A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul

Book Description

A Pastor Looks at Physical Exercise and Its Potential to Serve Spiritual Life and Joy

We live in an age dominated by screens. For many, life is sedentary, and it’s become increasingly difficult to prioritize physical activity. Quietly conformed to this new normal, they feel sluggish and unmotivated. Others, however, have become entangled in a fitness culture that prioritizes the self, fuels pride, and coddles idolatry. Is it possible to make exercise holy?

A Little Theology of Exercise explores how stewarding our bodies can serve the soul, honor God, and bless others. Combining biblical texts with practical guidance, pastor and author David Mathis encourages readers to embrace modest exercise as a way to deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of Christ and then reflect his love in the world. By placing Christ at the center of physical training, readers will discover a greater joy in exercise and an even deeper joy in their relationship with God.

• Christ Centered: Demonstrates how effective body stewardship serves the soul, fostering the ability to know and enjoy Christ better 
  
• Balanced: Helps readers embrace new healthy habits while navigating the challenges of sub-Christian motivations 
  
• Timely: In our sedentary age, this resource spurs physical movement and aims to enrich spiritual joy
  
• Written by David Mathis: Bestselling author of Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines

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Author

David Mathis serves as senior teacher and executive editor at desiringGod.org; a pastor at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota; and an adjunct professor at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis. He and his wife, Megan, have four children. He is the author of several books, including Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines.

Endorsements

“I’ve spent a lifetime in athletics but never thought this deeply about the glory of God in training the body, mind, and soul. David’s vision (and Scripture’s!) of a vigorous life to the glory of God truly inspires, and I’ll walk into the gym differently this week.”
--Rick Barnes, Head Basketball Coach, University of Tennessee

“In A Little Theology of Exercise, David Mathis has written a unique and timely book to help Christians think spiritually about exercise in a sedentary age. Specifically, he answers the question ‘How can the joy of exercise serve joy in God?’ David skillfully avoids the pitfalls of either idolizing or ignoring the body by presenting a theology of the body from creation to fall to redemption to glorification. And so he presents a short theological manual packed with godly motivations for the use of the body to the glory of God. This book will challenge you, but it will also change the way you think about spiritual pleasure and physical exercise.”
--Gavin Peacock, former professional footballer; Locum Pastor, Bethersden Baptist Church, UK; author, A Greater Glory: From Pitch to Pulpit

“‘Little’ is putting it lightly. David Mathis’s A Little Theology of Exercise is a work for such a time as this. Despite spending more on being healthy than ever before, Americans live in a largely sedentary culture and face a growing obesity epidemic. Given that context, his work strikes a necessary balance between convicting admonitions and instructive exhortations. Filled with biblical truths that highlight the remarkably designed human body with its God-given capacity for exercise, the book provides an excellent theological framework by which Christians should engage in exercise. I am especially grateful for David’s enlightening, embodied approach to exercise, one that recognizes the value of both soul and body health. Whether you exercise five days a week or five days a year, if you desire to glorify God with your life—with your body—I highly recommend his book.”
--Lainey Greer, Founder, Your Body Matters; author, Embodied Holiness: The Biblical Call to Bodily Care

“David Mathis offers a biblical vision for physical exercise that reveals the deep connection between body and soul. Rather than viewing exercise as a secular activity or a means of self-improvement, Mathis reframes it as a God-given gift that can enhance joy in Christ to the glory of God. Whether you’re an athlete or someone simply seeking a more faithful approach to fitness, this book will challenge and encourage you.”
--Jeremy Treat, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Reality LA, Los Angeles, California; Professor of Theology, Biola University; author, The Crucified King; Seek First; and The Atonement

“There is a growing obsession on social media with health matters. Apparently, everyone has a health tip! There’s a type of idolatry and legalism that creeps into such discussions. The solution isn’t to avoid these worthwhile topics but to look at them as Christians should: We are body-souls; and any discussion that considers exercise, for example, should remember that fact. David Mathis has offered a highly useful book that highlights the importance of exercise, but he does not forget that we are made in the image of God, created for his service, and most useful as we give our whole person to the Lord’s work.”
--Mark Jones, Senior Minister, Faith Reformed Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, British Columbia

Additional Information

Cover: Softcover
Number of Pages: 128
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: 2025