PULL-UPS IN PARADISE is the culmination and creative synthesis of GREG AMUNDSON'S biblical and theological studies at Western Seminary, in addition to 20 years of leadership within the CrossFit(R) community. In this monumental volume of work, Greg demonstrates that the bridge between teaching the principles of athleticism and the tenants of systematic theology are shorter than one might initially think.
3,2,1 Go
PRAISE FOR PULL-UPS IN PARADISE
Few claim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior with as much enthusiasm, or as eloquently and boldly, as Greg does in his new book, Pull-ups in Paradise. Greg's insightful and scholarly presentation of 'The Word' establishes him as a creditable defender of the Christian faith. Greg understands the connection between Mind, Body and Spirit, and how their integration impacts our ability to follow Jesus Christ, and he leads us on that journey with passion and purpose.
-- DR. RON GELLIS, PHD, Clinical, Forensic and Sports Neuropsychologist, and CEO of Integrated Recovery Foundation
In the early days of CrossFit, Greg and I became 'famous' for the battles between us, as we demonstrated 'intensity, ' in the classic CrossFit workouts. These battles with Greg never felt like we were pitted against each other, but instead, we had a feeling of being with each other. Greg's new book, Pull-ups in Paradise, will help show you that with Jesus, you can also be with those you coach, live with, and love, even through the most intense times life throws at you, and especially when the world is telling you it's all about you.
-- JOSH EVERETT, CrossFit Level I Seminar Staff and Strength and Conditioning Coach to Collegiate Athletics and the DOD
Greg Amundson's new book, Pull-ups in Paradise, is the best book I've ever read on the integration of faith and fitness. Greg helps me understand theology in a way that is relatable, applicable to my life as a professional athlete and martial artist, and transformational in my relationship to God.
-- NATHAN MENDELSOHN, World Champion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt
Greg Amundson has the profound ability to write with magical simplicity while maintaining rigorous research and reasoning. Pull-ups in Paradise brilliantly demonstrates this and will be cherished as his best book yet.
-- JASON REDMAN, Navy SEAL (Retired) and New York Times bestselling author of The Trident: The Forging and Reforging of a Navy SEAL Leader
Greg Amundson has been instrumental in helping me see within the pages of the Bible that God loves His warriors. The way that Greg explains theology and doctrine is life changing, and has affirmed in my thinking that God created me with certain skills, abilities, and unique talents that allow me to excel in boxing and in life.
-- ROBERT THE GHOST GUERRERO, Six-time World Champion Professional Boxer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Western Seminary (MA in Ministry and Leadership), GREG AMUNDSON has been an integral part of the CrossFit community since its inception in December 2001. Greg is a former DEA Special Agent and US Army Captain, and holds a Black Belt (Professor) in Krav Maga. He is a Police Chaplain, the founder of Eagle Rise Publishing, and is a 5 time #1 international bestselling author.
GREG AMUNDSON'S new book The Good Soldier portrays biblical leadership and discipleship in a fresh and relevant new way, with meaningful action steps that you can take to fight well, finish the race, and keep the faith. This is the leadership book that is redefining what it means to be a leader and a modern day warrior.
PRAISE FOR THE GOOD SOLDIER
Greg Amundson's new book The Good Soldier contains a visionary message on leadership, self-mastery, and walking the path of a modern day warrior. This is a profound and encouraging read that has reinvigorated my desire to be of service to others. Hooyah JOE DE SENA, Spartan Founder & CEO and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Spartan Up
Greg Amundson is a true warrior leader and monk. His deep commitment to his faith, and ability to communicate that faith through his passion for the warrior mindset, is unparalleled. The Good Soldier is another lighted path that Greg has provided for those searching for Truth. MARK DIVINE, U.S. Navy SEAL (Retired) New York Times bestselling author of The Way of the SEAL, Unbeatable Mind and Staring Down the Wolf
Greg Amundson has the ability to weave the warrior mindset and biblical message in a way that cuts to my heart. His new book The Good Soldier is a resource that I will reference and model in my pursuit of self-mastery and walking the path of a modern day warrior. JAY DOBYNS, ATF Special Agent (Retired) and The New York Times bestselling author No Angel, and Catching Hell
Greg Amundson's new book The Good Soldier teaches the principles of biblical leadership in an awesome way. Greg has a profound ability to integrate Scripture with the warrior mindset, and to relate that integration both in his words and in his life. JASON REDMAN, former Navy SEAL and New York Times bestselling author of The Trident and Overcome
Greg Amundson is one of the most prolific author's and speakers of our time. His new book The Good Soldier is a masterpiece. DR. GABRIELLE LYON, DO, Special Operators Doctor for Task Force Dagger
The Good Soldier is a gem of a book that further demonstrates Greg Amundson's ability to integrate his profound understanding of the Bible with principles of self-mastery and walking the path of a modern day warrior. DAN BRULE', International bestselling author of Just Breathe
When ATHENA PEREZ stood on the scale, it repeatedly blinked error.
She was somewhere near 500 lbs. The exact number she'll never know because the scale was only able to measure weight up to 450 lbs. But, contrary to popular belief, food wasn't the issue.
It was anger, guilt, embarrassment, shame, grief, resentment, and fear. Athena would have to face those feelings to understand her path and cultivate a relationship with the unlikeliest of entities: God.
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR LIFTING THE WAIT
A brave book. Many may have seen her video story but Athena Perez's new memoir Lifting the Wait - a story of triumph and finding a belief and love of self (and God)...it is absolutely incredible to read what she has overcome. The story is told in such a raw and captivating manner that it pulls you in wondering how one person lived through so much chaos Athena tells it like it is, and you find parts of your own story to relate to, no matter how different her struggle might be from your own. The other piece is a real truthfulness in how food can become something it's not to so many of us. Overeating and obesity isn't something many can talk about with authority and really share what it is like. It was so refreshing to read something that resonated in so many ways even though Athena's story is so different than mine. I was obese for 20+ years and for anyone who suffers from disordered eating habits or loves someone who does, you will relate to this story. We are not alone. Athena, by bravely sharing her story, shows us that we don't have to be ashamed of our weight, our past, or stalled by our limited thinking. And that no matter how many times we've been let down, the only way out is through. We can, no matter our past, find trusted communities, coaches, counselors, fellowship, friends, and triumph that ultimately put you on the path to an anything is possible future. Athena's book shows us there is hope and calm beyond the chaos.
-- JEN PENDLETON, author of JenXJourney Blog
This book is an incredible story of Athena's struggles and perspective (many of which are more than most of us have ever had to endure) and the victorious story of how she emerged on the other side of it mentally empowered, healthy and as an inspiring role model who has learned to navigate the very difficult battles of life. Her story is gripping from the very beginning and provides guidance and inspiration to anyone; not just those that have had weight struggles. A must-read
-- GEOFF WESTMORELAND, Attorney, Athlete
Lifting the Wait is the most impactful book I have ever read I could not put this book down It was incredibly relatable to me through the fascinating stories. It also provides the lessons Athena, one incredibly strong woman, had to learn so she could gain peace and understanding. These lessons become blueprints for the reader to examine their own life and find that same thing; those ah-ha moments. This is a must-read
-- SCOTT SWITZER, Host of the Clydesdale CrossFitter and Friends Podcast, Athlete
New from international bestselling author GREG AMUNDSON is a practical, down-to-earth, and enthusiastic explanation of Holy Scripture. Readable in format while substantial in content, Greg's book provides the reader with wisdom and understanding to make the Word of God an active and dynamic part of their modern lives.
Written by Greg following his graduation from Western Theological Seminary, this remarkable book offers a comprehensive tour of biblical and theological topics that are grounded in the living, loving heart of Scripture. Renowned for his ability to integrate scholarly apologetics in a relatable and insightful way, this groundbreaking book will be a cherished resource for thoughtful people who hunger and thirst for knowledge of the Most High.
PRAISE FOR THE WORK OF GREG AMUNDSON
Greg Amundson is a true warrior leader and monk. His deep commitment to his faith, and ability to communicate that faith through his passion for the warrior mindset, is unparalleled.
-- MARK DIVINE, U.S. Navy SEAL (Retired) New York Times bestselling author of The Way of the SEAL, Unbeatable Mind and Staring Down the Wolf
Greg Amundson has the unique ability to relate Scripture in a way that is understandable and life changing.
-- JAY DOBYNS, ATF Special Agent (Retired) and The New York Times bestselling author No Angel, and Catching Hell
Greg has a profound ability to integrate Scripture with the warrior mindset, and to relate that integration both in his words and in his life.
-- JASON REDMAN, former Navy SEAL and New York Times bestselling author of The Trident and Overcome
Greg Amundson is one of the most prolific author's and speakers of our time.
-- DR. GABRIELLE LYON, DO, Special Operators Doctor for Task Force Dagger
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of the University of California at Santa Cruz and Western Theological Seminary in San Jose, Greg Amundson has over twenty years in Military and Law Enforcement service to include details as a Special Weapons and Tactics Team Operator (SWAT) and Sniper in Santa Cruz County, a Captain in the United States Army, a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on the Southwest Border and an Agent on the highly effective Border Enforcement Security Taskforce.
In addition to his extensive government work, Greg is recognized as a thought leader in the field of integrated wellness practices, and is a prolific author and speaker whose message has positively influenced the lives of thousands of spiritual seekers.
Greg is a Krav Maga Black Belt, Reserve Peace Officer, and Law Enforcement Chaplain in Santa Cruz. Greg holds a Masters Degree from Western Theological Seminary in Ministry and Leadership.
Described by his peers as, The most relatable Christian theologian being published today, breakthrough author Greg Amundson merges systematic theology with modern discoveries in neuroscience and kinesiology in a relatable, profound and deeply insightful way.
Greg's new book unpacks the urgency and promised blessing of rediscovering the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through scriptural support and compelling narrative, Greg explains how we can learn to participate with the power of the Holy Spirit by changing our thoughts for the better about what God can do in and through our life.
PRAISE FOR FRESH WIND
Greg Amundson is the most relatable Christian theologian being published today. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, DO, Founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine Greg's new book merges biblical truth and modern breakthroughs in neuroscience in a relatable, profound and deeply insightful way. This book will change your brain and change your life at the same time. Dr. Virginia Johnson, MD, Neuroscience and Christian TherapyGreg's new book calls us to live each moment of the day as a moment carried by the same Spirit who animated the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Gale Heide, PhD, Professor of Theology at Western Seminary
A thorough and faithful theology of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Gary Tuck, PhD, Professor of Biblical Studies at Western Seminary This book imparts to the reader how the connection between the mind, body and Holy Spirit impacts our ability to follow Jesus Christ, and Greg leads us on this path with passion and purpose. Dr. Ron Gellis, PhD, Clinical Director of the PTSD Foundation of America ABOUT THE AUTHOR Greg Amundson is the national bestselling author of The Warrior and the Monk, Gun in Hand - Gospel in Heart, The Good Soldier, Pull-ups in Paradise, and Firebreather Fitness. He is an ordained and ecclesiastically endorsed law enforcement chaplain with two masters degrees from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Greg currently serves in federal law enforcement in locations throughout the United States.