The above link is an excellent example of a conservative Christian movement against the influx of “Eastern” spiritualism in America. The basis of their argument stems from what must be an understandable confusion: “Why are so many people looking to Eastern religions and practices for spiritual fulfillment? They already have a religion that, as the Bible promises, is completely spiritually fulfilling… not to mention salvation?” This backlash comes out sounding more like spoil-sports than anything else (like the crusade against Harry Potter, based on Biblical statements that witchcraft is evil). Fighting to keep yoga out of public schools reeks  more of paranoia than genuine spiritual concern… at least as far as rational people are concerned.

The point you should pick up here is not that Christians don’t believe in magic – the Bible says there is magic, so it must be real. No one I’ve talked to about Harry Potter actually believes that magic is real, although many admit to some wishful thinking on the matter. The rational, scientific mind warns us against magical thinking, because the universe operations on set laws of nature. The salvation-minded Christian, however, believes in magic and must be vigilant to prevent it.

It is no surprise, then, that when it comes to the practice of hatha yoga and such, the Christian does not simply see stretching, breathing or mental exercises - they see religion. And why not? All these things come from a tradition where every aspect of life is considered devotional to deities and to the attainment of enlightenment (“salvation from within”). A truly Eastern idea, right?

“Worship as God prescribes it is a heart attitude, a motivation behind every action, and a desire to glorify God in every action.” From here. Also, “Worship is something that is done in every moment of every day; it is an attitude and an action of glorifying God in everything we think, say, and do.”

If Christian purists truly sought the proper separation of Church and State (the first article linked argued that, if Christians can’t pray in schools, yoga shouldn’t be allowed either), then Christians must make the concession that they can glorify God with every action… outside of school. Otherwise, what difference is there between stretching in a certain way, which was traditionally associated with worship, and picking up a pencil in the name of Christ?

I’m certainly not trying to be flippant about it. The Christian understands that, so far as he can see, Christ is the only method of salvation, and all others lead to hell. This is a quite literal and serious battle for souls, for even the professed “saved” can fall from grace through worshiping idols and false gods – and what worse, insidious way could there be to trick people into worshiping false gods than making it good for them? No one is denying the health benefits from stretching and physical fitness. Unfortunately, the Bible does not contain any directions or traditions for physical exercise (although it’s quite prolific on diet), so Christians are left in the lurch – take no exercise (unhealthy), engage in idol worship (Yoga), do what you can and make the best of it, or take what you can and co-opt it (“Christify”) for your own spiritual and physical needs (Christian Yoga)?

There’s nothing I can say, and certainly no resources I could quote, that could dissuade the spiritually-minded Christian from finding Hinduism in Yoga – nor would I. The spiritually-minded Christian sees religion everywhere, sees spirituality everywhere, sees the golden path of Christ as the razor’s edge to walk, and any misstep a potential fall to hell.

Chuck Norris will make sure of that.

P.S. : Praise Moves!