October 24, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS – What does faith have to do with fitness? What is the connection between being spiritually well and physically well? Author Tom Hafer answers these questions as he explores the connections between a strong faith and everyday lifestyle choices in his new book Faith & Fitness: Diet and Exercise for a Better World.

Filled with practical ideas about food, exercise, and total wellness, the book explores the connections between real food and "living water;" affluence and "feed my sheep;" exercising for peace; and the relationship between a well congregation and well individuals. Faith & Fitness includes a theology of fitness, directions for exercises at various levels of fitness, and informative material about proper diet that enhances personal health and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

"For someone like me whose life motto is "faith, family, fitness," this book is a must-read. Besides all his very useful tips about proper diet and necessary exercise, Hafer scores big as he powerfully describes how as we maintain the vigorous activities our bodies are designed for, we are not only enhancing our own lives, but are better equipped to serve others, goals every one of us should want to achieve." – Les Steckel, former NFL coach, author and President, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Kansas City, MO.

"Resourceful, anecdotal, factual, insightful, statistical, faithful and spiritual . . . Tom Hafer has given those who care about holistic health yet another gift in Faith & Fitness. In the pages of this book, Tom educates and challenges us in our daily thinking and our life choices. In understandable language, he takes us into the realms of science, medicine, nutrition, physical conditioning, and interpretation of sacred texts and writings. The call to live faithfully, caring not only for the betterment of self but for the well-being and wholeness of others, makes this an important book to read and reread." – Bishop Murray D. Finck, Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

"In an era of affluence, Tom's book takes readers to the Bible basics when it comes to food and exercise. His message couldn't be more clear; eat authentic food and move your body. That is a God-designed prescription for healthy living." – Brad Bloom, President of Lifestyle Media Group and publisher of Faith & Fitness Magazine.

"This soul-searching message challenges each one of us to pursue a more inspirational life to take care of the environment, our health, and to bring about the ultimate of caring for each other and world peace. This book touches our hearts!" – Ardath Rodale, chairman of the board of Rodale Inc., and co-chairman of The Rodale Institute. Noted author of three books and a monthly Prevention magazine columnist.

"Faith & Fitness puts in perspective that being healthy and fit is more than exercise/nutrition. You need to be spiritually fit as well. This book creates an awareness of the daily requirements we need to be healthy physically and spiritually. The book has inspiration with perspiration! – Lance Shore, V.P., Sales & Marketing, Torque Fitness.

"Faith & Fitness demonstrates three changes that can result in faithful and happy lives. First is a shift away from money toward love as the primary motivator for our actions. Second is the move away from a need-to-lose-weight model toward one focused on the need-to-feed-others. Third is the shift to honor our bodies so as to care for others. Packed with practical information and advice about eating and exercising, this down-to-earth book helps us move towards compassionate faith! – Shannon Jung, Professor at Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, and author of Sharing Food and Food for Life, both from Fortress Press.

"Tom Hafer's understanding of the spiritual responsibility we have towards care for the land is clearly in line with both biblical teachings as caretakers (not exploiters) of the earth and with ECHO's (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) philosophy of bringing Glory to God through good stewardship of the land. Faith & Fitness clearly outlines the link between caring for the land that produces our food and the effects the food produced on the land will have on our bodies. – Stan Doerr, Executive Director/CEO, ECHO, Inc.

Tom P. Hafer is a physical therapist, certified athletic trainer, and graduate of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a Masters of Art in Religion.

Faith & Fitness: Diet and Exercise for a Better World, By Tom P. Hafer, Format: 5.5" x 8.5," paperback, 160 pages, ISBN-10: 0-8066-5331-0, ISBN-13: 978-0-8066-5331-0, Price: $14.99/ CAN $17.99, Publisher: Augsburg Books.

To order Faith & Fitness please call Augsburg Fortress at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the Web site at http://www.augsburgfortress.org/.

Augsburg Books