Oct 3, 2005 9:41 am US/Central
Controversy About Christian Yoga
by David Schechter
(WCCO)
A new fitness craze, called Christian yoga, has a very devout following, but some are criticizing the "New Testament" twist to an ancient tradition.
Janel Touissant is a White Bear Lake, Minn. teacher and mother of two.
To de-stress, she heads to a Christian yoga class once a week. The classes are held at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minn. She is not alone, as people across the country are flocking to Christian yoga.
Cindy Senarighi teaches the class at St. Andrew's. She puts a biblical bend on what is a Hindu tradition.
"We do the sun salutation, but we're worshipping the Son -- S-O-N -- Jesus Christ," Senarighi explained.
In spite of its growing popularity, not everyone is a believer.
"It's an oxymoron," said Subhas Tiwari, a professor at the Hindu University of America and a yoga expert. "It makes no sense."
Tiwari said yoga welcomes people of all faiths, but that Hinduism is at the core and you cannot take that out.
"If you give me a recipe and I alter the ingredients of that recipe and give it back to you, am I giving you the same thing?" Tiwari asked. "Clearly, not. You can't do that."
Many Christian scholars are against the practice too, but for different reasons. Some believe yoga, any yoga, can be dangerous for the soul.
"I warn people against it," said Dr. Russel Bush, Ph.D., a southeastern Baptist theological. "It opens you up to the influence of something that is not Christian."
For Catholics, concern goes all the way to the Vatican. A 1989 document said Eastern practices, such as yoga, can "degenerate into a cult of the body." The document is signed by the then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who is now Pope Benedict XVI.
Touissant said she is not burdened by the criticism. She said her Christian yoga class is great exercise that makes her feel closer to God.
"If you're looking for a little extra more, a little reflection, a little bit more beyond the physical piece, Christian yoga is a wonderful place to go," Touissant explained.
Christianity is not the only faith trying out yoga. In some parts of the country, kosher yoga classes are becoming popular as well.
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