Holly was cited* in the 2007 Updated and Expanded edition of
Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook (Zondervan) by Dónal O'Mathúna and Walt Larimore, M.D.
From the book:
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A debate between Christian practitioners and opponents of yoga was triggered by Holly Robaina’s 2005 article in
Today’s Christian Woman. The author interviewed a woman who was introduced to destructive beliefs through yoga. Robaina noted that terms commonly used in “secular” yoga have religious meanings. The “salute to the sun” posture used to begin many classes pays homage to the Hindu sun god, and
namaste, used to end yoga classes, literally means “I bow to the God within you.”
However, a faithful user of yoga responded that her faith in Christ is invigorated by yoga. As she goes through the positions, she reflects on Christ and his character. While some people’s faith may be too weak to resist the temptation to explore the worldview behind yoga, this person’s faith is strong and she claims she benefits from yoga. Robaina responded that the bottom line is not whether we are strong enough to practice yoga but whether we should refrain from yoga for the sake of those who may be too weak to withstand its spiritual lure (1 Corinthians 8:12-13).
We agree with Robaina’s view. There may not be clear reasons for Christians to condemn all forms of yoga. Some people may be able to practice it beneficially and without spiritual problems. But the results are not all that matter. Paul gives some helpful advice in 1 Corinthians 6:12: “Everything is permissible for me’—but not everything is beneficial.” Given its origin and the potential for spiritual problems, the burden rests with the yoga advocate to demonstrate why this form of exercise should be chosen when so many other breathing, exercise, and stretching routines exist that have no spiritual underpinnings.
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*This is an excerpt; it should not be construed as an endorsement for the book.
Holly is one of the contributors in Women Ask, Women Answer: Questions Women Long to Ask, Answers They Need to Know (Thomas Nelson).
