
A Little Theology of Exercise
Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul
David Mathis(Author)
Crossway Books (Publisher)
Published on 22. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
128 pages
978-1-4335-9867-8 (ISBN)
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
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
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Wheaton, IL
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 184 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
126 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4335-9867-8 (9781433598678)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
07/2025
Crossway
€8.64
Available for download
Person
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.
Content
Preface
Introduction: Joy Set Before Us
Part 1: Move the Body: Making Exercise Christian
Chapter 1: His Word: What God Says About Our Bodies
Chapter 2: Our Prayers: How We Ask for Help
Part 2: Condition the Soul: Why We Exercise
Chapter 3: For Our God: Glorify Him in the Body
Chapter 4: For the Mind: Build and Condition the Brain
Chapter 5: For the Will: Learn to Lean into the Hill
Chapter 6: For Joy: Seek Satisfaction in Jesus
Chapter 7: For Love's Sake: Get Fit for Good Works
Conclusion: Move the Needle
Acknowledgments
General Index
Scripture Index
Desiring God Note on Resources
Introduction: Joy Set Before Us
Part 1: Move the Body: Making Exercise Christian
Chapter 1: His Word: What God Says About Our Bodies
Chapter 2: Our Prayers: How We Ask for Help
Part 2: Condition the Soul: Why We Exercise
Chapter 3: For Our God: Glorify Him in the Body
Chapter 4: For the Mind: Build and Condition the Brain
Chapter 5: For the Will: Learn to Lean into the Hill
Chapter 6: For Joy: Seek Satisfaction in Jesus
Chapter 7: For Love's Sake: Get Fit for Good Works
Conclusion: Move the Needle
Acknowledgments
General Index
Scripture Index
Desiring God Note on Resources