04/06/2026
A Christian who is a prospective student asks whether a Taiji class is conducive or perhaps contrary to his faith.
As always, fear not - but I see no conflict. Actually I welcome this question because not only do I want to train along side dedicated Christians, but I see that anyone dedicated to the fundamentals of Christianity should already have a growing internal awareness - an awareness that is separate from the world. After all, Christ is within (Galatians 2:20, Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:10-11, Ephesians 3:17, 2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19, etc)! And Christians - as well as internal arts practitioners - are called to realize that they are in the world, yet not of it (John 17:14-16).
Considering today's Easter holiday, I want to share some Biblical verses that strike at the core of Christianity and all internal arts alike:
Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God... and all shall be added.
Luke 17:21 - Behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing
2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations... Bring into captivity every thought.
2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Ephesians 4:6 - One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
So - while Taiji, neigong, and qigong might be entirely unfamiliar to a Christian - I propose that the type of training we do is in no way contrary to Christianity. I can also promise that you will be better at "taking thoughts captive" if you put in the effort - and that your experience of 'being in the world yet not of it' will deepen. As I see it, the more our awareness becomes embodied, the more an "open heart" becomes literal and not figurative.
Happy Easter! He who is anointed (Christ) is risen!