The Body Teaches the Soul: Ten Essential Habits to Form a Healthy and Holy Life

by Justin Whitmel Earley

Your body is more spiritual than you think.

How can we preach a gospel of peace, yet still find our bodies wracked by anxiety? How do we call our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit, yet regard eating, exercise, or sleep as inherently "unspiritual" activities? How is it that modern Christians who claim God made their bodies have come to care so little about them?

Justin Whitmel Earley--bestselling author of The Common Rule and Habits of the Household--is intimately familiar with the consequences of ignoring the body. As a young lawyer, Earley collapsed into anxiety and insomnia that nearly ruined his life. In his journey back to mental and spiritual health, he realized that the healthy and unhealthy habits shaping his life weren't physical or spiritual; they were physical and spiritual.

The Body Teaches the Soul is a practical guide to the union of body and spirit in our overall health. With his characteristic vulnerability and story-driven approach, Earley shares personal failures, fascinating research, and biblical wisdom to reveal ten simple habits that will improve your health and deepen your relationship with God. In these pages, you will:

Connect deeply and positively with your body as the image of God while avoiding the mistakes of ignoring or idolizing the body

Explore how daily patterns of healthy eating can be as spiritual as fasting and how rhythms of feasting can become guilt-free celebrations of the world God made

Recover your mental health through upper-brain spiritual truths that work together with lower-brain physical practices to reshape thought patterns

Develop a sleep routine that honors your body's need for rest and your soul's need for sabbath

Discover how to lament sickness and injury while still praying with hope for the miracle of healing

Learn how exercise can create a humble lifestyle of loving others with your body instead of becoming a vain search for body image 


Earley is not a health guru telling you how to get in shape; he is the ordinary Christian's guide to rediscovering the extraordinary gift of the body and the spiritual life that flows from it. Join this journey of wonder and well-being to reconnect with your whole self and repattern your whole life in the image of the God who made you and loves you as you are--body and soul.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Health, Faith, Theology, Christianity

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Justin Whitmel Earley (JD, Georgetown University) is the creator of The Common Rule, a program of habits designed to form us in the love of God and neighbor. He is also a mergers and acquisitions lawyer in Richmond, Virginia. He previously spent several years in China as the founder and general editor of The Urbanity Project and as the director of Thought and Culture Shapers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through arts. He and his wife, Lauren, have four sons and live in Richmond, Virginia.

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books about the human body (health in particular) are flying off the shelves these days. Many of these books have good things to offer in the way of overall fitness and include helpful principles that concern nutrition, exercise, longevity, and sleep.

Justin Whittle Earley’s book, The Body Teaches the Soul: Ten Essential Habits to Form a Healthy and Holy Life. Here, as the title suggests, we are confronted not only with the challenge to pursue a healthy life; we are called to a life of holiness. The combination of these themes makes Earley’s book stand out above the rest.

Christians have a nasty habit of pitting the secular against the sacred, thus buying into a sort of evangelical gnosticism, a theme that the author explores in some detail. The habits commended in this volume are:

Breathing

Thinking

Eating and Drinking

Sleeping

Sickness and Pain

Exercise

Sex

Technology

Worship

Death and Resurrection

Each chapter guides readers on a journey that should challenge them to a life of health and holiness. For my money, the chapter on worship is especially noteworthy. The author alerts readers to the importance of worship, reminding them that “our bodies are fine-tuned to worship.” Central to this chapter is a critical observation, namely - “Everything that is biological is also theological.” Highlighting this theme should be revolutionary for many, as they have been accustomed to emphasizing the spiritual over the physical, thus taking the gnostic bait once again. Chapter ten also emphasizes physical discipline and spiritual discipline, the sum total that equals holistic worship.

One critique of this volume, despite its many praiseworthy elements, is the author’s encouragement for readers to engage in Lectio Divina, the Latin term for “spiritual reading.” This novel approach to interpreting Scripture is highly subjective and is leading the unsuspecting down paths that are not biblical. This ancient practice that many contemporary Christians are utilizing is a dangerous departure from biblical hermeneutics and should be avoided. Or as David Helms implies, it leads us away from the right meaning and right application of a text instead of toward it.” See Tim Challies’ excellent article, A Danger of Lectio Divina for a more comprehensive critique.

Overall, though, The Body Teaches the Soul is a solid offering that I encourage readers to study and apply to their lives.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing

Needed

Must read for Christians

Some key takeaways:
Life hacks for spiritual health.
Health does equal holy!
Don’t ignore emotions but steward them
Everything biological is theological.
Know your body better to better steward it.

I was waiting a long time for this book. So many topics Christians are afraid to grapple and talk about.

I LOVED he how made the connection of the physical to our spiritual soul. This came out of his own deep struggle with depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

He calls for a combination of the physical and spiritual to be able to have a healthy body and puts forth 10 habits to try to implement. He gives the Christian a chance to think Biblically and positively about our body. He focuses on mental health, healthy eating, feasting, sleeping, exercising, lamenting, breathing exercises, and fasting, All together with finding rhythms of life and habits.

It's such needed words to hear. His other books Habits of a Household and The Common Rule are phenomenal. Read him!

We were made in the image of God, why would we not want to be our best selves?

❓What’s one book that makes you stop and do something to better yourself?

💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/

[Blair Brake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and encouraging read!! Check this book out! Think theology of being embodied meets common rule practices for stewarding our embodiment.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers practical steps to implement theological truth about our bodies—embracing both our limitations and our unique abilities in a way that images our Creator. This is a book I will keep referencing again and again.

[Esta Doutrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible primer on the integral role of spiritual disciplines for embodied, wholistic health.

[Jason Albertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a bad book, but it's not the book I was hoping it would be. I think that's how I felt when I read The Common Rule from the same author.

In general, I was disappointed with how little of the Christian tradition each chapter interacted with. Willard shows up a couple times. Piper is quoted once, I think. Hauerwas is footnoted. In contrast, most chapters have an anchoring insight from a pop science/journalism source. For the topics in this book, it's just strange to me how little the Christian tradition explicitly informs the content. It's not as rich as I wish it were.

And hey, I'm a teacher. This is one of my academic interests. Maybe I'm expecting more than I should. As it is, this volume would probably be really helpful for a teen or young professional.

Even so, I wish it were introducing those audiences to the rich streams of the Christian tradition.

"Jason, it's no good bashing this book without giving examples of what would be richer."

Yeah, that's fair.

Across the board, if you work through the John Mark Comer free online course for Practicing the Way - with a group or as a church, if you can - you'll be farther ahead than if you read this book in each of the domains this book addresses, both in terms of theological development and life transformation.

I know it's trendy to hate on JMC for emphasizing *effort* towards growth too much or for drawing from too many theological traditions without naming the differences between them or explaining how he processes the disparities (... yeah, fair). Don't stop with JMC! But if you're at entry-level, you can do *so much* better than this book.

[Clarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I’ve been an admirer of Earley’s work since the first book I read several years ago, and this is no exception. The combination of theory/thought/doctrine and how it meets practical living is so well done, complete with vulnerability and eyes on Christ. This is a book you can’t read without also engaging your heart, and being moved.

The title reminded me of the secular book, “The Body Keeps the Score”, but instead of learning about all the ways our bodies hold trauma, this felt so redemptive by comparison. Looking at our physical bodies as a temple of the Lord transforms everything, and gives everything a new lens. Instead of being trapped in trauma, they can be vessels of redemption while we live here on earth.

Powerful, beautiful read.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy five stars and hands down my favorite book from this author so far. Lots to think about but I love the blend of simple truths, habits to try, and the reminder that God’s love for us shapes our habits, not the other way around.

[Alex Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t think of another author that writes as succinctly and thoughtfully as Justin Whitmel Earley. Another honest, thoughtful, and provocative book. Particularly the chapters on exercise and food.

[Heidi Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, insightful book on how the health and habits of our bodies truly do shape the soul/mind.
The two are so intertwined that we cannot separate them.

My only negative? I listened to the audio book rather than read the physical copy, and there were so many parts I wanted to highlight to revisit later and couldn’t.
Definitely recommend the physical copy.

[Shelby Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!

[Melody Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. It wasn’t necessarily mind blowing, new information, but with each chapter I walked away convicted and given tangible tools and truths that were exactly what I needed in this season of life. I did learn a lot. I had tears in my eyes as it ended and as I reflected on the beauty our bodies and souls and how both are good and God’s creation. Definitely would recommend.

[Whitney Newby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Justin Whitmel Earley's book Habits of the Household... this one, I'd give 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I know I'm in the minority here (so many of my friends have raved about it!), but I just didn't love or really connect with this book. But I also see the extensive thought and research he put into this book, and I commend him for that!

[Kenny Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! I needed this. Justin does it again. Sound theology and practical. The chapters on eating and drinking, exercise, and technology were especially helpful and convicting.

“Your habits of health won’t change God’s love for you, but God’s love for you should change your habits.”

[Sami Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is it - my standout, #1 nonfiction read of the year. Never would I have thought I’d find myself crying through chapters on exercise and the resurrection and the discipline of ordinary fare amidst feasting and fasting. This work is masterful- beautifully written and instantly practical. I will bring it up in every conversation for the foreseeable future and gift it to probably everyone I know.

“When our heads go one way and our habits go another, the heart follows the habit. This is the biblical wisdom of spiritual formation.”

[Stephen Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book I will finish in 2025, and I have read so many good books this year that I did not think it was possible to end on a high note...but it was. This was one of the best and the perfect book to end the year on.

I've read Justin's other book "Habits of the Household," and thought it was phenomenal. Even so, I thought this one was better.

It's not just the clarity with which he writes, or the practicality of the advice he gives (both of which are superb); it's the timeliness of this book. I live in a world where embodiment/the physical body is either worshiped or completely ignored, and in both circumstances abused/wrongfully utilized.

This book paints such a hopeful and helpful picture of how the Christian is to use their body (a powerful and essential part of themselves) to educate and form the soul. It felt like Justin found a missing piece of the puzzle and placed it perfectly into my life.

10/10 recommend, and will be reading again.

[Lesley Kempin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this! As always, Earley does an incredible job of connecting gospel truth to our everyday lives in a tangible and hope filled way. I also appreciated hearing his wife’s perspective on several chapters! I listened to the audiobook but plan to purchase the physical copy to refer to, as it is rich with reminders and tips.

[Simon Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed it. He goes deep enough to challenge and gives a great starting point with balanced ideas for honoring and pursuing God with our physical bodies. Highly recommend.

[Rebecca Joyner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! Listened to it on Spotify but then ended up buying a hard copy because I wanted to more easily be able to see all the diagrams and summary charts referenced. Like most of his writing, it's a very practical book for the believer. I appreciate the science and theology behind many of his points.

[Lauren Nomansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! There were some chapters I wanted to underline everything (his chapter on food alone made this book worthwhile) and others that I didn’t feel as deeply about or fall under the same level of conviction. Nonetheless, I love that he connected the “practical” and spiritual when it comes to our bodies and spoke to some of the cultural extremes and belief systems we’re currently facing.

If anything, I walked away with the encouragement to steward my body well in order to love my people well.

[Joy Terrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I expect I may edit my rating/review after an upcoming book discussion with fellow moms of young kids — looking forward to that!)

There was definitely a good bit of repeat content from The Common Rule, but I haven’t read it in several years, so the refresher was helpful. The new content gave me lots of food for thought and several immediate applications. Some of those for me:
- Breath prayers for patience, stress and fear
- Christian meditation (let me know if you have recommendations on Spotify or other free audio sources)
- Try fasting once a quarter (nervous/hesitant about this since I’ve never fasted)
- Reinstate highs/lows and prayer with Nathan before bed
- Disable some phone notifications and set limits

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enlightening and applicable read on the importance of our physical bodies. I will refer back to many points, especially the overview of feasting, fasting and ferial fair. A podcast I love recently talked about the need to use our wills to proactively structure our lives rather than live reactively and wonder why we don’t do what we want to do. This book lays out some great starting points. Justin finds the necessary balance of convicting and encouraging in order to successfully inspire attainable change. *I also chuckle a lot when I read him.

Key themes/quotes/my thoughts
- In the economy of love, we are blessed in order to bless. We take care of our physical bodies not to live longer, look better, or even just feel better but to love more fully. We fill our bodies with good food, move them (ideally outdoors), give them rest, surround them in community, move them in worship… etc to embody the realities that are already true of us and becoming more true in practice.
- God does not explain pain, but instead walks into it. Suffering apart from Christ hardens us, but suffering alongside Christ makes us soft. The cross means that pain, suffering, hardship, death don’t have the final word but THROUGH them comes new life.
- An overactive left brain leads to rigid analysis without wonder; an overactive right brain leads to creative imagination without clarity.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by how much how enjoyed this book and received a blessing from reading it. I liked this book slightly better than his "Made for People" book from 2023. In this book he shares how he views the relationship between the body, mind and soul with the emphasis on the body and how we treat it. For example, I got some helpful tips from his analysis on how to meditate on Scripture in chapter 2. I liked his conclusion in chapter 10 with the overriding thought: "Go enjoy your life! God made our bodies, saved our bodies through Jesus and promises to raise our bodies to new life." Each chapter ends with a diagram that recaps what was emphasized in each chapter along with key reminders. I also liked that he included his wife's perspective in several of the chapters. I almost wished she had been included more often throughout the book. Each chapter has a physical and spiritual dimension to it to try to apply which appear very practical. Several things to take away and try to apply to my life for sure.

[Anna Joy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. At first I was afraid it was going to be a little too much self help, but it was deeply theological and practical. I always struggle to connect body and soul, but Early provides a compelling argument for why our bodies are made to teach our mind. One of the reasons I think it’s hard for Christian’s to embrace the spiritual importance of the body is because it takes time and discipline unlike the mind where we can just “know something.” The last chapter tied it all together connecting our bodies now to our resurrected bodies. What an amazing truth!

[Janessa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, accessible overview on the importance of our whole person as believers—body, spirit, and soul combined. Taking bodily action leads to our spiritual response. I think this would be a great read to do with a group and implement chapter by chapter.

One specific little thought that struck a deep chord with me was in the worship chapter, he points out the importance of singing for its own embodied sake. The words don't matter alone, or we would speak them. The physical acts of singing, of raising your hands in worship, actually compel your spirit into worship.

[Kayla Ritcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Body Teaches the Soul does the hard work of staying true to the Gospel message while challenging readers to examine ten bodily habits that promote spiritual growth.

Earley argues that God made us with bodies intentionally, so what we do with our bodies matters.

I found this book both convicting and encouraging. I appreciated the reminders in every chapter that our actions don't earn God's love, but God's love does change how we live. I highly recommend it!

[Brenden Wentworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on a practical theology of the body and its relationship to spirituality!

The author is a gifted writer and well-read on many other subjects. For someone that is not a theologian or pastor, this is probably the best written lay-level work on an embodied look at spiritual disciplines

Definitely recommend

[Fiona Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these practical applications of how to have a healthy body and healthy mind as it relates to the way God beautifully made us! This book helped stir up praise for God’s creation and for the beautiful life he gives us. Highly recommend!

[Jory Bayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book I wish I had in college as an exercise science student. Really insightful. My favorite chapters were the ones on breathing, exercise, food, and death.

[Thomas Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this one. Written in a very clear, concise, and engaging way.