It also leaves one open to deception from God's enemy, who searches for victims that he can turn away from God ( 1 Peter 5:8). It encourages its participants to seek the answers to life's difficult questions within their own consciousness instead of in the Word of God. It teaches one to focus on oneself instead of on the one true God. The question becomes, is it possible for a Christian to isolate the physical aspects of yoga as simply a method of exercise, without incorporating the spirituality or philosophy behind it? Yoga originated with a blatantly anti-Christian philosophy, and that philosophy has not changed. It is little more than self-worship disguised as high-level spirituality. The practice of yoga is based on the belief that man and God are one. It is a means to prepare the body for the spiritual exercises, with fewer obstacles, in order to achieve enlightenment. Hatha yoga is the aspect of yoga which focuses on the physical body through special postures, breathing exercises, and concentration or meditation. Because everything is God, the yoga philosophy makes no distinction between man and God. This view is called "pantheism," the belief that everything is God and that reality consists only of the universe and nature. The word yoga means "union," and the goal is to unite one's transitory (temporary) self with the infinite Brahman, the Hindu concept of "God." This god is not a literal being, but is an impersonal spiritual substance that is one with nature and the cosmos. It is an ancient practice derived from India, believed to be the path to spiritual growth and enlightenment. However, the philosophy behind yoga is much more than physically improving oneself. Question: "What is the Christian view of yoga?"Īnswer: For many Christians in the West who don't understand the history behind it, yoga is simply a means of physical exercise and strengthening and improving flexibility of the muscles. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Two scripture quotes attached to what I said above and yoga on! I would be more inclined to think about removing pictures of Jesus or crosses from my life and home. I would say, don't be so superstitious about the Christian religious view of things. Yoga is so fabulous, I feel wonderful when I practice even just a couple times a week. This stuff I can do without, but it's not really "religious" or anymore religious than say wind chimes. One class, where the teacher initiates you to picture things of creation, for relaxation and releasing energy. I have never been to a class where there is chanting, but using your breath for deep breathing exercise, yes.
Anyway, it goes to prove that these other religions pretend to be oh-so-spiritual, but without the transforming power of God, they will never be truly the kind of people Christ is changing us to be. She quit the yoga classes that day! I don't know if it was prayer that resulted in this, as she is still not saved, and her heart is harder than ever. The woman almost came to blows, and my sister was stunned at her hypocrisy! Apparently she was screaming and swearing at someone. Then she finally got out, that she was at a shopping mall the other day, and she saw her yoga teacher in the parking lot. Then one day she phones me, kind of subdued at first. It was pretty nauseating for me, and we had some rather sharp conversations about it. She greatly admired her yoga teacher, and was always describing her wonderful qualities, and how her kindness, gentleness etc, had come from yogi and various postures. (Like I would ever give up Jesus for 300 million assorted deities!).
She was really getting sucked in and actively proselytizing me. My sister, who is an unbeliever started doing yogi - the kind with lots of Hinduism in it.
I used to dance, and I have a lot of stretches from dance, although I will never dance again. It is essential to stretch with RA, so any good exercises I can find, I do them. I don't think that has hurt me in any way. I do stretches as I am able, and a few of them are based on yoga poses. I had Christian friends who did yoga, the husband had a bad shoulder and back, and it helped him tremendously and he didn't have to have surgery! I think that if it does not feature mystical Hindu chants, meditation, etc, and it is just using the poses in a western manner, then it is probably ok.
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