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Analysis Of 'Muscular Christianity' By Gary Thomas

647 Words3 Pages

In chapters nine and ten, the author Gary Thomas does not hold back in his presentation for the need of physical fitness. The information and arguments he provides in these two chapters have applicable truths in them for the reader. I admit that as I read his material I had mixed thoughts, and I agree with the author on several points. Like the author I believe that physical fitness is vital for healthy living. However, there were moments I found dissonance with the author. This is mainly due to his presentation and how he utilized outsourced material to support his argument.
As I read and reflected on the material, I realized that there are several factors that keep me from reaching a healthy fit lifestyle. I also realized that I fall into some of the same pitfalls that the Thomas warns about in chapter nine. Thomas states that “researchers have discovered that you can get an emotional boost from an endorphin-producing workout, in which you lose weight, or a mental boost from eating a comfort food, in which you gain weight” (117). This is probably my biggest issue …show more content…

The main problem with this concept is that the author never distinguishes with enough clarity, how this is a highly Christian ideal. He does offer how this is ideal can be considered a value, however, in a few examples he also shows the negative aspects of this idea/concept. Such as the example of the individual that was involved in a competitive sport. This individual like the physical activity produced by competition, but he also disliked the emotion produced by competition. In addition, his assertion that the church is weak and needs to offer a challenge to those that crave such things in our society, is wrong. The Church does not respond to society, to offer something they desire, we respond because of Christ

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