Muscular Christianity facts for kids

Illustration by F. R. Gruger for the novel Hepsey Burke, by F. N. Westcott, 1915. The Episcopal rector Donald Maxwell (left) gets little pay because of interference from Sylvester Bascom (right), so Maxwell shovels stone to support himself and his wife. Here he confronts Bascom, who accuses him of having no pride.

Muscular Christianity is a term for a movement originating during the Victorian era. It stressed the need for active Christian activism and belief of vigorous masculinity. It is most associated with the English writers Charles Kingsley and Thomas Hughes, and in Canada with Ralph Connor, though the name was bestowed by others. Kingsley and Hughes promoted physical strength and health (at least for men) as well as an active pursuit of Christian ideals in personal life and politics.

Muscular Christianity has continued itself through organisations that combine physical and Christian spiritual development. It is influential within both Catholicism and Protestantism.

Images for kids

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  Statue of Thomas Hughes at Rugby School. Hughes's 1857 novel Tom Brown's School Days did much to promote muscular Christianity throughout the English-speaking world.

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  A mural in a YMCA emphasizing godliness and physical health

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  The American football player George Wilson prays before a game. Wilson "says he always carries his Christian faith with him" and has received awards for service to the community.

See also

In Spanish: Cristianismo musculoso para niños