David S. Steele's Blog

John Cooper, Wimpy, Weak, and Woke: How Truth Can Save America From Utopian Destruction (2023), 506 pp.

On November 14, 2023, “Wimpy, Weak, and Woke: How Truth Can Save America From Utopian Destruction,” written by Skillet frontman, John Cooper, hit the shelves. Within a few scant hours, several one-star reviews appeared on Amazon. Since I had already read one-third of the book and benefited from Cooper’s content, I posted a short line on Facebook in a show of support for the book:

Disregard all the petty and cowardly reviews of the new John Cooper book.Wimpy, Weak, and Woke is an important book for followers of Christ to digest and meditate on.

Almost immediately, leftists assaulted my Facebook wall with inflammatory language, targeting both John Cooper and me. Within 48 hours, I received almost three hundred negative responses to my post.

What is it that draws the ire of this small army of protesters? Several themes emerge in Wimpy, Weak, and Woke. First, this book is unashamedly biblical. John Cooper is a man of the Book. He is unwilling to compromise the truth of Scripture. Page after page, he articulates a Christian worldview that is faithful to the testimony of Scripture. For that reason, his critics mock him with vicious criticism and scathing reviews.

Second, Cooper’s writing is bold. This writer pulls no punches. He is quick to tell the truth and is unafraid of confronting the wolves. His writing is reminiscent of J.C. Ryle, who wrote:

Strive to live a courageous life. Confess Christ before men. Whatever station you occupy, in that station confess Christ. Why should you be ashamed of him? He was not ashamed of you on the cross. He is ready to confess you now before his Father in heaven. Why should you be ashamed of him? Be bold. Be very bold. The good soldier is not ashamed of his uniform. The true believer ought never to be ashamed of Christ (Holiness, 302).

Third, Wimpy, Weak, and Woke exposes the lies of the enemy. Mr. Cooper addresses the social justice movement. He confronts cultural Marxism and gnosticism. And he deals with sexual sin directly. Cooper writes, “Do I sound extreme when I say that Marxism and its offshoots are diabolical, demonic, or satanic? Frankly, what I find extreme is how sympathetic modern Christians have become to atheistic worldviews, desperately attempting to find common ground with the doctrine of demons.” He clearly states at the beginning of the book, “This is the woke gospel: salvation through virtue signaling.”

Fourth, this book uncovers the truth about postmodernism and “progressive Christianity.” The ugly underbelly of each movement is revealed, which is moral relativism made popular in our generation. Cooper writes:

Christians have embraced progressivism as a counterfeit way of expanding what they believe is the gospel of the Kingdom. Progressives are attempting to build their perfect world – utopia. When Christians cannot discern the difference between the Kingdom of God and utopia, they get duped into building secular utopia, which often makes them the tip of the spear against utopia’s number one enemy – traditional Christianity.

John Cooper put everything on the line in this book. Clearly, he understands the stakes. He writes, “These days it is the person who is devoted to biblical truth who is accused of being divisive. Those who hold fast to the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God are treated as outdated and retrograde. We are viewed as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who rejected Him.”

I commend Wimpy, Weak, & Woke to the next generation of Christian leaders. John Cooper will encourage you to be faithful in the Christian life. He will embolden you to stand strong when the persecution is fierce. And he will inspire you to march steadily to the shores of the Celestial City.

Matthew McCullough, Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2018), 185 pp.

The subject of death is off limits in our culture. Sadly, many churches say very little about death. For this reason, Matthew McCullough’s book, Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope is a much-need tonic.

McCullough guides readers down the pathway to hope by first acknowledging the reality of death. He establishes this trajectory early in the book:

Before you long for a life that is imperishable, you must accept that you are perishing along with everyone you care about. You must recognize. that anything you might accomplish or acquire in this world is already fading away. Only then will you crave the unfading glory of what Jesus has accomplished and acquired for you. And you need to recognize you are going to lose everything you love in this world before you will hope in an inheritance kept in heaven for you.

One of the great strengths of Remember Death is facing the subject without equivocation. McCullough writes, “Death is an intrusion into the perfect world of the Creator designed by that same Creator to make a point. Death is a punishment for human pride. It exposes our foolish confidence in our freedom to be whoever we want to be.” But the reader is never left dangling. At every juncture, hope is offered and the vista of heaven is on the horizon.

Ultimately, death reveals what awaits each one of God’s elect, a heavenly home, where sin is extinguished forever. The author returns to this theme throughout the book by directing the reader’s attention to the Word of God, his promises, and the triumphant gospel of Jesus Christ.

Remember Death is a much-needed antidote to the pragmatism and man-centeredness that pervades the church. I commend it without reservation.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Frederick III secured the services of a twenty-eight year old theology professor from Heidelberg University named Zacharias Ursinus and a twenty-six year old preacher named Casper Olevianus to pen a catechism that would help disciple young people. This catechism would also be a tool for pastors and help them shepherd the flock. It has proven to be one of the most influential catechisms in the history of the church.

The Heidelberg Catechism, published in 1563, is warm, thought-provoking, and easy to understand. But most important, it is biblical. The authors’ careful and systematic approach to God’s Word has encouraged discipleship that is both profound and authentic.

Holy Excavation: Unearthing Seven Treasures in the Heidelberg Catechism, by Dr. David S. Steele will help readers explore the timeless biblical truths of the Christian faith and equip them to serve in God’s kingdom.

Endorsements

“I was so encouraged to see such a treasure trove of Christ-centered practical theology in one place. Reading Holy Excavation is indeed like mining ‘spiritual gold.’ Dr. David Steele has done it again. He’s written a book that will especially help new believers discover the depths of the treasures to be found in the application of the gospel from a theological and catechetical masterpiece that deserves to be mined from the Heidelberg Catechism. Take up and read and bask in the infinite treasures to be stored up in your heart and mind from this wonderful book.”

— DR. DAVID P. CRAIG, Lead Pastor, Marin Bible Church, San Rafael, CA and Founder of Vertical Living Ministries

“Holy Excavation is a pastoral masterpiece that holds high God’s Word against the soul-destroying ideologies of our day. Dr. David Steele highlights seven life-defining realities of the Christian life that will encourage and strengthen your faith. This accessible and tremendously refreshing book will cause you to glory in the greatness of God, the wonder of the gospel, and the matchless love of Jesus Christ!”

— JEREMY PICKENS, Senior Pastor, Good Shepherd Bible Church, Ferndale, WA

“Dr. Steele unfolds the timeless truths of Scripture to guard us and help us accurately perceive our God, ourselves and our secure future in Christ. Holy Excavation entices believers to spend methodical time in the great confessions of the faith and is a penetrating, all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of gospel realities that will anchor your soul in the Savior.”

— MARK LIND, President, Whitefield Global College, Bellingham, WA

“Holy Excavation is an outstanding resource for the church, offering a historically accurate and solidly biblical gleaning of truth in the Heidelberg Catechism. David Steele has given both depth and clarity in this book. He provides an insightful exploration of this treasured confession, demonstrating its continued relevance for Christian faith and practice. Readers will appreciate the book’s impactful coverage, weaving together theological precision with real-life application. Whether used for personal study, group discussion, or church teaching, this work serves as a wonderful guide to understanding the rich doctrines of grace that have shaped Reformed theology for centuries. In an age where many struggle with biblical literacy, this book stands as a vital tool for grounding believers in the gospel’s truth. I highly recommend it to pastors, teachers, and all who desire to grow in their knowledge of God and his Word.”

— JOSEPH COY, Senior Pastor, The Bridge Church, Longview, WA

“In a day and age when we desperately need God’s people to stand biblically firm—even in the face of ‘cancel culture’ — this little volume will not only point you to Christ, but also help you apply his transforming truth. Pastor Steele’s excavation of the Heidelberg Catechism will refresh and encourage your soul to ‘… lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us’ (Heb. 12:1). As you engage with the gospel truths found within these pages, I am confident this book will serve you well in your pursuit of Christ and the holiness found only in him.”

— BRYAN PICHURA, Senior Pastor, Mt. Olivet Church, Huron, SD

“What a great little book. David Steele’s, Holy Excavation is a deep dive into the first question of the Heidelberg Catechism. David is able to excavate seven timeless treasures from the answer to this first question. While doing this he also hits on a plethora of topics that are important for Christian living. In the end, David helps us all to remember many timeless truths of the Christian faith and the promises that we have in Jesus.”

— AARON MARSHALL, Ratio Christi Chapter Director, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT

Available now at Amazon.com

For a limited time, the Kindle version of Spineless: Restoring Courage and Conviction to the People of God is available for only $2.99.

The book addresses the insipid kind of “Christianity” that has subtly slipped into the church. It carefully diagnoses the decline of Christian courage and traces its tragic demise. The book sets forth a carefully crafted plan for recovering lost ground in our generation. And it presents biblical strategies for restoring our spiritual muscle and sets a course for moving forward with bold courage and conviction in a world that is hostile to the historic Christian faith.

“Every generation of church history demonstrates that the people of God must exercise courage and conviction in order to pass on the truth to the next. In our own generation, we have seen countless men and women capitulate God’s truth in exchange for cultural relevancy. Spineless is the manifesto we so desperately need. Thoroughly biblical, David Steele has served the church well by setting courage and conviction as the necessary virtues that will ensure that believers never surrender the high ground of God’s truth in Christ.”

–DR. DUSTIN BENGE, Provost and Professor of Church History, Union School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales

“Spineless is a call for courageous and convictional Christianity in the midst of an evangelicalism that is often more prone to capitulation than to fearless proclamation Author David Steele, identifies the problems afflicting both the church and the world but he is not content to simply “curse the darkness”; he shines the light back to the path of courageous Christianity. The need is great. The stakes are high. The time is now to stand up for truth and to stand confidently on God’s inerrant Word. Steele skillfully utilizes history, theology, and worldview scholarship as he illustrates the biblical call to courage. This book is biblical, timely, and needed. You will learn, grow, and be challenged to a life of courageous faithfulness. I recommend this excellently written work.”

–DR. RAY RHODES, JR., Author of Yours, Till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon and Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon.

“This is a timely call from Pastor Steele to avoid, in a time of great opposition to the Christian faith, the sin Christians fall into of passivity and cowardice. It is a helpful reminder of the importance of staying rooted in Scripture and being helped by the example of heroes of the faith, like the OT prophets, the apostles, the Reformers, the Huguenots, and the Puritans. Also being instructed by theologians like Luther, Calvin, Bavinck, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J.I. Packer, C. S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer and Al Mohler in his book, The Gathering Storm. Specifically, strong Christians must settle the matter of worldviews, and be aware of the stark contrast between biblical Christianity and false religious and philosophical systems of our day, knowing that only the Christian worldview is sufficient.”

–DR. PETER JONES, Director, TruthXchange; author of The Other Worldview, Escondido, CA

“My comrade in ministry has hit another home run with this book. One of the most detrimental quotes attributed to Francis of Assisi so many Christians have latched onto is the saying, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” Dr. Steele balances this ancient pragmatism with the facts that those who have most, and will most transform society are those who know the Word, are convinced and convicted of its authority and truth, and apply it daily in their thoughts, hearts, actions and proclamation of the gospel. Never more than today do we need men and women of conviction that know their Bibles and proclaim and live its message boldly with grace and truth. Thanks again, Dr. Steele for such a motivational manifesto to be theologically and theocentrically courageous in our time by speaking and proclaiming the gospel clearly and loudly.”

–DR. DAVID P. CRAIG, Lead Pastor, Valley Baptist Church, San Rafael, CA

“In his latest book, Spineless: Restoring Courage and Conviction to the People of God, David Steele takes readers by the hand and guides them as only a pastor-theologian par excellence can into the rich soil of biblical-theological convictions that will help shape their lives. In our day, we need Christians who are unafraid of the truth and unashamed to stand upon God’s Word. David, in this work not only gives the correct diagnosis, but the remedy to the ills of why many Christians lack a backbone by steadying our gaze upon the biblical text and the person and work of Jesus Christ. By doing so, he helps his readers discover from the Bible and Church History how men and women of God have stood upon the truth of God’s Word with courage and conviction. Wherever you are at in your walk with the Lord and whatever station you have in the church reading, Spineless will help you grow and be shaped by the Word of God, for a life lived under the gaze of God, for the glory of God.”

–DAVE JENKINS, Executive Director, Servants of Grace Ministries, Executive Editor, Theology for Life Magazine, Host, Equipping You in Grace, Teacher, Servants of Grace and Warrior of Grace Podcasts

“Drawing from the rich legacy of bold and courageous men of church history, and chock-full of sound biblical teaching, Spineless is a must read for all Christians who desire to boldly live with courage and conviction in an age of timidity and rampant compromise.”

–JEREMY PICKENS, Senior Pastor, Good Shepherd Church, Ferndale, WA

“I not only highly recommend this book to you, but just as importantly, its author. Dr. David Steele doesn’t just write words well, he lives them out. His character is worthy of emulating and his writings should be read and reflected on. We need more men like Pastor Steele, men of Gospel grit, who confront our age’s spinelessness with courage and boldness.”

–BRYAN PICHURA, Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Church, Huron, SD

“The negative effects of pride and domineering church leadership have been well documented, but not enough has been said and written about the perils of cowardice and passivity. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and personal life experience, Dr. David Steele pens a well-researched book for Christians to get serious about being men and women of courage. The amount of relevant church history references in this book is stunning. It’s the kind of book that will be particularly suitable for young Christians.”

–DAVID QAOUD, Associate Pastor, Blogger, Bethesda Evangelical Church, St. Louis, MO gospelrelevance.com

Available now on Amazon

Matthew McCullough, Remember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2025), 157 pp.

Heaven is not only the final resting place for the people of God; it is what they long for the most. Yet, too many times, Christians become fixated on earthly things. Matthew McCullough’s book, Remember Heaven: Meditations on the World to Come for Life in the Meantime is an encouraging reminder to focus on our future home.

McCullough sets the parameters early in the book. He writes, “I want to show that the issue is not whether you love this world and its joys, its people and their needs. The question is whether you have any hope beyond this world and what it has to offer. In other words, he reframes the trajectory for Christians and challenges them to orient their hearts and minds heavenward. He adds, “Heavenly-mindedness is absolutely vital because what we want or expect from our future has a huge effect on our experience in the meantime. We humans are future-oriented creatures whether we like it or not.”

The author argues his case for heaven with skill and biblical fidelity. Seven chapters drive readers deeper into the reality of heaven, each one touching on a theme that resounds with gospel hope. The wisdom of the Puritans saturates this work, which bolsters its credibility and invites a more thorough investigation of our heavenly home.

John Bunyan offers this stunning insight as he describes the travelers in The Pilgrim’s Progress at the end of their journey:

Thus therefore they walked on together; and as they walked, ever and anon these trumpeters, even with joyful sound, would, by mixing their music with looks and ges-tures, still signify to Christian and his brothers how welcome they were into their company, and with what gladness they came to meet them.

Remember Heaven is an invitation to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2).

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

For a limited time, the Kindle version of A Christian Reading Manifesto by David Steele is only $2.99!

Reading is a discipline that allows us to explore new frontiers and supercharge our intimacy with God. It is one of God’s appointed means of helping us grow in our knowledge of Christ and love for him. Yet many Christians are reluctant to read and as a result, are spiritually malnourished.

A Christian Reading Manifesto is a brief rationale and apologetic for Christ-followers. It is both a challenge and an invitation to enter the world of reading to help accelerate sanctification and Christian growth.

Endorsements

“Dr. David Steele is a reader! I don’t know another person as deeply committed to a daily, disciplined pattern of reading and learning as this seasoned pastor and author. His new book, A Christian Reading Manifesto: A New Resurgence of Learning, is designed to help other Christians embark on a literary journey. Steele begins by pointing out how reading fuels our minds for productive thinking and ignites our hearts with a greater love for God. Recognizing the obstacles which hamper serious reading, the author offers helpful insights on how to avoid the lure of digital media and mind-numbing images. I was personally motivated by his encouragement to read ‘with the aim of becoming a lifelong learner.’ The ‘added value’ of Steele’s book is a list, categorized topically, of books he has read and recommends. This bibliography is a treasure that is worth the price of the book! I enthusiastically endorse and recommend David Steele’s, A Christian Reading Manifesto.”

— DR. J. CARL LANEY, Professor Emeritus, Western Seminary, Portland, OR; author of The Divorce Myth.

“Dr. Steele provides a fresh look at an age-old idea: that believers should know what they believe and prioritize their lives accordingly. A Christian Reading Manifesto is a must-read for any believer making an effort to reorient their lives toward that which matters: to return to the purer and baser points of spirituality, to take their souls seriously, to remind themselves that there are resources that have been and are being neglected, and to love God with all of their minds. I highly recommend Dr. Steele’s work and will be recommending it to my congregation.”

— DR. DANNY GARDNER, Senior Pastor, Highland Baptist Church, Westminster, CO

“As a Christian Educator, I am grateful for Dr. Steele’s faithfulness to doctrinal truth, the written Word and the great books of the faith. A Christian Reading Manifesto is a timely and compelling call to action that inspires the next generation of Christians to sharp eyes, soft hearts and sanctified minds.

I had the blessing and honor of studying school leadership under David Steele’s father. David continues his father’s legacy of clear, faithful teaching that balances faith, excellence and scholarship. This book is a clear reflection of those values. I want to encourage you to prayerfully join Dr. Steele in his celebration and call to become a Christian reader!”

— BOB RUHLMAN, Superintendent of Schools, Christian Unified Schools, El Cajon, CA

“Whether you are new to the Christian faith or a seasoned saint, I encourage you to read A Christian Reading Manifesto. Your mind will be enriched, your heart will be encouraged, and your feet will be set to action as you are exhorted to put into practice what you’ve read, while continuing in your journey of studying sound Christian literature. A Christian Reading Manifesto is a treasure to help you to grow in your discernment so that your faith can be Word-grounded and Word-shaped in this present age.”

— DAVE JENKINS, Executive Director, Servants of Grace Ministries, Executive Editor, Theology for Life, Host and Producer, Equipping You in Grace, and Contending for the Word; author of Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime.

Pick up your copy of A Christian Reading Manifesto today!

 ME:“Doc, I cycle 100 miles a week, burn at least 10,000 calories a week, take fish oil, and I’m eating better.  I even take advantage of “nature’s broom” by eating oatmeal almost every day.  However, my cholesterol just won’t drop.

DOCTOR: “Because of family history and genetics, you simply won’t be able to lower your cholesterol without a statin.”

So for the several years, I’ve taken a well-known statin and the results have been favorable.  However, Drs. Jonny Bowden and Stephen Sinatra disagree with the notion that lowering cholesterol prevents heart disease.  Their book, The Great Cholesterol Myth contains an argument that pumps feverishly through the arteries of this book: The real causes of heart disease include four key factors, namely – inflammation, oxidation, sugar, and stress.  The authors contend the real tragedy is the fixation with cholesterol which has produced an industry that boasts over $30 billion a year in the statin market.  In a shocking statement, both authors maintain, “Cholesterol does not cause heart disease.”

Bowden and Sinatra point out that cholesterol is vital for healthy living: “Cholesterol is an essential molecule without which there would be no life, so important that virtually every cell in the body is capable of synthesizing it.”  For over fifty years, the so-called lipid hypothesis has dominated the medical community which essentially states that “saturated fat runs up cholesterol levels, and elevated cholesterol leads to heart disease.”  The hypothesis has never been proved but continues to rule in the hearts and minds of most Americans.

One of the most helpful aspects of The Great Cholesterol Myth is the discussion about the importance of coenzeme Q10 (better known as CoQ10) which serves an important nutrient, a sort of fuel source for the heart.  Statins deplete CoQ10 which may lead to muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue.  Yet none of the doctors that have prescribed a stain in my case have ever mentioned that importance of supplementing with CoQ10.  The authors plead with readers who take statins to immediately begin supplementing their cholesterol lowering drug with  CoQ10 – a minimum of 200 mg daily.

Dr. Sinatra admits that he still prescribes statins on occasion but “almost exclusively to middle-aged men who’ve already had a first heart attack, coronary intervention, or coronary artery disease.”  He argues, “Statin drugs are anti-inflammatory, and their power to reduce inflammation is more much important than their ability to lower cholesterol.  But [and here’s the clincher] we can lower inflammation (and the risk for heart disease) with natural supplements, a better diet, and lifestyle changes such as managing stress.”

The authors reveal a fascinating study that includes five factors that significantly lowered the risk for heart disease:

1. Don’t smoke.

2. Drink alcohol in moderation.

3. Engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise for at least half an hour a day on average.

4. Maintain a healthy weight (BMI under 25).

5. Eat a wholesome, low-glycemic (low-sugar) diet with plenty of omega-3 fats and fiber.

Notice that lowering cholesterol is painfully absent from the list.  Perhaps this is why, as the authors note, “Cholesterol is a relatively minor player in heart disease and a poor predictor of heart attacks.  More than half of all people who are hospitalized with heart attacks have perfectly normal cholesterol levels.”

The heart of the book explores the real culprit behind heart disease.  The authors dogmatically claim “the true cause of heart disease is inflammation” or as they put it, “acute inflammation hurts, but chronic inflammation kills.”  Second, oxidation is one of the sure signs of inflammation, which leads to a fascinating conclusion, namely – the only time cholesterol becomes troubling is if it’s oxidized (or damaged).  Third, the authors note that “sugar is a far greater danger to your heart than fat ever was.”  They go on to demonstrate that “the number one dietary contributor to heart disease is sugar.”  Finally, stress is included as a major cause of heart disease.

Bowden and Sinatra wonder out loud if statins will become the next medical tragedy – quite comforting to anyone who has relied on statins for years on end!  Side-effects are explored, which is well documented, and side-effects which I have personally experienced.  But the alarming news is that some researchers are warning that statins may contribute to Alzheimers, thinking skills, and memory.  One researcher comments, “Cholesterol changes the shape of the protein to stimulate thinking and memory.”  But the fact that is most often repeated is ability of statins to deplete the body of CoQ10.  “The depletion of CoQ10 is one of the most important negative effects of statins, and the one that is pretty much responsible for a host of common side effects involving muscle pain, weakness, and loss of energy.” To summarize, the authors maintain the risk of using statins outweighs the rewards.

Finally, Bowden and Sinatra explore how supplements can lead to heart health such as vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats included in wild salmon.  Additionally, they recommend that stain users immediately begin to supplement their diet with CoQ10.  “Just as a gasoline engine can’t work without spark plugs, the human body can’t work without CoQ10.”

I am not ready to pitch my statin until my doctor recommends doing so.  But The Great Cholesterol Myth has got me thinking.  And it has led to some concrete action steps such as implementing CoQ10 into my daily diet.  I’m actually looking forward to my next doctor visit – where my list of questions will be long.  Let’s just say, I’ll be getting my money’s worth that day!

Kevin DeYoung, The Nicene Creed (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2025), 93 pp.

“After the Bible, the Nicene Creed may be the most important Christian text ever written.” So writes Kevin DeYoung in his book, The Nicene Creed. The author sets the stage by supplying the historical background behind this ancient document. A dispute arose in Alexandria, Egypt in AD 318 when Arius began to fan the heretical flame which eventually led to the Council of Nicaea.

The beauty of DeYoung’s book is that he walks through the Nicene Creed, line by line, giving readers ample time to digest the statements and compare them with Scripture. The statements from the Nicene Creed may also be set in contrast to the heretical musings of Arius, not to mention modern day cults like the Watch Tower Society and The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.

The Nicene Creed is the perfect place to begin for anyone who is seeking a greater knowledge of church history and the importance of orthodoxy. The combination of clear writing and passion for biblical truth make this book an essential tool in every Christian’s library.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

David Mathis, A Little Theology of Exercise (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2025), 109 pp.

Christians rightly reject the ancient heresy of Gnosticism. This diabolical worldview maintains that spirit is good and body is evil. Yet many Christians unwittingly embrace a sort of Gnosticism when they neglect and minimize the body. A sedentary lifestyle is the norm in many churches, where exercise is viewed as a necessary evil.

David Mathis sets the record straight in his helpful and illuminating book, A Little Theology of Exercise. The book is as brief as it is bold. It offers a gracious rebuke to anyone who downplays exercise. But positively, it affirms and encourages Christians to commit to the discipline of exercise. The author writes, “One of the reasons I take exercise seriously, rather than neglecting it, is precisely because of how it serves the joy, strength, and stability of my soul.” He argues that “exercise makes happier humans, and God made humans to be happy – in him.”

Part 1: Move the Body

Mathis establishes the foundation in part one. His aim is to demonstrate that exercise is a distinctly Christian idea. There is an anti-body sentiment that Scripture opposes. 1 Timothy 4:4-5 says, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”

Our bodies were formed by God and belong to God. Therefore stewardship of the body is not only essential as a part of Christian discipleship; it plays a key part of what it means to glorify God.

Mathis holds that God is for the body. As such, he commends exercise. As important as maintaining a physically fit body is, spiritual health is our primary concern. This theme is missing in the vast majority of books that commend exercise. Also missing, is the hope of glorification in eternity future. “Our future,” writes the author, “will be forever embodied – beyond our best imagining.” For Christians, “the dishonor of death will give way to the glory of resurrection.” Philippians 3:20-21 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”

Part 2: Condition the Soul

The rationale for exercise is presented in part two. Our aim is to glorify God in our bodies. We also commit ourselves to exercise for optimal brain health. The benefits are numerous and the documentation is staggering for anyone with ears to hear.

An important rationale for exercise that Mathis presents involves seeking satisfaction in Christ. “God made our bodies to be healthier and happier as they move … Without bodily movement and exertion, our brains don’t get all the help they need to stay balanced and happy,” writes Mathis.

But the missing link the author provides involves the pursuit of joy in God. “Body stewardship stands or falls on whether it supports the pursuit of joy in God.” This emphasis, one that is missing is most books devoted to exercise, is what sets this resource apart. The focus is spiritual health and God-centered joy!

In the end, physical exercise will help meet the needs of others in love. In other words, when our bodies are in optimal shape, we have the stamina and strength to reach out to others and make a difference in the kingdom of God.

A Little Theology of Exercise should be devoured by Christians. David Matthis puts his finger on a subject that has been neglected for too long in the church. Perhaps one day, we’ll look back and thank him for establishing a new trajectory of health, happiness, and holiness – with the aim of glorifying God and finding our daily joy in him.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Anyone familiar with John Owen will recognize that he is without a doubt the titan of the Puritans. This seventeenth British theologian was a prolific author who always directed his attention Godward.

The Complete Works of John Owen, volume 19 is the most recent edition from Crossway Books. This elegant work is packed with sermons from the Commonwealth and Protectorate (1650 – 1659). Owen is a man of his times. His writing may be cumbersome for the contemporary reader. He writes at a level that most American readers are not accustomed to. Yet, his arguments are worth tracing out and studying.

Volume 19 contains nine sermons that focus on themes concerning providence, the advance of the kingdom, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the glory of God. Readers will be captivated by Owen’s knowledge of Scripture and love for the Savior.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.