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What is the Christian view of Tai Chi (TaiChi)?
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Tai Chi is the Taoist belief in a universal
energy called chi. Chi is believed to be the binding life force in the
universe, moving through invisible channels in the body called meridians. There
is no supreme God or Creator in Taoism; all originated from the Tao, which is
an impersonal principle or source of creation. From the Tao came yin and yang,
two forces that manifested in creation. Tai Chi has a worldview at odds with
the Christian worldview. Tai Chi is based on a Taoist spiritual view of the
body and the chi, a view incompatible with how the Bible tells us we were made —
in God’s image. Jesus Christ created and holds the world together, not the Tao
or an invisible force called chi
Got
Questions Ministries
Tai Chi is more specifically called Tai Chi Chuan, which can be translated as “supreme ultimate fist.”
Tai Chi is a
martial art, though it’s often called a “moving meditation” since the movements
are done slowly and deliberately, and it is taught more as a meditative and
health-enhancing practice than as a martial art.
Though its
origins are unclear, the foundation of Tai Chi is the Taoist belief in a
universal energy called chi (also spelled qi or
ki depending on the language of origin).
Chi is
believed to be the binding life force in the universe, existing both externally
and internally, moving through invisible channels in the body called meridians.
Taoism teaches
that strengthening and reinforcing one’s inner chi will bring good health and
long life as well as spiritual benefits.
Certain
breathing techniques, meditations, and bodily movements are taught to cultivate
and enhance the chi.
There is no
supreme God or Creator in Taoism; all originated from the Tao, which is an
impersonal principle or source of creation.
From the Tao
came yin and yang, two forces that manifested in creation.
These forces
appear opposite but actually are in a state of constant flux, merging with each
other.
The chi flows
more harmoniously when yin and yang are balanced; this balance is brought about
through special diets, herbs, exercises, breathing techniques, and bodily
movements.
Tai Chi,
therefore, has a worldview at odds with the Christian worldview.
Tai Chi is
based on a Taoist spiritual view of the body and the chi, and how to enhance
the chi, a view incompatible with how the Bible tells us we were made — in
God’s image (Genesis 1:27).
Jesus Christ created and holds the world together, not the
Tao or an invisible force called chi: “For by Him all things were created,
both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or
dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him
and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).
Doing Tai Chi,
even for physical purposes, is paying homage to a spiritual belief system at
odds with God’s Word.
Got
Questions Ministries
seeks to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing biblical, applicable, and
timely answers to spiritually related questions through an internet presence.
GotQuestions.org is a ministry of dedicated and trained servants who have a desire to assist others in their understanding of God, Scripture, salvation, and other spiritual topics. We are Christian, Protestant, evangelical, theologically conservative, and non-denominational. We view ourselves as a para-church ministry, coming alongside the church to help people find answers to their spiritually related questions.
GotQuestions.org is a ministry of dedicated and trained servants who have a desire to assist others in their understanding of God, Scripture, salvation, and other spiritual topics. We are Christian, Protestant, evangelical, theologically conservative, and non-denominational. We view ourselves as a para-church ministry, coming alongside the church to help people find answers to their spiritually related questions.
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