Book Structure and Content
The 21 Lesson Format
Each of the 21 lessons functions as “a mini Bible study that will deepen the participants’ walk with God,” with Scripture themes “designed to facilitate meditation.” The lessons are organized around biblical themes such as:
- “The Great I AM”
- “Praying and Believing”
- “The Lord’s Festivals”
The book has received positive reviews, with multiple sources noting that “Scripture Yoga is a useful tool for teachers and students of Christian Yoga, written by an experienced instructor. Specific Bible verses are suggested, along with clear instructions, and beautiful photographs illustrating each pose.”
I love this book! I am a Christian and a yoga teacher. I try to bring God into my classes every time I teach and sometimes struggle. This book gives tools to help with that and answers for when people are leary about doing yoga in a secular environment. The resources are wonderful. Scripture verses and chapters to theme with. What a great tool so happy to have found it a must for a Christian yoga teacher or student.
[Amazon]
The audience for this book is supposed to be yoga instructors but you don’t have to be a teacher to gain insight and inspiration from this book. Great photos showing me clearly difference poses – I don’t do yoga and could follow her easy instructions. Actually as I read and looked at the book I was encouraged to try it.
I like how the author honestly and openly discusses the misconception that yoga doesn’t belong in Christian circles. She provides clear Bible based answers and a great question and answer section. She has groups 21 Bible themes with discussion questions and Bible verses together. Would make a good Bible study for anyone. Good resources are also provided.Susan Neal has done a wonderful job of merging the physical and spiritual side of yoga. A good reading.
This yoga instruction book guides both instructors and students through a series of yoga postures which refresh and strengthen the physical body, while at the same time, filling the mind with Biblical scripture. If you have never participated in a scripture yoga class, be prepared, it is a powerful thing! This book is brimming with scripture, using short verses from throughout the Bible to support each class’s theme. The photographs, which demonstrate each yoga pose, have been made in a beautiful and serene beach setting. Susan Neal is an experienced yoga instructor who has followed her passion to incorporate God’s Word into the world of flowing yoga.This yoga instruction book guides both instructors and students through a series of yoga postures which refresh and strengthen the physical body, while at the same time, filling the mind with Biblical scripture. If you have never participated in a scripture yoga class, be prepared, it is a powerful thing! This book is brimming with scripture, using short verses from throughout the Bible to support each class’s theme. The photographs, which demonstrate each yoga pose, have been made in a beautiful and serene beach setting. Susan Neal is an experienced yoga instructor who has followed her passion to incorporate God’s Word into the world of flowing yoga.
[Amazon]
Loved the yoga posture photographs in the sand dunes of the beach, and the different yoga models. What a great way to stretch your body and mind through meditating on Scripture. Yoga is so good for you; now this is a way to join body, mind, and spirit.
[Amazon]
It was a very well thought out book that was well structured. It got right to the heart of the matter which makes it an excellent reference for performing yoga, and incorporating Bible verses into your yoga practice with all sorts of themes.
“Scripture Yoga is a useful tool for teachers and students of Christian Yoga, written by an experienced instructor. Specific Bible verses are suggested, along with clear instructions, and beautiful photographs illustrating each pose. It is quite clear that users will discover their bodies as ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 6:15) under Susan Neal’s wise tutelage.”
Practical Application
Reviews consistently praise the book’s practical elements: “Specific Bible verses are suggested, along with clear instructions, and beautiful photographs illustrating each pose.” This visual component makes the book accessible to both instructors and students at various experience levels.
One of Neal’s most significant contributions is her distinction between “faith-centered” and “faith-based” approaches to Christian yoga. Rather than simply “playing Christian music and reciting one Bible verse,” Neal’s approach involves systematically incorporating thematically organized Scripture throughout the entire practice.
After teaching for a year, Neal had “memorized more than 150 verses and wrote them on index cards,” which she “sorted into dozens of topics” to teach “classes based on a biblical theme.”
The “Scrutiny of Yoga” Chapter
Neal dedicates an entire chapter to addressing Christian concerns about yoga practice. She directly confronts the criticism that “yoga is demonic” by arguing that “Scripture Yoga is not demonic but a ‘high-definition,’ faith-centered yoga practice where attendees are bathed in the Word of God.”
Her research revealed that while yoga was incorporated into Hindu and Buddhist religious practices, “archeologist found stone seals with yoga postures dating back to around 3000 BC, which was before the establishment of Buddhism (600 BC) or Hinduism (1500 BC).
Resource Compilation
One instructor reviewer noted: “I try to bring God into my classes every time I teach and sometimes struggle. This book gives tools to help with that and answers for when people are leary about doing yoga in a secular environment. The resources are wonderful. Scripture verses and chapters to theme with.”
The book serves multiple audiences:
- Christian Yoga Instructors: Seeking structured, biblically-based lesson plans
- Students: Wanting to deepen their personal practice with Scripture
- Other Fitness Instructors: Teaching Pilates, stretching, or meditation who want to incorporate Christian elements
- Personal Study: Individuals seeking “new inspiration for reading the Word of God”
Neal’s theological foundation emphasizes intentional worship: “God is not stupid; He knows whom we are worshipping.” Her goal is for participants to “with faith chant Scripture, listen to God’s Word, apply it to their lives, and learn about their Creator so they can become more like Him.”
Overall Assessment
Scripture Yoga represents a thoughtful, systematic approach to combining Christian faith with physical exercise. Neal’s methodology goes beyond superficial Christian branding to create what she terms a “high-definition” faith experience. The book’s strength lies in its practical application – providing concrete tools for instructors while offering substantial biblical content for personal spiritual growth.
The consistent review praise for the book’s utility – “written by an experienced instructor” with “clear instructions, and beautiful photographs” – suggests it successfully bridges the gap between spiritual practice and physical exercise.
The work stands as both a practical manual for Christian fitness instruction and a thoughtful contribution to the ongoing dialogue about integrating faith with various forms of physical practice. For Christian communities seeking alternatives to secular fitness programs, Neal’s “Scripture Yoga” offers a substantive, scripturally-grounded option that addresses both physical and spiritual wellness needs.
Book Overview and Core Premise
“Stretching Your Faith: Practicing Postures of Prayer to Create Peace, Balance and Freedom” by Michelle Thielen represents a unique approach to Christian spirituality that combines physical movement with intentional prayer. The book addresses a fundamental question for modern believers: “Are you able to hear God’s still small voice among the chaos of today’s loud world? Because you were created to hear from your Creator, and to worship Him wholly.”
This book wonderfully illustrates and teaches balance, peace and freedom through yoga postures and opening heart and mind space to Jesus Christ, the Son of The only one God. A body can be restored and your soul too!This book wonderfully illustrates and teaches balance, peace and freedom through yoga postures and opening heart and mind space to Jesus Christ, the Son of The only one God. A body can be restored and your soul too!
[Amazon]
This book is so clearly written and backed by scripture. If you are on the fence about whether Christians should do yoga or not, read this book. It will help you make an informed decision and give you motivation to create space for Holy Spirit.
[Amazon]
This book is amazing and changed my yoga practice so much! Being able to connect the biblical side to the practice of yoga is such a blessing. So thankful for this book and how it has helped me to speak more clearly about how to incorporate a Christian lifestyle with Yoga. This book lead me to many great other teaching offer through YogaFaith.
[Amazon]
The most amazing book. I am so impressed with the huge amount of research that Michelle has done to bring the Bible to life through yoga. Thank you. A book to show to my many disbelieving and skeptical Christian friends.
[Amazon]
It is such a blessing to truly understand yoga, to see how we can truly worship Jesus Christ with movement. Michelle clearly shares her love for Christ first and yoga second in her inspiring book. It is a must read for ALL Christian yogis and Christians that may be skeptical of the Christians whom practice yoga. I highly recommend Stretching Your Faith![Amazon]
“Stretching Your Faith: Practicing Postures of Prayer to Create Peace, Balance and Freedom” by Michelle Thielen represents a unique approach to embodying Christian principles that combine physical movement with intentional prayer and Christian meditation as found in the Bible.
The book addresses a fundamental question for modern believers: “Are you able to hear God’s still small voice among the chaos of today’s loud world? Because you were created to hear from your Creator.”
Practical Application Focus
According to the Blinkist summary, the book provides “access to a synopsis of key ideas” focused on practical implementation suggesting that Thielen emphasizes actionable approaches rather than purely theoretical concepts.
Integration of Physical and Spiritual Practices
The book appears to systematically address how physical postures can enhance prayer life and spiritual connection. The subtitle “Practicing Postures of Prayer to Create Peace, Balance and Freedom” indicates a structured approach to combining movement with intentional spiritual practices.
The book is available in multiple formats:
- Physical paperback editions
- Kindle digital format
- Various international editions (including UK distribution)
The book has attracted attention from “the world’s largest community for readers” on Goodreads, Barnes and Nobles, and Amazon with hundreds of reviews indicating a growing readership within Christian and spiritual wellness communities.
Primary Audience
The book appears designed for several overlapping audiences:
- Christians seeking to deepen their prayer life through physical practices
- Individuals interested in faith-based alternatives to secular mindfulness practices
- Those called to ministry who are exploring innovative approaches to spiritual leadership
- Practitioners looking for “peace, balance and freedom” through integrated spiritual practices
- Christians who enjoy the practice of yoga and seek to integrate their beliefs into the practice
- Yoga practitioners who are interested in the integration of their beliefs within their practice
- Those seeking a deeper meditation and more harmonious life
- Stretching Your Faith is a one-of-a-kind book, perfect for one’s personal practice, teachers or to be used in any yoga teacher training.
- Supplemental videos for every level of practitioner are included.
Ministry Application
One reviewer specifically noted the book’s value for those “searching for that something, that ministry that you know in your heart is planned for you” suggesting the book serves as both personal spiritual development and ministry preparation resource.
Thielen has a degree in theology and is an ordained minister. She approaches the mind-body-spirit integration from a deep well of Biblical principles based on God as the creator of all with such scripture bases as John 1:3, Romans 11:36, Colossians 1:15-18, and Hebrews 2:10.
Biblical Grounding
Reviewers consistently emphasize the book’s strong scriptural foundation, with one noting it is “backed by scripture,” indicating that Thielen maintains orthodox Christian theology while incorporating physical practices.
Holy Spirit Inspiration
The enthusiastic reviewer stated “There’s no doubt in my mind that it is inspired by the Holy Spirit” suggesting the book resonates with readers seeking authentically spiritual content rather than merely secular wellness practices with Christian branding.
Organizational Authenticity
The reviewer who attended YogaFaith training emphasized: “I am so inspired by the love for God that the Thielen family and the whole YogaFaith family have, and I am blessed to have found this family who is all-inclusive, all-loving, and truly a group who desires to bring the fruits of the Spirit to those around them.”
This testimony suggests that the book reflects the authentic spiritual culture of the YogaFaith organization, indicating consistency between Thielen’s written teachings and practical implementation.
Training Integration
The book appears to complement YogaFaith’s training programs, serving both as standalone spiritual development resources and as preparation for deeper involvement in the organization’s instructor training programs.
Innovation in Prayer Practices
By systematically combining physical postures with prayer, Thielen appears to offer practical innovation within traditional Christian spiritual disciplines, potentially appealing to believers seeking fresh approaches to ancient practices and experiencing the Holy Spirit more intimately and profoundly than ever before.
Holistic Spiritual Wellness
The book’s promise to create “peace, balance and freedom” suggests a holistic and multidimensional approach addressing emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of faith practice.
Overall Assessment
Based on available reviews and information, “Stretching Your Faith” appears to be a well-received contribution to Christian spirituality literature that successfully bridges physical wellness and spiritual practice. The consistent emphasis on scriptural grounding, combined with testimonials about the author’s authenticity and the practical effectiveness of the approach, suggests the book delivers on its promises.
The passionate endorsement from a training participant, combined with the book’s growing readership and multiple publication formats, suggests “Stretching Your Faith” has found its intended audience and delivers meaningful spiritual value for readers seeking authentic Christian approaches to holistic wellness.
An Invitation to Christian Yoga
I began taking a yoga class at my gym as a form of relaxation and stress-relief. I began to have a nagging feeling about the whole new-age association of yoga that as a Christian, I didn’t want to be involved with. I was worried that I was opening myself up spiritually to something I didn’t want to be opening myself up to. I quit going to yoga class, despite the way I loved feeling so stretched out and relaxed.
I rejoiced to find this book. It gives you simple yoga poses to practice at home as you worship God privately with your mind, soul, and body. Listening to Gregorian chants or quiet praise music brings my focus more to my Creator and less on myself or my technique.
[Amazon]
Have used her prayer movements at several retreats. This last women’s retreat I helped facilitate I used about 7 of the movements while someone read the scripture verse. It was very gentle and holy ….like a prayer
[Amazon]
It is the perfect daily devotional even on days I can’t do yoga. inspirational. It is the first book I pick up in the morning.
[Amazon]
Content and Approach
The book “offers an introduction to the practice of yoga as a Christian discipline of prayer, followed by simple poses and exercises that are clearly explained and helpfully illustrated by line drawings. Roth offers a short biblical text, often from the psalms, to accompany each pose as basis for meditation.”
The book includes “25 exercises from hatha yoga along with ways to see them as body prayers.” Roth presents “a yoga exercise of attention as a form of body prayer for Christians.”
The book is described as “ideal for beginners” and includes practical elements such as line drawings for pose instruction. Later editions included an instructional CD, demonstrating Roth’s commitment to accessible, multimedia spiritual education.
Core Ministry Philosophy
Nancy Roth specialized in “offering classes on the integration of body and spirit.” This became her signature contribution to Christian spirituality, bridging what had often been seen as separate domains.
In her work “Spiritual Exercises: Joining Body and Spirit in Prayer,” she explored multiple forms of movement including “Pilates, Tai Chi, yoga, dance, strength training, and aerobic exercise,” discussing “how this particular form of exercise provides a metaphor for the spiritual journey.”
Nancy Roth was described as an “avid gardener” who integrated all her diverse interests into her spiritual calling. Her focus areas included “spirituality, meditation, music, the Earth and children”, reflecting a holistic approach to faith that encompassed environmental stewardship, artistic expression, and intergenerational ministry.
Nancy Roth died from complications of a stroke on Saturday, May 9, 2020, at her home in Oberlin, surrounded with love by her family. The Living Church obituary noted she was “a gifted spiritual director whose ministry focused on the integration of faith and the arts.”
Nancy Roth’s “An Invitation to Christian Yoga” stands as one of the foundational texts in the Christian yoga movement. Published in 2001, it preceded many of the more recent Christian yoga books and helped establish the legitimacy of yoga practice within Christian spiritual formation.
Her approach was notably pastoral rather than polemical – rather than defending yoga against Christian critics, she simply demonstrated how yoga postures could serve as vehicles for Christian prayer and meditation. This practical, non-controversial approach likely contributed to broader acceptance of Christian yoga within mainstream denominations.
Overall Assessment
Her decades-long tenure “on the faculty of Credo” meant she influenced countless clergy and lay ministers in the integration of body and spirit. Her work helped establish embodied spirituality as a legitimate area of Christian formation, paving the way for subsequent authors and practitioners in the field.
Nancy Roth’s legacy represents the successful integration of diverse spiritual practices within traditional Christian framework, demonstrating that innovation in spiritual practice can honor both ancient wisdom traditions and contemporary needs for holistic spiritual development.
Book Overview
“Finding God in the Body: A Spiritual Path for the Modern West” by Benjamin Riggs represents a comprehensive exploration of embodied spirituality that draws from multiple religious traditions. Given Riggs’ extensive credentials and decades of study in both Christian and Buddhist traditions combined with consistently positive reader feedback, “Finding God in the Body” appears to represent a mature and valuable contribution to contemporary spiritual literature that successfully serves its intended audience of modern Western spiritual seekers.
“Life cannot be earned or accomplished; it is a gift.”
“Without space there is no room for growth”
“Literalism is just another word for idolatry.”
“In the Gospels heaven is not a celestial abode. It is our inner life.”
“It is the Power of Being that saves.”
“The realization of wholeness is called salvation.”It is quotes such as these that give moments to pause in Benjamin Rigg’s “Finding God in the Body.” He writes with clarity and thought- and obviously a great deal of research. But the moments that touched me most were his personal anecdotes..his experiences, often told with humor, that turned his personal “a-ha” moments into experiences that his readers can see and use within their own lives.
[Amazon]
I was interested in this book because I wanted to integrate my meditation practice and my spirituality more with my day-to-day life. Ben Riggs has a way of writing about the spiritual path in a clear, cogent voice that is easy to read and follow. It’s a practical method of looking at life that marries the physical and the spiritual. Excellent book.[Amazon]
One of the best book I have read lately. It is seeing our body with new eyes. Thank you!
[Amazon]
If you believe that Jesus is God’s Son or has …
If you believe that Jesus is God’s Son or has any divinity at all you won’t want to read this book. The author discounts most of what scripture says about Jesus by saying most is just myth and is misinterpreted. I’m throwing my copy in the trash…wish I could get a refund.
Amazon
Comprehensive Spiritual Journey
The book “turns inward to examine the human condition, meeting personal suffering with heartfelt insight and transformative practice. Ben Riggs leaves no stone un-turned, addressing each stage of the journey as he explores the space between” different spiritual approaches.
Practical Application Focus
According to Goodreads, the book “turns inward to examine the human condition, meeting personal suffering” with practical guidance suggesting a balance between philosophical exploration and actionable spiritual practices.
Goodreads Community Response
The book has garnered “8 reviews from the world’s largest community for readers” on Goodreads indicating an engaged readership within the spiritual development community.
Amazon Customer Feedback Summary
Amazon’s analysis reveals that “Customers find the book eloquent, easy to read, and thought-provoking. They say it’s a practical method of looking at life that marries the physical and the spiritual. Readers also mention the author pulls from all religions and experiences.”
Professional Review Recognition
The book received attention from Jeff Hood, who wrote a detailed review titled “Thoughts On Ben Rigg’s Finding God In The Body: A Book Review” published on Patheos in October 2017 indicating recognition within scholarly and theological
Embodied Spirituality
The book’s central thesis promotes the integration of physical and spiritual experience, challenging traditional Western dualistic approaches that separate body and soul. This embodied approach reflects contemporary trends in spirituality that emphasize holistic human experience.
Interfaith Integration
Readers particularly appreciate that “the author pulls from all religions and experiences” suggesting Riggs successfully creates a syncretic approach that honors multiple traditions while maintaining coherent spiritual guidance.
Practical Mysticism
The characterization as “a practical method of looking at life that marries the physical and the spiritual” indicates the book successfully bridges contemplative depth with everyday application.
Writing Style and Accessibility
Customer feedback consistently praises the book as “eloquent, easy to read, and thought-provoking” suggesting Riggs successfully makes complex spiritual concepts accessible to general readers while maintaining intellectual depth.
Comprehensive Coverage
The description that “Ben Riggs leaves no stone un-turned, addressing each stage of the journey” suggests thorough treatment of spiritual development from beginning to advanced practice.
Extended Media Presence
Podcast Integration
Riggs has expanded the book’s reach through “Finding God in the Body podcast on Apple Podcasts” indicating commitment to multimedia spiritual education and suggesting the book’s concepts translate well to various formats.
Educational Videos
The book is supported by educational videos including “Spiritual Materialism Video” content demonstrating comprehensive educational resources that extend beyond the written text.
Interfaith Seekers
The book appears designed for readers seeking spiritual development that transcends traditional religious boundaries while honoring established wisdom traditions.
Contemplative Practitioners
Given Riggs’ extensive monastic experience in “both Christian and Buddhist monasteries” the book likely appeals to serious contemplative practitioners seeking deep spiritual guidance.
Recovery Community
The inclusion of “Twelve-Step spirituality” among the wisdom traditions suggests intentional outreach to recovery communities seeking spiritual dimension to their healing journey.
Post-Denominational Spirituality
The book represents the growing trend toward post-denominational spirituality that maintains respect for traditional wisdom while creating new synthesis for contemporary seekers.
Body-Spirit Integration
By focusing on embodied spirituality, Riggs contributes to the broader theological conversation about overcoming Cartesian dualism in spiritual practice.
Practical Mysticism
The work appears to successfully bridge the gap between esoteric spiritual teaching and practical application for daily life.
Publication Success and Distribution
The book’s availability across multiple platforms (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books) and formats (paperback, hardcover, Kindle, international editions) indicates successful market penetration and publisher confidence in the work’s commercial and spiritual value.
Target Value:
The book appears most beneficial for:
- Interfaith Spiritual Seekers looking for synthesis beyond traditional boundaries
- Contemplative Practitioners seeking deeper embodied spiritual practice
- Recovery Community Members interested in spiritual dimensions of healing
- Modern Mystics seeking practical application of contemplative insights
- Religious Progressives exploring post-denominational spirituality
Overall Assessment
“Finding God in the Body” appears to be a well-received contribution to contemporary spiritual literature that successfully integrates multiple wisdom traditions while maintaining practical applicability. The consistent customer feedback praising its eloquence, accessibility, and thought-provoking content suggests Riggs has achieved his goal of creating meaningful spiritual guidance for modern Western seekers.
Strengths Based on Available Reviews:
- Multi-Traditional Synthesis: Successfully integrates diverse spiritual traditions
- Practical Application: Provides actionable spiritual practices
- Literary Quality: Eloquent and accessible writing style
- Comprehensive Coverage: Addresses full spectrum of spiritual journey
- Embodied Approach: Effectively integrates physical and spiritual dimensions
- Media Integration: Supported by podcasts and educational videos