A few years ago I was horrified to find out that a friend of mine was starting yoga. I didn't know much about it, but I did know that yoga was from the east, involved meditation and had some other dodgy things associated with it. And my friend wasn't even a Christian! I just knew, deep in my bones, that I had to save her.

So I ran the upcoming conversation through my head.

"Heather, you're getting involved in something really dodgy, I think you should stop."
"Oh? Why?"
"Because you're opening yourself up to all sort of, uh, bad things. Like demons."
"Oh? How?"
"Because of the, uh, eastern meditation."
"Oh. How do you know?"
"Uh...I just do!"
"Have you ever done yoga, Rog?"
"No."
"Have you ever talked to someone who has?"
"Uh, well...no."
"Have you read a book about it? And its dangers?"
"Uh...not really."
"So how do you know it's dodgy?"
"Well, uh...it's not Christian!"

It was at that point of my imaginary conversation I realised I couldn't confront Heather about yoga...because I knew nothing about it. Nothing about its background or what people actually did in a class. I didn't know what country it came from - only a vague sense of "from the east". I didn't even know anything about how they meditated (although "meditation" was a Very Bad Word for me back then). And so that conversation never happened. 7 years later, Heather is doing just fine.

So, given my background, it's rather interesting that 3 years ago I started practicing tai chi. I haven't had anybody (yet) tell me that it's dodgy and that maybe (a) it's demonic, (b) I'm going to hell for focussing on my breathing or (c) that it has absolutely nothing to do with Christianity. It was actually during a time of prayer a few years back that I had an impulse to express my prayer through movement, instead of praying silently and mentally while sitting still. Tai chi has begun to help me to that end, to slow down, to concentrate on my breathing, on my balance and on my body, and to release the tension throughout my body. I've started to incorporate it with the traditional "breath prayers" - praying while I'm breathing ("Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy," works really well).

So what do you think? Do you disagree with eastern martial arts (like kung fu and tai chi) because they clash with Christianity, and if so, can you talk about that clash? Do you disagree with the meditation in yoga and, unlike 7-years-ago-me, can you explain why?

When tai chi is performed by a master it is beautiful and entrancing to watch. Take a look at the video below. She is performing the 24-step tai chi form, which I've spent the last 2 years learning (and would love to one day be as fluid as her!).

Technorati Tags: Christianity, tai chi, yoga

I tried tai chi once, I lack the patience, which of course means I need it more than I know hehe.

sometimes things are very simple - does God want us whole? Does he want us healthy? Does he want us to have patience and peace? Does ye want our bodies flexible and strong and balanced so we can live long productive lives? yes.

After we have turned to Jesus and begun following him do those things just fall on us? do they "just happen"? no.

is breathing and stretching demonic? not that I'm aware of. Do you meditate on a false God when you are doing this? no. are you aware of the one true God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, do you pray to the one true God in Jesus' name? yes. well then there you go.

There is some yoga that I won't do because it is strongly spiritual. But most yoga classes I have been to are completely benign because they are trying to reach the "lowest common denominator" spiritually speaking. They really just want to make money ya know? hehe So it's just the physical part almost always lacking much of a spiritual component.

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Posted by: Makeesha 29 Nov, 2007 - 17:56:58

Roger,

Clearly the breathing exercises aren't going to help you when immersed in the fires of hell!

LOL - seriously, I think most of the issues Christians have with Eastern stuff stem from their Western foundations. Our "west-ness" and our "Christianity" are so meshed together. I'm all for embracing the best of Africa, the East and the West.

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Posted by: Tim Victor 30 Nov, 2007 - 08:07:54

I spent much of my non Christian life doing martial arts like Karate, Tai Chi, Muay Thai and other forms too. During that time o got involved in Buddhism and ultimately was aiming to be trained as a Sensei (teacher) in the way (Karate is known as "the way of the empty hand or simply the way...what do you notice)
When I became born again I left all the martial arts that was so much a part of my life, this was hard but it was really necessary for a few reasons. When you consider any of the Eastern Religions or philosophies, you have to go back to the root. In this case, Karate. Karate is more of a religion than a sport. Karate focuses the individual to look inwards to provide outer strength and ultimately to control oneself under duress. This is true for Tai Chi. Yes, you can use Tai Chi or QiKong for sporting uses, but remember its roots are far deeper in eastern religions like this. Remeber Qi means "life force" and by practicing these philosophies one gets pulled into these areas. Most Eastern religions talk about controlling the "energy" or "force" around you by breathing, thought, action etc. Most Buddhists wil tell you the 8 fold path which speak of right thought, right speech, right motive etc. All sounds god but in the end it is all part of an elaborate scheme to draw us further from God. Once you get hooked onto the Eastern sports (tai chi, qikong karate etc) the next step, naturally is to start practicing the philosophy, once you do that, it is very difficult to extract yourself. Ask any believer who has been in the martial arts and has been saved. Just some thoughts!

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Posted by: Barry 17 Jan, 2008 - 18:41:43

The methodology of qi is very dangerous - people need to think about where qi comes from and what it is. I know as a teacher who has eradicated the qi rationale and qigong from my teaching. Please feel free to read:
http://www.martialtaichi.co.uk/articles/trouble_with_qi.php...

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Posted by: Joanna 19 Jun, 2008 - 10:29:48

See "The Seduction of Christianity" by Dave Hunt & T.A. McMahan (1985). Give a copy to your friend Heather.

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Posted by: Daniel Lowenberg 22 Sep, 2008 - 06:12:41

I do remember reading that book - but so long ago I can't remember anything about it! What was their take on Tai Chi?

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Posted by: Roger Saner 22 Sep, 2008 - 18:35:35

Tai chi is insidious. It's beautiful, it "works", it's exciting, and it can pull you into a place that appears to illuminate goodness, light and peace. As far as I've seen/experienced, Tai chi (and other eastern disciplines) are part of the Tree of Good and Evil whose fruit we should not partake. The more you justify and intensify your participation, the easier it will be to dilute and disregard the validity of our Triune God. Tai Chi is steeped in Taoism. Be wise, beware.

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Posted by: KC 15 Nov, 2008 - 06:27:27

To be fair though, some historical commentators have asserted that arts such as Tai Chi only became linked to Taoism in its relatively recent history - the mid nineteenth century. Prior to that it was simply a village defense art and the Chen family who practiced it had a much more Confucian moral code and world view, which is an improvement inasmuch as it is not morally relativistic but seeks benevolence. It is said that you should be benevolent for no reward in this life or the next but because each benevolent action improves the universe by one action's worth. For me, Confucius was a stepping stone to Christianity.

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Posted by: Joanna 06 Dec, 2008 - 09:57:40

Somehow, I remember a certain passage in Genesis referring to man as the stewards of God's creation, Nature. All Taoism is is listening to the natural and not fighting the inevitable. In other words, accept what God has planned for you. The so-called "deities" are not always associated with Taoism, and their god-like traits and the way they are treated aren't exactly against Christianity, but if you feel that they go against the Bible, simply follow the Philosophic Taoism as opposed to any religious form. If you use that application of Taoism for Tai Chi, then there is nothing else that is even remotely against Christianity, and in fact it can increase your faith.

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Posted by: Connor 03 Jul, 2009 - 14:34:47

Yes, I think you're right, though I think there are people who claim that philosophical Daoism / Taoism is a more recent construct and not very traditional. My first teacher did distinguish between pure philosophical Daoism and "decadent" religious Daoism though. From my understanding there can be many parallels between philosophical Daoism and Christianity. The meek inheriting the earth and the value of yin / receptivity... God / Dao as creator, creation and way of creating is not far from the trinitarian formula of God the Father / Creator, God the Son (i.e. made manifest) and the Holy Spirit - the vehicle through which God moves the world. Granted, Daoism sails a little closer to animism, but I think my understanding of God does have an element of that.

From my initial understanding of Daoism, the philosophy should be wholly anti-magic, for the reason you have described and yet it is steeped in magic. There are certainly some other very dangerous ideas within Daoism too - the strong current of moral relativism and of the individual's supposed ability to attain sage-hood, whereby he will be able to trust his own judgement implicitly on all things - in short, a desire to become godlike.

For people who are interested, Thomas Merton's rendition of Zhuangzi might make a good middle ground whereby one can gain an appreciation of the common ground between the different traditions.

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Posted by: Joanna 13 Jul, 2009 - 02:43:58

Hi Roger,
I just happened to stumble across your website when reading about Tai Chi and Christianity since I'm interested in trying it. I liked your take on "breath prayers" with this art. When looking at wikipedia (I know not the best source out there) it made several references to pretty good sources on case studies that have shown considerable health benefits to people practising Tai Chi compared to those who don't.

This reminded my of a passage in the bible that I think can be directly related to this subject, Matthew 7:16-20 (NIV):
16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

If Tai Chi helps people become healthier, more focused and relaxed then these should be considered good fruit. Furthermore I don't remember a single passage in the Bible about satan or demons healing or helping people in any way shape or form.

This sounds like good fruits to me so in my opinion this must be from God, since everything good comes from him. Just my two cents :)

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Posted by: Christian 18 Sep, 2009 - 21:52:12

In response to: "If Tai Chi helps people become healthier, more focused and relaxed then these should be considered good fruit."

I think the problem is whether the true effects match the hype. The health benefits of Tai Chi in the elderly are never measured against other forms of exercise such as swimming, but against stasis. Any exercise is better than none, but that doesn't make Tai Chi a magical cure or even anything special. I'd also be very wary of the phrase that it might make you more relaxed and more focussed. Are these things truly beneficial in and of themselves? Someone may feel quite relaxed in a state of self absorption that actually distances them from feelings towards others. Being focussed is not necessarily positive if one is focussed inwards on oneself instead of being compassionately focussed outwards towards God and the rest of His creation.

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Posted by: Joanna 30 Sep, 2009 - 04:44:15

This is a question that often troubles me. I live in China. I have practised Tai Ji for many years with some breaks at times when I thought I shouldn't as a Christian. I recently read a book about Pastor Hsi one of the leaders of the Church in China. He was a trained TCM doctor whose principles of yin/yang and qi apparently did not create a problem as is the case for many Christian believers today who take Chinese herbs, have acupuncture or reflexology. That said, some Chinese believers say to leave well alone, there is no concensus it seems. Some Western believers are more sure: http://www.tamingthetiger.com/... and some Asian ones too. Allopathic Western also has magical roots, will you stop taking antibiotics next time you need them as a result? I would like to hear from anyone with revelation knowledge on this from the Lord. Please feel free to email me at davidwilljack at gmail dot com. Thanks.

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Posted by: David 09 Feb, 2010 - 06:41:08

This is a question that often troubles me. I live in China. I have practised Tai Ji for many years with some breaks at times when I thought I shouldn't as a Christian. I recently read a book about Pastor Hsi one of the leaders of the Church in China. He was a trained TCM doctor whose principles of yin/yang and qi apparently did not create a problem as is the case for many Christian believers today who take Chinese herbs, have acupuncture or reflexology. That said, some Chinese believers say to leave well alone, there is no concensus it seems. Some Western believers are more sure: http://www.tamingthetiger.com/... and some Asian ones too. Allopathic Western also has magical roots, will you stop taking antibiotics next time you need them as a result? I would like to hear from anyone with revelation knowledge on this from the Lord. Please feel free to email me at davidwilljack at gmail dot com. Thanks.

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Posted by: David 09 Feb, 2010 - 06:41:08

I am a pastor, and have been for a number of years. I am continually reminded of my need to live a more healthy life. One of my frustrations with ministry, is that it often creates stress... both emotionally and physically. Just this week I counseled a broken marriage, a young girl trying to kill herself, and a brother and sister in an incest relationship. I've been longing for a physical activity that would provide a health benefit, but also provide a means of relaxation and focus. I have just begun Tai Chi. First off, it is quite difficult! But I am also interested in the movement. While I was doing it I kept thinking, "These movements could very well be a form of worship, with the right intent." When I was lifting my hands in the air, I was immediately drawn to worship my Lord and Creator. Although I am concerned about what others in my church might think, I am intrigued by the prospect of incorporating this in my life.

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Posted by: Adam 13 Feb, 2010 - 18:13:57

Update: since last posting above and seeking the Lord in prayer I have been convicted in my spirit that I should desist from further practice of Taiji and Qigong. I've had a rather wonderful book and DVD clear-out (no burning unfortunately!) and the ridiculously violent dreams that I used to have almost every night have also stopped. Praise G-d! I believe that I had opened a demonic portal and let in a bunch of violent spirits. I can see now that an admiration for an excellent skill level is a kind of idolatry. PTL! At one point the Lord woke me in the middle of the night and using his precious name (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5i2pELpqBg...) I kicked a bunch of them out. This kind of self-deliverance would have sounded flakey to me once of a time, but no longer. 'When the Son sets you free, you're free indeed'. Pick up any Taiji journal, they're full of Taoism and Buddhism. In the same way that physical Yoga cannot truly be divorced from its Vedic roots and is a preparation for spiritual empowerment of the wrong sort, so too Taiji and Qigong are wired to the dark side, rooted as they are in paganism, animism and idolatry. Practice at your peril people! 'What fellowship does light have with darkness?'

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Posted by: David 18 Feb, 2010 - 10:54:22

There is nothing Western about true Christianity. If you are in relationship with the Holy Spirit, you would not be splurting out such foolishness

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Posted by: Dave 28 Feb, 2010 - 03:12:34

I am glad you have managed to break away from it all and feel much happier now. I think anyone who expresses anger rather than being happy for you is revealing their true colours, which is a reflection of how darkened they have become - I've seen it happen a lot. There is a surprising amount of hostility in the supposedly peace-loving Taiji and Qigong community. Ultimately it is because their aims are selfish and power-seeking and they often have a very active dislike of G_d.

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Posted by: Joanna Zorya 05 Mar, 2010 - 05:18:35

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