The Cross and the Cross-legged

Is the Church of England showing signs of a mild addiction to controversy?

With the schismatic wounds of the General Synod and Lambeth Conference still stinging, the Church has got itself into a theological tangle over yoga.

Is it just a form of exercise, practised in the pursuit of tranquillity, suppleness and longevity?

Or is it, as some Christians suggest, a form of pagan worship that cannot be separated from its roots in the Hindu faith?

A senior Roman Catholic exorcist compares practising yoga (along with taking soft drugs and reading horoscopes) with taking the first step on a path that leads to “the evil spirit”.

Two Somerset vicars have banned a yoga class from their church halls.

But are such Christians - well-meant as their theological rigour might be - not picking a fight where none need be picked? Men and women can surely practise this odd sun salutation without compromising their worship of the Lord.

This depends, of course, on whether individuals believe that their practice of yoga contradicts or complements their faith. That is an individual choice - for parishes and parishioners alike.

Should Christians themselves not be the ones bending over backwards to keep church doors open to all, in the hope that one day the yoga class might be tempted also to sample the pews?

There is surely no contradiction between practising a form of meditation-cum-physical therapy and being a Christian.

Pagan?

Many traditions of Christianity have their origins in pagan rituals. The Church is wrestling with plenty of theological disputes already. It has no need to take on yet another one.

The term “a broad church” should apply to the Church itself.
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The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.

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(Source: TO)