Yoga and Christianity: Finding Balance Between Faith and Practice

Being a Christian, I have realized that there are very few things that are wrong with yoga according to Christian standards. While some people argue that yoga and Christianity cannot be practiced together, it is crucial to note that yoga is not a religion. This perspective can be different, however, as recently, I have heard that Kundalini yoga is “new age magic” and once heard a person say, “Good Christians should not practice Satan’s exercise,” meaning yoga.

These opinions are similar to the hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials in history. Notably, ministers and priests have been using meditation for many years without any negative effects. The essence is in what one concentrates on; if one concentrates on negative thoughts, then he or she is likely to have a negative experience.

It has been somewhat of a challenge for me because I enjoy yoga, but I do not wish to offend God. Most of the aspects of yoga and meditation are secular. What kind of religion would yoga be if it were one? They are general and the Yamas and Niyamas are like the Ten Commandments, advice that can be taken by anyone. Yoga is a practice which you can pick and choose what you like as a Christian and avoid the things that you do not like such as the communal ashrams.

Yoga and meditation can improve spiritual relationships for Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. However, some people are concerned that yoga may lead people to switch their religion. This concern typically stems from two perspectives:

The ones who are not sure about their stand in religion and are in search of some guidance.
Those who have a very low tolerance to change or anything that might challenge their existing knowledge.

This bigotry must end now. Let’s be role models in our daily lives, while driving a car, waiting in a line, or talking to a person of color, for our children and each other. In this way, we create a more tolerant society and encourage people to think differently.