Many, if not most Americans, associate religion with "going to church" or belonging to such and such a church, mosque, or synagogue. A great percentage of believers believers understand that their own beliefs or dogma is what provides Grace, God's (gods') favor, and protection from evil, etc. Few non-Hindus realize that yoga is much more than a person simply stretching her or his muscles while focusing on the breath. Various forms of yoga are centuries-old ritualistic, meditative efforts wherein Hindu believers seek to more deeply holistically connect with themselves and The Divine even as they strive to liberate themselves from mortal trials and sufferings.
Many athletes celebrate the deep sense of joy and accomplishment they experience while running, cycling, lifting weights, skiing, etc. I actually came across a website proselytizing the religion of
Runnism. A true Runnist:
- lives life to the fullest
- values long-term health
- understands well-being doesn't come without sacrifice
- competes only against his or her earlier self
- improves gradually, not overnight
- may occasionally feel pain but seldom suffers
- sees running as a gift, not a burden
Runnism worships physical well-being.Now, runnism advocates are quick to
point out that the religion of running is not a true religion in and of itself and is compatible with any of the world's expressed religions and/or atheism for that matter. Nonetheless, people are seeking out all sorts of (non)-traditional means to better understand the universe's meaning and their place in it while living by a set of practical rituals and ethical beliefs. Going to church on Sunday, mosque on Fridays, or synagogue on Saturdays isn't necessarily a prerequisite for such religious persons.
I'm willing to suggest that there will be more people, churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike, who will be more religiously involved with the
Flying Pig Marathon than there will be in many if not most churches in and around Cincinnati. Where will God be better served and people become more whole, and why? Many church leaders complain about Sunday soccer games and other sporting events without wondering why families choose to allocate their time and energies in the manner that they do. Perhaps an equally important question they and we might consider is: "To what extent is our church helping people better understand the meaning of life, develop a healthy and meaningful lifestyle, and gain a deeper sense of commitment to themselves, God, and the people around us?"
Let me approach the finish line of this reflection in this manner. There's a distinct difference between "runnism," yoga, and Christianity. Runnism and yoga are very "self-centered" - Christianity is but isn't. The author of the
First Letter of John puts it this way:
We love because him (God) first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him (God) is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. (1 John 4: 19-21) Many Christians believe that their faith revolves around their own personal piety or salvation. It doesn't. Nor does it necessarily offer many of the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of a healthy diet and exercise.
Seemingly we are called to deepen our religious belief in God through Jesus Christ by deepening our love of God, others, and ourselves through all healthy and holy means possible. Here's a prayer that you may find beneficial as you religiously become more Christian in our complicated post-modern society:
Holy God, be in my mind, body, and soul so that I might let go of all that diminishes the movement of your Spirit within me. (Episcopal CREDO staff)Blessings Along The Way,
Jim+
P.So. The Episcopal "
CREDO" website provides excellent resources for religiously developing your spiritual, financial, physical, & vocational gifts and goals.
