Books & Research
Selected Bibliography for Teachers, Students, Seekers and the just plain Curious
Christians who come to yoga initially through postural practice may sooner or later find themselves wondering how to make sense of their experience from a Christian perspective. Some may find their practice and experience challenged by other Christians who tell them that yoga is wrong for Christians altogether.
This bibliography is primarily theological in the classic understanding of theology as “faith seeking understanding.”
This is far from a complete list of the extensive and growing body of material on yoga. Works dealing with some aspect of Christianity and yoga is a growing subset within the larger field. It is intended to be of service to Christian practitioners of yoga, whether as teachers or students. It can also be of help to yoga teachers who may not themselves be Christians, but who have Christians in their classrooms.
The majority of works here reflect the conviction of CPY that the practice of yoga can be a positive contribution to the living of a Christian life. We also include, however, a selection of works that take the opposing view. This list—which is not comprehensive whatsoever—gives us permission to read, pray, discern, practice, and grow, following the Spirit where she leads.
Category Index
JESUS & YOGA, DISCUSSIONS OF CULTURAL APPROPRIATION
RELIGIOUS STUDIES, DISCUSSIONS OF THE INTERSECTION OF CHRISTIANITY AND YOGA
UNDERSTANDING YOGA: COMMENTARY ON MODERN & CLASSICAL YOGA
WORKS ON MEDITATION/CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER FOR CHRISTIANS
*We provide this list in the hope that you will be encouraged, educated, and enlightened by the insights of the many and growing number of people who have thought about the connections, overlaps, differences, and integrations of these two traditions. Contributors include Kevin, Renee, Doreen, Allyson, Tom, Molly and Abhi. If you would like to offer a suggestion for a book which has contributed to your understanding of Yoga and Christianity, please email us and tell us more. We are not accepting submissions directly from authors or publishers.
Where links are available, we have provided them for your convenience. We also have an affiliate shop at Bookshop.org. Many resources are available via local and/or academic libraries. Some are out of print, but too influential to eliminate from the list.
Kelly explores the connections between the concept of freedom found in The Yoga Sutras and The Bible.
Chakras are a hot button topic in many yoga communities, but sometimes they can feel a little too abstract and esoteric. Below is an introduction to the chakras to inform your yoga studies.
Because of all the commercial focus we give to Christmas, some people lose sight of the fact that Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian calendar.
Kevin complied this list below as a starting bibliography of everything needed to help you go deeper into yoga as Christian.
Allyson reflects on her ambivalent feelings toward the infamous International Yoga Day.
In this post, Amy explores what it means to adhere to the divine flow of the Divine feminine.
Molly shares her opportunity to take the online course “The Yoga Sutra Through the Lens of Christ” offered by Kelly McLellan, founder of Getting Still and creator of Getting Still Studies.
This three point meditation practice is a reminder to orient ourselves towards right relationships in various aspects of our being human.
One of the common fears of Christians is this: if I do these poses, will I be worshipping Hindu gods? Singleton’s research provided in Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice would say, “no.”
Ani Vidrine beautifully weaves vedic scripture and writings from several Christian mystics.
Ani Vidrine beautifully weaves vedic scripture and writings from several Christian mystics.
Yoga taught Allyson how to breathe with purpose.
While Christianity holds beliefs of the nature of Christ at its center, yoga holds an understanding of the nature of the seeker at its core. If the intention is to seek Christ, yoga gently turns the lost towards the sound of a trustworthy caretaker.
Doreen offers a 20 minute Rest for Advent or any time you are in need of nourishment.
Allyson introduces our refined and revised book list.
Doreen shares a long-appreciated resource that aims to shed new light on the teachings of Jesus.
While once considered the purview of ascetics and monks, Thomas Merton found a more accessible way for lay Christians to achieve mystical experiences by way of contemplative prayer practices.
A Course in Christian Mysticism provides something of a textbook for Catholics seeking to cultivate mystical experience through theological study.
Followers of Christ have the responsibility to listen, honor, and love our neighbors as ourselves. This means our neighbors’ culture, heritage, and voice.
Rev. Dr. Brooke Brimm is the author of Love God Herself: Yoga and Mindfulness for Black Women who Follow the Christ. We reached out to Brooke for an interview.