Holy Yoga: Exercise for the Christian Body and Soul

Evangelical Christians are not often very enthusiastic about yoga, dismissing it as irrelevant at best and Satanic at worst. But for Boon, an Arizona yoga teacher who is the founder of the Holy Yoga ministry, yoga is a worship tool to enhance her relationship with Christ. Although Boon's writing is primitive and breathless, with excessive use of italics and exclamation points, she offers some decent ideas and memorable spiritual quotes from the likes of Eugene Peterson, Lauren Winner and Richard Foster. Boon first outlines the theological reasons for yoga practice, likening it to ancient Christian disciplines like fasting. This section can seem defensive and apologetic at times, as Boon expends energy answering her evangelical critics. Part two briefly highlights yoga as a healthy lifestyle (e.g., it can improve circulation, relieve stress and maintain a healthy weight) and offers tips on incorporating yoga into a neophyte's regular routine. The final, longest section presents various postures, with black-and-white illustrations. However, the instructions are brief and vague enough that Christians who are new to yoga will definitely want to supplement their fledgling practice with more detailed, step-by-step information, such as that contained in traditional yoga books or Susan Bordenkicher's more thorough Yoga for Christians . Note: DVD and photo insert not seen by PW . (Aug. 23)