Muscular Christianity: Manhood and Sports in Protestant America, 1880-1920

by Clifford Putney

Dissatisfied with a Victorian culture focused on domesticity and threatened by physical decline in sedentary office jobs, American men in the late nineteenth century sought masculine company in fraternal lodges and engaged in exercise to invigorate their bodies. One form of this new manly culture, developed out of the Protestant churches, was known as muscular Christianity. In this fascinating study, Clifford Putney details how Protestant leaders promoted competitive sports and physical education to create an ideal of Christian manliness.

Genres: History, Gender, Sports, Religion

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2001

Reviews

[Rogue Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Presents the relationships and mechanisms that positioned churches to influence men outside of Sunday services. Reviews not only the YMCA but other men-only institutions and rituals.

[H.C. Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★☆

"Muscular Christianity, Manhood and Sports in Protestant America" is a thought-provoking work that delves deep into the intricate relationship between religion, masculinity, and sports within the framework of American history. A required reading during my college years, the book does an excellent job dissecting the ideology of 'Muscular Christianity'—an ideology that remains surprisingly relevant in contemporary society.

The book's exploration of the historical concept of 'Muscular Christianity' is particularly enlightening. It sheds light on how this ideology has been repackaged and sold to young men in America today by figures such as Jordan Peterson. This ideology, steeped in notions of masculinity and religion, resonates with those feeling disillusioned and seeking a sense of purpose or direction.

However, while the book provides an in-depth understanding of the beliefs surrounding masculinity and religion, it occasionally lacks the necessary nuance to explore the complexity of these ideologies fully. This minor shortcoming, however, does not significantly detract from the overall impact of the book. Many, including myself, have often been baffled at the seemingly incompatible relationship between Masculinity, religion, and sports, and this work does a good job of showing it from the "inside."

In conclusion, "Muscular Christianity, Manhood and Sports..." is a worthy read for anyone interested in understanding the historical and ongoing intersection of masculinity, religion, and sports in America. Although it might not provide all the answers, it certainly poses the right questions and prompts critical thinking about societal norms and beliefs.

[Lance · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read that examines the rise of "muscular Christianity" in America and how that shaped our ideologies, beliefs, and institutions. In particular, many of the predominant cultural ideas about masculinity we have today emerged primarily from this movement that was heavily influenced by Christianity, race theory, and American exceptionalism. Though the religious discourse and overt race theory has mostly disappeared in today's fitness and sport movements, many of these ways of thinking still dominate how we structure discourse and institutions. Reading this will give you a whole new understanding of how we construct masculinity, as well as the sport/fitness "industrial complex" that now plays major cultural and economic roles.

[Hoyden · Rating 5 out of 5]

ever wonder why we have ESPN? ever notice that in church there are some skinny, sad jesuses and then muscular, manly jesuses? what's the deal with the YMCA? read this book. :)

[Melissa Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a good read for a history class I read years ago. So all I can say is that it will provide good info on men and sports of the time period along with YMCA info.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good look at how the misogynist, fundamentalist form of Christianity has developed.