

"This delightful little book on what golf can teach us about the most important questions people have about their lives is a truly great read. As a former teenage caddy at the oldest 18-hole golf course in North America (the Chicago Golf Club), who once caddied for the likes of Charlie Coody, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Weiskopf, and others, and is now pleased to serve as a divinity school dean, I recommend it wholeheartedly. Kudos to my friend Russ Levenson for combining these passions of his in just the right order."

"If you enjoy golf, as I do, you think often about how to improve your game. Russ Levenson's well-written, well-researched new book, In God's Grip, is a winsome parable that uses golf to gently confront us with profound, life-changing tips to improve something far more important, our relationship with Christ."-- "Max McLean, Founder and Artistic Director, Fellowship for Performing Arts"

"Golf is a skill that requires practice and that can bring you hours of joy. The Rev. Dr. Russ Levenson shows that faith is a skill that requires practice and that can bring you hours of joy. He is a gifted apologist, pastor, and preacher. All three gifts are apparent in this compelling and beautiful book. Buy it for your friends, family, and for that person you know who just happens to play golf!"-- "Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary"

"If golf had been a game played in first century Palestine, undoubtedly Jesus would have told a parable about it. In In God's Grip: What Golf Can Teach Us About The Gospel, Russ Levenson writes beautifully about the spiritual life, using the game of golf and Ben Hogan's timeless lessons. In God's Grip comes from a life devoted to pursuing a relationship with God from the perspective of a seasoned priest and pastor who takes ancient truths and puts them in the context of our 21st-century life. It's a 'must read!'"-- "Fredrick Robinson, Editor, The Anglican Digest"

"Russ Levenson has done a masterful job of showing how the game of golf is a metaphor of living a good life through the Gospels and that when we are in 'God's Grip', anything is possible!"-- "Joe Sweeney, Author of Networking is a Contact Sport"

"There is a direct correlation between faith and golf. It is the belief in one's own ability with a clean confidence, and the conviction that God is always in control!! I am grateful for the gift of this book."-- "Ben Crenshaw, PGA Tour Champion"

"This delightful little book on what golf can teach us about the most important questions people have about their lives is a truly great read. As a former teenage caddy at the oldest 18-hole golf course in North America (the Chicago Golf Club), who once caddied for the likes of Charlie Coody, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Weiskopf, and others, and is now pleased to serve as a divinity school dean, I recommend it wholeheartedly. Kudos to my friend Russ Levenson for combining these passions of his in just the right order."-- "Doug Sweeney, Dean of Beeson Divinity School"