The Documentary Podcast Can yoga be Christian?
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Mar 20, 2026 Lorette Willis, founder of Praise Moves and fitness minister who created a scripture-based alternative to yoga. Annette Lanchbury, Christian yoga teacher who blends scripture and worship with postures. They discuss how Christian references shape classes. They debate cultural origins, spiritual experiences on the mat, and whether adapting or replacing yoga best aligns with Christian faith.
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Child's Pose Felt Like A Hug From God
- Annette Lanchbury found yoga in her tumultuous twenties and used it to connect physical practice with Christian faith.
- She describes a moment in child's pose where a bolster felt like a hug from God, making yoga a space for spiritual connection.
Yoga's Roots Are Explicitly Spiritual
- Yoga's historical aim is spiritual union, not just exercise, originating in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions with practices like asanas, breathwork and chanting.
- The Yoga Sutras describe calming the mind and seeking union with Brahman, highlighting why some Christians see theological conflict.
Same Movements Different Spiritual Framing
- Annette emphasises that Christian yoga classes use the same movements as typical vinyasa or yin classes but differ in language and scripture-backed cues.
- She intentionally keeps Sanskrit names and acknowledges yoga's form while changing the spiritual framing.