American society loves sports and sports metaphors so it’s not unusual that they would be used tastefully in reference to LDS gospel values.

Using scripture references, uplifting messages, life experiences and quotes from prophets, John Bytheway has released a new book relating gospel principles to our own life struggles through sports.

“Why do we love sports so much?” Bytheway wrote in his book. “Perhaps it’s because a basketball, baseball or football game is like a miniature lifetime — an unscripted, unpredictable drama where determination, adversity, persistence, exhilaration and disappointment are all acted out in front of us … As a teacher, I am constantly looking for life lessons in everyday things, and I can find plenty of them in sports.”

This book can be beneficial to all readers.

“This is definitely something I would read,” said BYU gymnastics team member Kaylee Gallup. “The night before each meet our team has a devotional. We read scriptures, stories or a quote. This would be great for that type of thing.”

His book isn’t only sports metaphors. seret Book, “Readers will appreciate that Bytheway also includes a few lessons not to learn from sports, including boasting, taunting, and the like. Among his sources are Steve Young, Harmon Killebrew, Dale Murphy, Wally Joyner, Bronco Mendenhall, LaVell Edwards, Elder David B. Haight, President Ezra Taft Benson and President Thomas S. Monson.”

Deseret Book, Seagull Book and other LDS publications are selling this book, including the BYU Bookstore.

“I’m getting this for my dad for Father’s day,” said Lacey Dacking, a junior from Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Bytheway is a well-known humorous, motivational speaker for LDS youth. He has written a number of best-selling books as well as audio and video content. He received a master’s degree in religious education from BYU after serving a mission in the Philippines.

“John is a great storyteller,” said Scott Hill, a sports producer at BYU Broadcasting. “He’s often used sports to make a greater point.  I’m sure his book will appeal to everyone.”



Copyright Brigham Young University 27 May 2009