KL writes: “I just found out last week that our parish is going to start offering yoga classes and I am not sure what to do about this. I talked to our school principal and our school board about it, and the principal has since talked with our parish priest. I just got an e-mail that says “after a good deal of research” and talking with our priest they have decided that the yoga classes will go on . . . ugh! I have downloaded and printed the document, Jesus Christ the Bearer of the Water of Life, and am wondering if you have any other suggestions for me. I think I have an uphill battle ahead of me, bu tI do feel it’s a worthwhile battle. Help!!”

KL, we’re all with you on this one, and are sad to say you’re not alone. This is going on everywhere and until a definitive statement is made by either our bishops or the Vatican, the practice of yoga will no doubt continue to grow and spread in Christian and even Catholic circles.

Aside from the document you already downloaded, here are a few more that might be helpful:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/curia/cdfmed.htm – This document by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith states what can be wrong with eastern meditation techniques, including those that include physical postures such as yoga.

http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0275.html – This is an article by the saintly Father John Hardon, S.J. on why yoga is incompatible with Catholicism.

http://www.catholicmediacoalition.org/faith_yoga_incompatible.htm – this is an article documenting what occurred when Fort Meyers Bishop Frank Dewane ordered the cessation of yoga classes that were being held in the sanctuary of a Catholic church (our efforts do pay off once in awhile!)  

http://www.jmanjackal.net/eng/engyoga.htm – this is an extensive file – more than 30 pages – of documentation and writings about why yoga is not compatible with Christianity.

/blog/?p=3326 – This article documents the legal fight going on in the state of Missouri between authorities who want to tax yoga classes and instructors who disagree, claiming yoga is not just an exercise class but a spiritual practice. 

As you probably know, our blog has a number of useful articles that might be of help. See the “Blog Index by Subject” on the navigation bar at www.womenofgrace.com/newage

I have also published a booklet on this subject, which has the imprimatur of Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia. You can find it by clicking on the “New Age Resources” button on the navigation bar of the blog.

All you can do is to stand firm and persevere until someone finally listens to you. In the meantime, rest assured that we’ll all be praying for you!