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December 2002, Page 8.
Index of articles.
Questions:
index,
Change,
Wedding Blessings,
Funerals,
Sex & Archbp,
Yoga,
Deny Santa.
In this issue:
(December 2002)
Vicar's Letter,
Envelopes,
Christmas Hymns,
Question,
Stewardship.
In our "Questions to the clergy" slot, John will try to answer any query you throw at him, without hesitation, deviation or repetition...
Yoga in church halls?
Q. Do you think churches ought to be concerned if Yoga classes happen in their church halls?
A. Yes, I do. I understand this question refers to a local church which asked the Yoga class to move out, and I support the vicar and PCC there in their decision.
I think there are two issues: one is about the Yoga, and the other is what church halls are for?
About the Yoga, some people will say that Yoga is just a form of exercise, pure and simple. Keeping the body healthy is obviously a good thing, and Yoga is no different from aerobics, gymnastics, swimming, keep fit or any other regime. And if this were the whole truth, I would have no problems with it.
The problem comes with the “relaxation” side of Yoga, which is bound up with the idea of meditation. Bodies and minds obviously affect each other, and healthy exercise for the body ought to have a good effect on the mind as well. Whereas most exercise regimes don’t address this, Yoga does it by trying to help people to settle their minds as well as settle their bodies. Part of the “settling” is to empty the mind so it can relax. Yoga was originally part of Hinduism, and this idea of relaxation comes from the Hindu concept of meditation, which means to empty the mind so it can reach “Nirvana” (nothingness).
However, the human mind isn’t very good at being empty! In fact Jesus said that an empty house was a target for unwanted spirits to come and squat (Luke 11:24-26). The Christian idea of meditation is very different: it means to empty the mind of distractions by filling it with thoughts of God. That’s why Christian meditation often focuses on a bible story or verse.
If it were possible to keep the physical and the spiritual apart, I’d have no problems with Yoga exercises. But, so far as I can see, most Yoga does go at least into relaxation if not into meditation, and I think this part should be avoided.
About church halls, I think church premises are supposed to be for helping people in their walk with God through Jesus. That’s why most church halls have clauses about “nothing contrary to the Christian faith” in their terms and conditions (ours does - see our web site). Most exercise regimes are fine, but I think Yoga is a bit dodgy on this.
John Hartley