As Christians living in an increasingly hostile and pluralistic culture, it's hard to know where to draw the line some times.
We live in an environment where there are many options, philosophies and activities which were not a part of the Bible scene (blogging for example).
So with many of these things our attitudes have to be derived from general principles rather than Biblical prescriptions. For this reason, some christians will, in good faith, come to different conclusions than others. What is important though is that we submit all things to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
Someone asked me today about whether Tai Chi is an acceptable form of exercise or not. I have to confess that I know very little about Tai Chi.
I did some research and discovered that it is based in Taoism, which is a Chinese traditional religion which features, amongst other things worship of ancestors. Many commentators expressed the view that of all the martial arts and related exercise systems, Tai Chi is one which draws deeply on the spiritual aspect, seeking a harmony of the physical and spiritual aspects of the practitioner. Because it is more than movement, but includes meditation, I believe that it is not appropriate for Christians to engage in it.
I'm not a hard-line anti-Eastern person. As a youth I used to enjoy judo, which was a purely physical activity.
I do think that any activity, whether of Eastern or Western origin where a form of meditation requiring an emptying of the mind or an agreement to a non-christian form of spirituality will open people up to demonic activity.
We need to always be aware of the wiles of the Evil One, but at the same time remaining engaged with the world.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
No comments:
Post a Comment