Dr Villo Naleo
Secretary, Social Concern, NBCC
The Christian community continues to engage with contemporary cultural and religious practices in light of biblical teachings. In this context, concerns have been raised regarding the growing popularity of Yoga and its compatibility with Christian faith and doctrine.Every year the International Yoga Day is observed on 21stJune, which coincides with the celebrationof Father’s Day, thiscoming Sunday.
The Directorate of School Education in Nagaland have directed all government and private schools to observe the day by doing a Yoga session expecting maximum participation. It must be noted that NBCC is not the official opposition party to the government of Nagaland, while having an opposition less government sadly at timespositions the church to assume such roles. Especially in times like this when government directive deifies practices that are alien and incoherent with the faith of Christians at large. The church’s priority is not the government but to guard Christian faith and doctrine.
It is therefore, the prerogative of more than 1750 churches under the NBCC to stand firm against any directive or influence can deviate our faith. We also appeal to the government, while givingvarious directives from thedepartments to consider the sentiment of the church for harmonious coexistence.
No doubt, Yoga has earned the attention of many health-conscious people. I therefore would like to lay down few points why Christians must not engage in Yoga practice.
Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “union,” traditionally refers to the union of the individual soul with the divine or ultimate reality (Brahman). While certain modern forms of Yoga are often promoted as physical exercise or wellness practices, its historical and philosophical roots are deeply embedded in Hindu religious traditions and spiritual disciplines.
Various schools of Yoga have developed over centuries, each offering distinct paths toward spiritual realization, altered consciousness, or liberation. These include:
• Hatha Yoga, emphasizing bodily postures, breathing exercises, and physical discipline as pathways to spiritual realization.
• Japa Yoga, centered on the repetitive chanting of mantras to attain states of mental stillness or transcendence.
• Surat-Shabd Yoga, which teaches union with the divine through meditation on inner light and sound.
• Kundalini Yoga, focusing on awakening the so-called “serpent power” believed to reside within the human body.
• Tantra, which employs various techniques, including sexuality, as means of spiritual experience.
From a Christian theological standpoint, salvation and communion with God are understood differently. Christianity teaches that salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ alone, as affirmed in Scripture: “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Christian worship is understood as being offered “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24), grounded not in altered states of consciousness or spiritual techniques, but in faith, repentance, and relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Accordingly, practices that seek spiritual union through meditation techniques, mantras, bodily disciplines, or other means outside the Christian understanding of God may be viewed as inconsistent with biblical teaching.
While some advocates describe Yoga as merely physical exercise, many Christian theologians and leaders note that its underlying concepts are inseparable from broader Hindu religious philosophy. Consequently, Christians are encouraged to exercise discernment regarding practices that may carry spiritual meanings or theological assumptions contrary to their faith convictions.
This perspective does not diminish respect for other religions or traditions, but reflects a commitment to Christian beliefs concerning the nature of salvation, worship, and humanity’s relationship with God.
The issue is not with physical exercise itself, but with the underlying understanding of spirituality. Yoga seeks to achieve union with God, yet the crucial question remains: How is such union attained? From a Christian perspective, true reconciliation and reunion with God are made possible through the salvation offered by Jesus Christ.
For Christians, Sunday remains holy and integral for worship and fellowship.The Churchencourages believers to seek spiritual growth through prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and faithful discipleship in Christ, while engaging respectfully with people of all faith backgrounds.
