YOGA...... (Full Version)

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JayzeXII -> YOGA...... (3/23/2008 12:14:07 AM)

I'm not very familiar with Yoga, but I always thought it's just a mind and relaxation exercise.
Is Yoga a sin or against the Christianity community?
I'm just curious because our pastor said that Yoga is the same as worshiping another religions God.



Dancre -> RE: YOGA...... (3/23/2008 5:42:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JayzeXII

I'm not very familiar with Yoga, but I always thought it's just a mind and relaxation exercise.
Is Yoga a sin or against the Christianity community?
I'm just curious because our pastor said that Yoga is the same as worshiping another religions God.


I use the YogaBoogieBAllet DVD for excercise. It has a lot of Buddist junk at the beginning and the end, but I just fast forward through that junk and move onto to the exercise. And it's just that, God-help-me Exercise. But I question the ballet stuff. I think it's bad technique. :( From what I gather, Yoga does use Buddist junk which can be a bit pulling, so you might want to avoid it. But it's up to you. AS I said, I just roll my eyes and say, whatever to all the buddist junk.


kim



Kath -> RE: YOGA...... (3/23/2008 8:14:17 PM)

We have a few older threads you might be interested in...


Is yoga wrong for Christians? is the most recent.

Yoga and Meditation is pretty old but is very long.



J_Michael80 -> RE: YOGA...... (3/24/2008 2:04:02 AM)

The word yoga means "union" in India. It is an ancient practice that originated from India and it refers to the union between the mind, body, and spirit. Outside of India, yoga is commonly used as a practice of physical postures or poses. However, the majority of people in India use it for mental and spiritual experience, rather than physical activities. It is believed that yoga was a practice that derived from ancient Hinduism. Christians should not get involved with yoga, there are plenty of other forms of exercise.



elastic -> RE: YOGA...... (3/25/2008 4:07:48 PM)

yoga is actually very good for you...the poses help with strength and flexibility. i am a christian and i take and teach yoga. you don't have to use the chants in order to get the benifits or do the poses. exercise is exercise, and yoga is very easy on the body (as opposed to aerobic jumping around, etc...), good for the lower back and releases a lot of tension.



Lolahoney -> RE: YOGA...... (3/25/2008 5:55:16 PM)

I took a Eastern Philosophy class senior year in hs (know your enemy right?) and we did yoga and martial arts as part of it. A lot of it is supposed to be spiritual, so I was leery at first, but my body felt so good afterward! Basically when the teacher gave us the meditative guidance,talking about chakras and stuff, I ignored him and just focused on the poses. I still do it now, cuz like elastic mentioned, its great for the lower back!



onemorebetts -> YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 9:20:08 AM)

Yoga is basically Hinduism. The most comprehensive site that I have seen is: http://www.praisemoves.com/ChristianAlternative.htm. It explains what Yoga is and also provides a Christian alternative to Yoga. By doing Yoga, you are woshipping the idol god of Hinduism. Go to the site and see for yourself.



Qtman -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 9:33:31 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: onemorebetts

Yoga is basically Hinduism. The most comprehensive site that I have seen is: http://www.praisemoves.com/ChristianAlternative.htm. It explains what Yoga is and also provides a Christian alternative to Yoga. By doing Yoga, you are woshipping the idol god of Hinduism. Go to the site and see for yourself.


Oh! Please. I hold a black belt in the Martial Arts. Does that make me a Korean. I think not. If I practice the stretches etc., in Yoga I am not worshiping any thing. I am simply doing an exercise.



GroupW -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 9:57:54 AM)

Practicing Yoga makes me a Hindu about as much as eating bread and drinking grape juice makes me a Christian. Exercise isn't sinful - it's the heart and intent behind the exercise.

Wow, QT. You really don't look Korean!



Tinkerbell_ -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 10:13:07 AM)

When I was going through my divorce my therapist recommended I study some form of Buddhism or Sikh to learn to mediate and perform Yoga.

During all of those studies I never once worried about my Christian walk and in fact I was able to dig deeper into the Word after mediation because of how clear my mind was.

quote:

I hold a black belt in the Martial Arts. Does that make me a Korean. I think not.

LOLOL!!! You always seem to make me giggle! This is so true. *grin*



Qtman -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 10:29:57 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrincessGiselle

When I was going through my divorce my therapist recommended I study some form of Buddhism or Sikh to learn to mediate and perform Yoga.

During all of those studies I never once worried about my Christian walk and in fact I was able to dig deeper into the Word after mediation because of how clear my mind was.

quote:

I hold a black belt in the Martial Arts. Does that make me a Korean. I think not.

LOLOL!!! You always seem to make me giggle! This is so true. *grin*


My calling in life is to bring a smile. Bless you.



JimboFletch -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 11:40:48 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: qtman

quote:

ORIGINAL: PrincessGiselle

When I was going through my divorce my therapist recommended I study some form of Buddhism or Sikh to learn to mediate and perform Yoga.

During all of those studies I never once worried about my Christian walk and in fact I was able to dig deeper into the Word after mediation because of how clear my mind was.

quote:

I hold a black belt in the Martial Arts. Does that make me a Korean. I think not.

LOLOL!!! You always seem to make me giggle! This is so true. *grin*


My calling in life is to bring a smile. Bless you.

OH.... Martial not Marital.

Now it makes sense.
[sm=icon_smile_idea.gif]



GroupW -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 1:45:25 PM)

My wife wishes I had a black belt in the marital arts.



RCooper -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 2:58:27 PM)

While it is true that practicing yoga will no tmake one a Hindu, it is also true that yoga was developed as a spiritual discipline designed to bring one into union with the Hindu gods. In early phases, it may be possible to divorce the physical exercises from the the spiritual; later on however, this may not be the case. This makes it different from the martial arts which were origianlly developed for physical defense against a stronger and better armed adversary (my understanding is any spiritual aspects were added later).

Here is a link to a good article written on the subject. The author has spent much time studying the Hindu religion. http://www.sdmin.com/soundingboard/200012.htm



Qtman -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 3:26:51 PM)

The style of Martial Arts I was involved in, for over thirty years BTW, was a style of Korean Karate that was started by Buddist Monks. It was steeped in religious theory and yet I remained a devout baptist true it all. Most forms of exercise in the U.S. even though it may have been originally started as some sort of religous activity lost most of that over the years. I do not believe there is any danger of it diverting any real Christians away from God.



GroupW -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 4:29:15 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: RCooper

While it is true that practicing yoga will no tmake one a Hindu, it is also true that yoga was developed as a spiritual discipline designed to bring one into union with the Hindu gods. In early phases, it may be possible to divorce the physical exercises from the the spiritual; later on however, this may not be the case. This makes it different from the martial arts which were origianlly developed for physical defense against a stronger and better armed adversary (my understanding is any spiritual aspects were added later).

Here is a link to a good article written on the subject. The author has spent much time studying the Hindu religion. http://www.sdmin.com/soundingboard/200012.htm


(Note: I'm apologizing in advance for the following rant.)

OK, fine. So if I delve deeply in a fairly simple minded way without any critical thought whatsoever into the mystical/religious aspects of yoga I'm getting myself in a spot of trouble. If, however, I delve deeply into the physical aspects and take a very critical eye toward the rest of it I am merely getting some good physical exercise.

If I study philosophy, am I at risk for becoming a Sophist, Realist, Platonist, or Existentialist.? If I study expressionistic art, am I at risk for becoming a relativistic thinker? Is the bible the only thing that I may pursue without fear?

Is there a biblical form of exercise that I must pursue in order to retain my eternal salvation?

No! I study them, pick out what's worthwhile and throw away the rest.

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but I do get a bit tired here on these forums of this seemingly ever-present fear of everyday things like Yoga, movies, music, hair length,

Really folks. Like learning how to control your breathing and getting a good stretch is going to impact my eternal soul?

Personally, I can't stretch worth a darn and the only control in my breathing is gasping for air as fast as I can when I'm out hiking. I don't do yoga. My wife does and it's helped tremendously with a bum hip and weight loss.



JimboFletch -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 5:11:45 PM)

quote:

Is there a biblical form of exercise that I must pursue in order to retain my eternal salvation?

Of course there are! Galilean Kick-boxing and Nazarean Pilates.

I hafta tell you everything?
[8|]



Qtman -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 5:33:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: GroupW

quote:

ORIGINAL: RCooper

While it is true that practicing yoga will no tmake one a Hindu, it is also true that yoga was developed as a spiritual discipline designed to bring one into union with the Hindu gods. In early phases, it may be possible to divorce the physical exercises from the the spiritual; later on however, this may not be the case. This makes it different from the martial arts which were origianlly developed for physical defense against a stronger and better armed adversary (my understanding is any spiritual aspects were added later).

Here is a link to a good article written on the subject. The author has spent much time studying the Hindu religion. http://www.sdmin.com/soundingboard/200012.htm


(Note: I'm apologizing in advance for the following rant.)

OK, fine. So if I delve deeply in a fairly simple minded way without any critical thought whatsoever into the mystical/religious aspects of yoga I'm getting myself in a spot of trouble. If, however, I delve deeply into the physical aspects and take a very critical eye toward the rest of it I am merely getting some good physical exercise.

If I study philosophy, am I at risk for becoming a Sophist, Realist, Platonist, or Existentialist.? If I study expressionistic art, am I at risk for becoming a relativistic thinker? Is the bible the only thing that I may pursue without fear?

Is there a biblical form of exercise that I must pursue in order to retain my eternal salvation?

No! I study them, pick out what's worthwhile and throw away the rest.

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but I do get a bit tired here on these forums of this seemingly ever-present fear of everyday things like Yoga, movies, music, hair length,

Really folks. Like learning how to control your breathing and getting a good stretch is going to impact my eternal soul?

Personally, I can't stretch worth a darn and the only control in my breathing is gasping for air as fast as I can when I'm out hiking. I don't do yoga. My wife does and it's helped tremendously with a bum hip and weight loss.


GW you have such a good way with words. That is what I was trying real hard to say and was just not getting anywhere.



GroupW -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 9:50:29 PM)

I don't entertain any fantasies of getting any further than you. You said it just fine.

I don't worry any more about changing people's minds. I just want to make sure that others who cruise through here looking for answers know that there is another way to look at the issue.

BT



GroupW -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/26/2008 9:51:52 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimboFletch

quote:

Is there a biblical form of exercise that I must pursue in order to retain my eternal salvation?

Of course there are! Galilean Kick-boxing and Nazarean Pilates.

I hafta tell you everything?
[8|]


Anything with Pilate in the name just can't be healthy.



stellaluna -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/27/2008 10:09:49 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: GroupW

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimboFletch

quote:

Is there a biblical form of exercise that I must pursue in order to retain my eternal salvation?

Of course there are! Galilean Kick-boxing and Nazarean Pilates.

I hafta tell you everything?
[8|]


Anything with Pilate in the name just can't be healthy.

[sm=purplelaugh.gif]



csl7037 -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/28/2008 9:11:56 PM)

I am a certified yoga instructor and work in a gym-setting. I actually think yoga is critical to fitness especially as we age. I am amused by people who are afraid of yoga. If the poses are that detrimental, you better not do pushups - that's a plank position, for example. Having said that, I do think it's worth pointing out that Christians should be careful of the kind of setting they get into for yoga. Done in a gym, for example, with a fitness focus you're probably safe (but should still be discerning); I personally wouldn't go to a yoga studio. I've been in classes a couple of time where I thought they went too far into the spiritual and I probably wouldn't chose to go to another class there.



redtulip -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/29/2008 9:06:23 PM)

I think that yoga CAN be detrimental to your Christan walk IF you're buying into all the other stuff an instructor may be talking about while you're doing your poses. However, I've been doing yoga for a couple months now an my instructor never talks about anything 'strange' or 'questionable'. She tells us how to breathe and how to position our bodies. Nothing more. Maybe the question lies in what your definition of yoga is. One place I looked it up said:
"a school of Hindu philosophy advocating and prescribing a course of physical and mental disciplines for attaining liberation from the material world and union of the self with the Supreme Being or ultimate principle."

but a second definition was:
"any of the methods or disciplines prescribed, esp. a series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to achieve control of the body"

The first I would consider 'unChristian' but the second seems perfectly fine and beneficial. I think it's all in how you're looking at it.



kevinheddy -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (3/30/2008 8:24:15 PM)

To the Original Post...
I have heard very similiar arguments concerning Yoga as Un-Christian. I have read through all postings and the overwhelming majority feel as though Yoga poses no threat on Christianity. I would like to say this:

JayZXII-I urge you to pray for discernment on this matter. Petition to our Father to give you wisdom in this area.

As Paul said:

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Phil 4:8-9

As I read this verse; Paul urges us to meditate on "whatever things are pure" the greek word is hagnos meaning sacred, immaculate, clean.

I understand the physical benefits from Yoga, but it is not these benefits that most concern me; it is this question alone: Is the thing that I am doing, the things that I am saying, the relationsships that I'm in, the company that I keep, the life that I live magnifying Christ?

quote:

ORIGINAL: redtulip

I think that yoga CAN be detrimental to your Christan walk IF you're buying into all the other stuff an instructor may be talking about while you're doing your poses. However, I've been doing yoga for a couple months now an my instructor never talks about anything 'strange' or 'questionable'. She tells us how to breathe and how to position our bodies. Nothing more. Maybe the question lies in what your definition of yoga is. One place I looked it up said:
"a school of Hindu philosophy advocating and prescribing a course of physical and mental disciplines for attaining liberation from the material world and union of the self with the Supreme Being or ultimate principle."

but a second definition was:
"any of the methods or disciplines prescribed, esp. a series of postures and breathing exercises practiced to achieve control of the body"

The first I would consider 'unChristian' but the second seems perfectly fine and beneficial. I think it's all in how you're looking at it.



Dancre -> RE: YOGA is not for Christians! (4/6/2008 2:11:59 PM)

Ah Gee. Now you all are making me feel guilty for not excercising. [&o] I like being lazy and watching endless hours of TV and being on the internet. sigh . . .

kim



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