Devotional Fitness [electronic resource] : An Analysis of Contemporary Christian Dieting and Fitness Programs /
Radermacher, Martin.author.
This book examines evangelical dieting and fitness programs and provides a systematic approach of this diverse field with its wide variety of programs. When evangelical Christians engage in fitness and dieting classes in order to “glorify God,” they often face skepticism. This book approaches devotional fitness culture in North America from a religious studies perspective, outlining the basic structures, ideas, and practices of the field. Starting with the historical backgrounds of this current, the book approaches both practice and ideology, highlighting how devotional fitness programs construe their identity in the face of various competing offers in religious and non-religious sectors of society. The book suggests a nuanced and complex understanding of the relationship between sports and religion, beyond ‘simple’ functional equivalency. It provides insights into the formation of secular and religious body ideals and the way these body ideals are sacralized in the frame of an evangelical worldview.
Includes bibliographical references at the end of each chapters and index.
1 Introduction -- PART I. Theoretical and methodological background -- 2 State of research on devotional fitness -- 3 Goal, theory, and method -- PART II. Body and religion in twentieth century America -- 4 From New Thought to Bod4God -- PART III. Analysis of empirical data: products, narratives, and theologies -- 5 Devotional fitness as discourse and embodied practice6 Between inclusion and exclusion: devotional fitness and its environment -- PART IV. Theoretical reflections—reflecting theory -- 7 Constructing identity from difference -- 8 Reflecting on concepts and approaches -- 9 Conclusions.
This book examines evangelical dieting and fitness programs and provides a systematic approach of this diverse field with its wide variety of programs. When evangelical Christians engage in fitness and dieting classes in order to “glorify God,” they often face skepticism. This book approaches devotional fitness culture in North America from a religious studies perspective, outlining the basic structures, ideas, and practices of the field. Starting with the historical backgrounds of this current, the book approaches both practice and ideology, highlighting how devotional fitness programs construe their identity in the face of various competing offers in religious and non-religious sectors of society. The book suggests a nuanced and complex understanding of the relationship between sports and religion, beyond ‘simple’ functional equivalency. It provides insights into the formation of secular and religious body ideals and the way these body ideals are sacralized in the frame of an evangelical worldview.
Religion.
Aesthetics.
Sociology of Culture.
Religious Studies, general.
Aesthetics.