War, Sports, and the Construction of Masculinity in American Christianity

Abstract

Since at least the late 19th century, American Christians have focused attention on the ways faith promotes (or inhibits) masculinity. ‘Muscular Christians’ in the late 19th century imagined Jesus as a robust, manly figure and encouraged the development of a vigorous, masculine faith on playing fields and battlefields. Subsequent generations of mainline Protestants and evangelicals also promoted American war efforts and latched on to amateur and professional athletics, even though critics pointed out how Christians ignored the violence, corruption, and scandal associated with the army and big-time sports. The alliance of evangelical Christians and masculine institutions like the military and professional football has solidified in recent decades.