Christians: Tai Chi?

I recently started going to a gym and working out. I am trying to lose some excess weight and get in shape. So far it is working well. My trainer has suggested taking a class to improve my flexibility and balance. I am considering signing up for a tai chi class that is going to be offered. Are there any Christians (or others) who have been involved in tai chi? Do you see a problem with a Christian participating in it?

Kristin C - I put Christians to address my audience. I don't mind answers from others as long as they are respectful. Thanks for your answer.

I am a Christian, and an avid practitioner of Tai Chi. There is no mystic aspect to Tai Chi, it is a martial discipline and that is all. While there are some who will try to claim it contains supernatural power, there is no link to it in the Chinese tradition--any "superhuman" abilities that you develop are just human abilities that you didn't know were possible before you pushed the limits of what the harmony of human mind and body can do. :)

A lot of the mythical abilities and "divine" links to and from various Chinese martial arts (such as the fantastic technique names) are deliberate obfuscations on the parts of ancient masters to keep the hard-won secrets of their martial arts within their circles of loyalty. So if your instructor tells you to assume the Divine Hand, the name is merely a descriptor of a certain hand position, not a reference or claim to wielding the Hand of God Himself.

There's nothing particularly religious about tai chi. It is very good for your balance, not so much flexibility - yoga or pilates would do better in that regard.

As a christian, you shouldn't have any issues with it. Note that if you find a "real" tai chi teacher, it is actually a form of martial art, rather than moving your arms slowly in the park - at it's most developed, it involves weapons etc.

I think other religions which focus on a balanced life, bring exercise to a great awareness. I would question the whole philosophy behind Tai Chi, but would consider flexibility and balance something to be desired as a human being made in the image of God.

Christians are very tolerant of many aspects of different religions because they seem to originate from a loving God who wants humans to have an abundant life.

As you focus on images when you exercise, try to focus on Jesus, who loves you so much.

Tai Chi is just controlling your breathing and movements in a calm organized motion. Basically an exercise class, like aerobics but slow.

Its very relaxing and really helps with stress.

There's no religious aspects to it, but they do talk about Chi which is nothing more than bloodflow.

I have not personally participated in it, but I cannot think of a single reason why it would not be alright for a Christian to participate in it. Yes, there is an Asian spiritual side to it, but the spirituality of it is ambiguous enough where you can easily apply your own beliefs. In the end it is just exercise.

I don't know about tai chi but kung fu and yoga has some satanic chants and posing involved. To be on the safe side, I wouldn't do it. Id rather have a bulge knowing Im going to heaven than great abs in hell. I didn't mean for it to be funny but its serious. The Devil can trick you into thinking something is ok because of this and that but just cling to God, okay? And normal non-chant exercise!

It is just exercise, nothing wrong with it. You can't go wrong if you do anything do the glory of the Lord.

If you put Tai Chi above your God, then it is a sin.

Just do everything for the Lord and you will be ok.

I have taken courses in Tai Chi, and I am catholic. There is nothing wrong with it because it is simply an healthful exercise of body and mind.

I know this is just for Christians, but I'm an atheist and I've done some Tai Chi. It's great. I have to say, even I feel a connection with spirituality when I'm practicing it. So, I think it'll be great for you.

I am a Christian, and I practice Tai Chi, Yoga, and meditation. It is great for focusing, as well as flexibility.

When I studied T'ai Chi there were many Xtians participating.

In fact a couple of churches in my town offer T'ai Chi classes for seniors.

T'ai Chi as exercise is no worse than yoga or kung fu.

There's nothing wrong with it at all.

People are so concerned nowadays with what the Bible says not to do that they miss the overall message.

You should seek your goals as you see fit. If you want to shed a few through Tai Chi, go ahead. No one should stop you.

Great work outs ,but just don't go to far with it see your doctor and talk about it

nothing is wrong with it it's just a form of ancient japanese or chinese exercises that help focus the mind body and soul

I love Tai Chi. It's very healthy.

I don't really see a problem with it.

Some good answers and also some very ignorant ones too
I would research what Qi /Chi / Chee actually is
It has nothing to do with any Religion whatsoever
It is claimed these meridian channels are not only in Humans but all other life forms have these too
In the East it is claimed this was discovered by Taoist Monks but this may not be correct
About twenty years ago there was in the Alps in Europe a glacier melting and a corpse was discovered I can't remember exactly but after examining this the worked out it was something like 50.000.years old They worked out the diet illness but what they couldn't work out was the line and a series of dots tattooed on one leg It was only when a Acupuncturist examined this and was told the illness's they discovered this tattoo was following the meridian line and acupuncture points that would be manipulated to heal this person from the illnesses they had already discovered
Acupuncture Tai Chi and also Qi Gong [ say Chee Gung ] all use this free universal energy to unblock blockages that cause illness and the manipulation of this energy can and does prevent blockages forming in the first place
Your Trainer is giving you very excellent advice
Where you can also find more is Google Ken Cohen Chunyi Lin and Mantak Chia to learn regarding Qi
As it has already been correctly pointed out Many Places of Worship lend Their facilities to Groups who practice the above
I wish you well

Christians should not participate in Tai Chi or Yoga or anything like that. For flexibility and balance, try ballet.
(that is not meant as a joke. Ballet is excellent for strengthening, toning, flexibility and balance and has ZERO mysticism attached.)

PS. you don't have to wear a tutu! lol

Check out this article from Watchman Fellowship
http://www.watchman.org/reltop/taichi2.h...

Tai Chi is Satan's work!


Stay away from it.

You wanna practice the mystic arts go for it but don't blame me for the aftermath.
I would not myself.