The Mythology of Kobe Bryant: Theology and the Culture of Sport - Paperback

by Darvin Anton Adams (Author), Lewis Brogdon (Foreword by)

Adams defines the mythology of Kobe Bryant as the ways and means in which Kobe's inspirational greatness transcended the culture of sport and the ever-changing context of human existence as we know it. Here the mythological greatness of Kobe Bryant, in life and death, leaves creative space for a knowledgeable interpretation of what made Kobe, to borrow the word of LeBron James, immortal. Whether it was founded in the unfathomable amount of work that Kobe put into improving his basketball game from one year to the next or the creation of the Mamba Mentality that enabled him to teach others how to grow into the best version of themselves, the symbiotic totality of Kobe's ability to be great while inspiring others is worth celebrating. Utilizing biblical studies and theological reflections, this new volume presents Kobe Bryant as an imperfect human being. Through statistical facts, descriptive narratives, and historical analyses, this book also presents a detailed argument as to why Bryant is the greatest basketball player ever. Kobe's Mamba Mentality gives a thick description of his inner drive and his outer thoughts for the purpose of unpacking the contours of Kobe's life as a family man, businessman, leader, and professional athlete.

Author Biography

Darvin Anton Adams is an adjunct professor of theology and biblical languages at Simmons College of Kentucky in Louisville, and pastors the Lane Tabernacle CME Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He also serves as Scholar In-Residence for the Second Episcopal District under Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr. Adams completed his PhD in theology and ethics at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. An eight-time award-winning preacher, Adams is the author of Inner-City Blues: Black Theology and Black Poverty in the United States (2022).