The most highly prized among the Christian virtues had no necessary connection with beauty of feature or strength of limb.

Such beauty and such strength at any rate were accidental, not essential.

A Greek faun could not but be graceful; a Greek hero was of necessity vigorous.

But S.Stephen might be steadfast to the death without physical charm; S.Anthony might put to flight the devils of the flesh without muscular force.

It is clear that the radiant physical perfection proper to the deities of Greek sculpture was not sufficient in this sphere.
Again, the most stirring episodes of the Christian mythology involved pain and perturbation of the spirit; the victories of the Christian athletes were won in conflicts carried on within their hearts and souls--"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers," demoniac leaders of spiritual legions.