Yoga & Christian Faith

Many Christians today are taught to think that yoga and the Christian faith are opposing forces. Sadly, there are Christian denominations that say non-Christian practices for spiritual and physical well-being are harmful to Christian faith. They make the mistake of confusing non-Christian with un-Christian. In other words, just because something is from a tradition other than the Christian religion (non-Christian), this does not mean that such practices are against Christ (un-Christian). Some of these Christian denominations even go as far as saying that they are the one "true" church, possessing the "fullness" of truth and grace. Consequently, anything I say as a Lutheran pastor here about yoga could be completely dismissed by such groups, based upon a conviction that the tradition I represent is defective and is not a part of the one "true" church (whatever that may be). Be that as it may, the following is a Christian affirmation of the kinesthetic prayer practice, called yoga: Jesus was a lover of humanity and a bridge builder between peoples. He befriended and shared fellowship with people of various cultures, social standings, and religions. He brought together Hebrews and Pagans. He treated all people as children of God: Jews, Greeks, Romans, Syrians, Phoenicians, Samaritans, etc. And he even praised the faith of non-Jews many times, even though he was a Jew himself. Therefore, using Jesus as our model for life, we can also love all humanity and build bridges between various cultures and religious traditions. In fact, if we see the essential spirit of Christ present within the practices of non-Christian traditions (yoga in this case), then we can say that Christ is there within such practices. If one receives grace, peace, renewal, and even a sense of joy, through the practice of yoga, then we can say that Christ is the source of these good gifts. Grace is grace, peace is peace, and so on. There is no such thing as good grace and bad grace, or good peace and bad peace. These spiritual gifts are always good, and all good things come from the all-encompassing God of all. A rose by any other name is still a rose, God by any other name is still God, prayer by any other name is still prayer --- and this includes the kinesthetic prayer practice of yoga. It originated within the Hindu religion, but it's not just for Hindus. Christians can also practice yoga in a way that is faithful to its Hindu origins, but at the same time see Christ in the positive energy for life that yoga promotes. If you are a Christian who practices yoga, you are simply engaging in a kinesthetic form of prayer for the glory of God in all things and for your own benefit and well-being. by Pastor Tim Singleton New Horizons Lutheran Church, Falcon, CO