No Need to Study Yoga, Synod Says

Synod 2013 declined to embark on a study of Eastern spiritual practices, despite concerns of some that they may undermine Christian teachings.

Delegates turned down a request from Classis Grand Rapids South to appoint a study committee on yoga, martial arts, and other practices rooted in Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.

Some CRC congregations use karate to connect with their communities and Christian groups use yoga to deepen relationships with Christ, the classis request noted. It said, “We must seek truth about their spiritual impact on the church and congregants.”

Several delegates urged a study, saying Eastern faiths and practices are widespread in their communities.

“This situation that’s being talked about is extremely insidious,” said elder delegate Mick Vanden Bosch of Classis Iakota. “They’re doing mystical Eastern religion, healing-touch type things that may seem innocuous, but the devil’s behind this.”

Ethnic advisor Beverly De Vries said yoga has been taught in her community’s Christian school without parents’ knowledge. “We need to seek out the root of where it’s coming from so we know what we’re up against,” De Vries said.

But Chadd Huizenga, a young adult representative, said he practices yoga to glorify Christ, adding, “Christ has reconciled all things to him, and yoga is not out of the sphere of reconciliation.”

Most delegates agreed with an advisory committee recommendation that a study is not needed because there already are sufficient resources to help churches to deal with the issue.

For continuous coverage of Synod 2013 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.