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) Copyright 2007 Reed Business
Information.
