The development of muscular Christianity in Victorian Britain and beyond

Abstract

The relationship between sport and Christianity during the last one hundred and fifty years has been largely driven by the Victorian concept of Muscular Christianity. This article examines the historical and theological roots of the movement, and how this has contributed to the relationship between sport and Christianity today. Discussion includes an analysis of social and cultural movements that have evolved as a result of the Muscular Christian philosophy. We conclude that Muscular Christianity has had a widespread influence on the development of modern sport and suggest that a revival of many of its ideals could act as an important corrective to the negative influences so pervasive in sport today.