Muscular Christianity (1880-1920)
*Photo by Ron Jones/The Lean Berets. Copyright 2014
We have talked before about the “Golden Era” of American Physical Education and Fitness which was from about 1885-1920. America’s national interest in the physical culture reached into Christian churches as well. There was a time between 1880-1920 when Christians did not show up each Sunday for church loaded with donuts–they packed STRENGTH and lean muscle. Next to their bibles were Indian Clubs, heavy medicine balls, dumbbells along with quality gymnastics and calisthenics. “Muscular Christianity: Manhood and Sports in Protestant America” by Clifford Putney is a nice read if you have interest in this area.
While we take no specific religious position publicly at The Lean Berets, if you want to talk someone into a certain way of living or belief system–your carriage and posture matters. How convincing is your carriage, posture, and physicality today for your position? Do you convince for the good life?
In the Muscular Christianity era, they believed the best witness was to develop a strong body with a sound mind. During 1880s, Muscular Christianity in America was a prominent force in developing the YMCA (Youth Men’s Christian Association). In fact, the red triangle in the “Y” logo represents the Christian ideal to develop wholistically in THREE important areas of health…“body, mind, and spirit.” Muscular Christianity in America was also directly tied into patriotism and preservation of country. Can you do all of this today with donuts alone?
Muscular Christianity Links:
- Muscular Christianity: Manhood & Sports in Protestant America (1880-1920) (By Clifford Putney)
- The Indian Club Exercise & Muscular Christianity (American Journal of Public Health)
- YMCA History in America (Cleveland YMCA)
