‘Theologies of the Body’ Devotional Fitness in US Evangelicalism

Abstract

This paper presents cases of religious embodiment which are concrete corporeal manifestations of ‘theologies of the body.’ Beginning in the second half of the 20th century, US evangelicals have developed biblically based dieting and fitness programs which offer a ‘Christian alternative’ to the ‘secular’ fitness and dieting world. These regimens blend elements of bible study and exercise routines, drawing their spiritual authority from divine inspiration. It is not just in well-known liturgical contexts that the presence of God is made sensually perceivable. The often physically exhausting workout routines are considered as ‘spending time with God’ and ‘taking care of God’s temple, your body’ and will be analyzed from the perspective of the embodiment paradigm.