Muscular Christianity

Muscular Christianity is a term applied to a religious movement that originated in England in the mid-19th century. It is an approach to life and social outreach which emphasizes the benefits of sport and other physical exercise, as well as the healthy expression of masculinity. It is accompanied by a belief in discipline, duty and self-sacrifice. The term has been disliked by many of its practitioners.

The movement came into vogue during the Victorian era as a method of building character in pupils at English public schools. It is most often associated with English author Thomas Hughes and his 1857 novel Tom Brown's School Days, as well as writers Charles Kingsley and Ralph Connor.

Connor, Kingsley, and Hughes promoted physical strength and health as well as an active pursuit of Christian ideals in personal life and politics. Muscular Christianity has continued through organizations that combine physical and Christian spiritual development. It is influential within both Catholicism and Protestantism.

The movement does not have a central organization or codified philosophy.