Customer Reviews

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

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A very interesting analysis of turn of the century Protestant America that looks at how a new conception of manhood was altering the character of mainline Protestantism to make it conform to ideas of masculinity. In part this reaction was imposed by a broader cultural movement which forced Protestant leaders to co-opt those ideas lest they open themselves up to criticism of overfeminization or lose converts to the secular "strenuous life" philosophy, but in large measure the effort to reemphasize the masculine aspect of Christianity and reassert control over Church life was not a calculated response to outside pressure, but motivated by various social anxieties that lead to new definition of manhood in general. In short, it examines a broad social process applied to Protestantism in particular. In any event, it should prove a very valuable resource for historians and sociologists studying various aspects of turn of the century America.

I have been reading this outstanding book as part of the research for a very complex project. Beyond being delightfully written, with great clarity and lack of pretension, it is vastly helpful as well. Historical analysis always involves, it seems to me, a certain simplification to trace a path, and the idea of "Muscular Christianity" is so resonant a category that it might qualify. But the proof of how valuable it is that it opens up many others interpretative realms for our culture. I am really grateful to this marvelous scholar for his insights. On a personal note, I feel I understand life in our strange culture much better with these analyses as background. And, also, it must be said that the cover photo of a choral group at the YMCA in 1909 is just too good to be true!

This is an excellent book; extensively researched, well-written, engaging, thoughtful and offering a fair treatment of an interesting movement in church history. Many of the issues are surprisingly relevant to today. Highly recommended.