Is Yoga Ok for Christians?

[Ecclesiastik]

yes, i think we agree on most stuff here... i certainly wouldn't want to do something that i thought had a good chance of leading to someone else's stumbling...

one thing that could be different is that paul wrote to a small (?) church in corinth, say... it was the only church there... today here in the usa most towns have several churches... so even newbie christians understand that there's lots of different flavors and views... maybe some right, some wrong... then here on christianchat, it's an international culture (praise God)... the list of things that might offend somebody is huge... and in the posting of comments... if we only say things that wont possibly offend anybody... well, i'm thinking there would be very few posts... those are my thoughts... what are yours?

Hullo again bro Dan,

This is something that I have also considered when I read Paul's letter to the Corinthians. I believe the spirit of the letter that Paul was writing was such as this: "Are you doing something questionable that doesn't really harm you? It's great that it does not harm you but consider those around you." The offense is not a mere "I don't like that you do that!" or "I'd prefer you do not do that" but more of a heart slashing "I can't believe a brother in Christ just did something like that." Take for example one time when we were young my cousins and i prank phone called my Christian great-grandmother's house and altered our voices. She called us "dummies" and we were flabbergasted because it was the most mean thing we ever heard her say. Paul's intention was not the "oh i'm offended!" meaning that goes around in our modern day culture. It was a deeper sort of faith-questioning offense that might lead someone astray (and for good reason).



Generally speaking, folks know the difference between when they are doing something questionable and when they are doing something that is is pure and folks are getting "offended" for no reason. I am of the persuasion that if something is not pure and folks have the potential to be led astray by it, then your practice should be abandoned. I stopped watching zombie movies and playing violent video games for this exact reason. I don't think it is very harmful to me (except, perhaps, by cultivating a worldly mindset) but not everyone is going to understand why a person who is pleading the blood of Jesus is watching people get splattered like bugs and enjoying it. There are many instances like this that are not given up by people because, well they just enjoy it too much.

Let's quit the games and pursue Jesus with all our heart, mind, and strength! God bless brother!

 

[CRC]

The choice of what physical exercise to pursue is a personal one. Christians, however, would not allow anything—be it bodily training, eating, drinking, clothing, entertainment, or something else—to mar their relationship with God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) For those exercising simply for the sake of their health, there are many avenues available that do not involve exposure to the dangers of spiritism and occultism. By keeping clear of practices and beliefs that are rooted in false religion, we may look forward to God’s blessing of a righteous new system of things in which we can enjoy perfect health in body and mind for an eternity.—2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:3, 4.

 

[Zinzerio]

christian can do what they like when they like. (because proper Christians children of god do no wrong) and if you don't like that then shove off

 

[Selihah]

Seek the truth where ever it may be found. I find truth in physical excercise, stretching and balance poses as something good for the body. I find falsehood in coupling that excercise wiith pagan ritual and or spirituality. Too bad the only approved excercise for christians are deep knee bends, jumping jacks and push-ups, there are is so much more out there. Personally I find the physical forms of excercise from tai-chi very rewarding. Though my coordination is still that of kung fu panda but I'm getting better.

 

[chubbena]

Even if each pose was designed to "get in touch" with certain Hindu deities?

Those things are usually hidden at the beginners class. Waiting until intermediate level would they tell you the meaning of each pose - and at the end of the class they will tell you to bow to worship those gods. But then I'm not saying those that are "Christianised" and taught at the church.

 

[Dayen]

We love making ungodly things looks Godly

 

[Selihah]

Heaven forbid anyone does downward dog or repulse monkey. But a big plate of fried pig and eggs in the morning is ok. Lol

 

[Zinzerio]

Heaven forbid anyone does downward dog or repulse monkey. But a big plate of fried pig and eggs in the morning is ok. Lol

[video=youtube;gip5sjGy8pM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gip5sjGy8pM[/video]


hmmm i would love to know here diet what ever it is

 

[danschance]

Heaven forbid anyone does downward dog or repulse monkey. But a big plate of fried pig and eggs in the morning is ok. Lol

Its is not just about a pose. Yoga is also about meditation, opening your chakras, get in touch with a Kundalini (a snake diety), gaining a god-conscience and even the worship of Hindu deities. Many Yoga studios teach you can have a spiritual encounter by doing Yoga. The Yoga studio near me has an altar with five Hindu deities. One Yoga studio near me offers a tantra class, to increase one's sexual drive. Most offer a Kundalini class. While some can do Yoga with no problems to some it may be a doorway into Hindu mysticism or the New Age.

Honestly, why engage in Yoga when the gym is much more healthier?

 

[danschance]

Those things are usually hidden at the beginners class. Waiting until intermediate level would they tell you the meaning of each pose - and at the end of the class they will tell you to bow to worship those gods. But then I'm not saying those that are "Christianised" and taught at the church.

True, I agree. Many in advanced Yoga speak of spiritual encounters. One former Yoga master who converted to Christianity warns Christians to not engage in it.

 

[crossnote]

When a christian takes these yoga exercise classes does he consider where else his $$$ goes in furthering this false religion even though he only 'exercises'?

 

[danschance]

Seek the truth where ever it may be found. I find truth in physical excercise, stretching and balance poses as something good for the body. I find falsehood in coupling that excercise wiith pagan ritual and or spirituality. Too bad the only approved excercise for christians are deep knee bends, jumping jacks and push-ups, there are is so much more out there. Personally I find the physical forms of excercise from tai-chi very rewarding. Though my coordination is still that of kung fu panda but I'm getting better.

That is not true at all. A Christian can do Zumba and get a great work out. Christians can go walking, jogging, running, tennis, track and field, wrestling, soccer, football, ice skating, rollerskating, weight lifting, Jazzercise, ballet, ball room dancing, rock climbing, backpacking, mountaineering, swimming, scuba diving, ping pong, volley ball, basketball, baseball, uni-cycling, juggeling, yard work and much, much more far beyond what you have described and they all offer different levels of exercise. Yoga can be engaged in by some, by why not avoid it as it can cause others to stumble?

 

[Hizikyah]

One thing that bothes me is there are infinite ways to work out, why choose one, support one, fight to justify one that is of demonic origin?

I would think followers of Yahshua would not only go against paganism but do so without hesitation.

 

[Dan_473]

Thats why I posted that list, so people could see what is going on. The Yoga studio closest to me has an altar with five main Hindu Gods on it. Would you enjoy meditating before them? I say no thanks. I will pass on that.

definitely... of course, though, now were talking about going to a yoga center... maybe different from just practicing yoga stretches...

 

[Dan_473]

Hullo again bro Dan,

This is something that I have also considered when I read Paul's letter to the Corinthians. I believe the spirit of the letter that Paul was writing was such as this: "Are you doing something questionable that doesn't really harm you? It's great that it does not harm you but consider those around you." The offense is not a mere "I don't like that you do that!" or "I'd prefer you do not do that" but more of a heart slashing "I can't believe a brother in Christ just did something like that." Take for example one time when we were young my cousins and i prank phone called my Christian great-grandmother's house and altered our voices. She called us "dummies" and we were flabbergasted because it was the most mean thing we ever heard her say. Paul's intention was not the "oh i'm offended!" meaning that goes around in our modern day culture. It was a deeper sort of faith-questioning offense that might lead someone astray (and for good reason).



Generally speaking, folks know the difference between when they are doing something questionable and when they are doing something that is is pure and folks are getting "offended" for no reason. I am of the persuasion that if something is not pure and folks have the potential to be led astray by it, then your practice should be abandoned. I stopped watching zombie movies and playing violent video games for this exact reason. I don't think it is very harmful to me (except, perhaps, by cultivating a worldly mindset) but not everyone is going to understand why a person who is pleading the blood of Jesus is watching people get splattered like bugs and enjoying it. There are many instances like this that are not given up by people because, well they just enjoy it too much.

Let's quit the games and pursue Jesus with all our heart, mind, and strength! God bless brother!

i certainly complement your zeal! i think the place where we see things differently is the 'questionable' part... imo eating food sacrificed to idols or, in this case, yoga, is not questionable... i see it as completely ok... if your conscience is clear... if you're around someone who doesn't know that an idol is just a piece of metal... no god behind it... then by all means, don't eat that food... i personally think it's ok to work on saturday or sunday... but if i was around some strickly-observant seventh-day christians, i wouldn't... why cause the rukus? though, that doesn't mean i will forever give up mowing my lawn on saturday, even though i know there's seventh-day people out there... same way with practicing yoga - which i don't - but if i did... i wouldn't wave it in the face of people who grew up in india and have strong associations with it... when people come to the usa, they probably start to understand that there's lots of religions here and lots of different views of christianity... lots of different things that some christians do and some don't...

i applaud your desire to help others and serve God by not playing zombie games... at the same time, here's an option you could keep in mind for the future... you could explain to your friends that you understand a difference between what is real - the blood of Jesus - and what is fake - video game blood - ... not saying you have to, of course... just an option...

grace and peace to you!

 

[Dan_473]

The choice of what physical exercise to pursue is a personal one. Christians, however, would not allow anything—be it bodily training, eating, drinking, clothing, entertainment, or something else—to mar their relationship with God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) For those exercising simply for the sake of their health, there are many avenues available that do not involve exposure to the dangers of spiritism and occultism. By keeping clear of practices and beliefs that are rooted in false religion, we may look forward to God’s blessing of a righteous new system of things in which we can enjoy perfect health in body and mind for an eternity.—2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:3, 4.

'By keeping clear of practices and beliefs that are rooted in false religion' yes.. i agree... just use common sense.. i love watching footage of the usa lunar landing... even though it was launched by a saturn rocket and called the apollo mission...

 

[GodIsSalvation]

No, yoga is not okay for anyone.

Yoga means "to yoke."

So then one must ask what you are being tricked into yoking yourself to.

And that is a pretty simple answer to figure out when you figure out the hindu and buddhist chants and postures involved and the fact both these false religions are extremely demonic.

 

[danschance]

definitely... of course, though, now were talking about going to a yoga center... maybe different from just practicing yoga stretches...

The bible says to avoid the appearance of evil. So while it maybe OK to do some Yoga poses, you are in fact supporting Yoga and it is possible that your involvement might cause another to get involved at a Yoga studio that encourages more, to the point they sin. My advice is to simply find a Zumba class or Jazzercise class or a good gym and have at it.

 

[danschance]

Hullo again bro Dan,

This is something that I have also considered when I read Paul's letter to the Corinthians. I believe the spirit of the letter that Paul was writing was such as this: "Are you doing something questionable that doesn't really harm you? It's great that it does not harm you but consider those around you." The offense is not a mere "I don't like that you do that!" or "I'd prefer you do not do that" but more of a heart slashing "I can't believe a brother in Christ just did something like that." Take for example one time when we were young my cousins and i prank phone called my Christian great-grandmother's house and altered our voices. She called us "dummies" and we were flabbergasted because it was the most mean thing we ever heard her say. Paul's intention was not the "oh i'm offended!" meaning that goes around in our modern day culture. It was a deeper sort of faith-questioning offense that might lead someone astray (and for good reason).



Generally speaking, folks know the difference between when they are doing something questionable and when they are doing something that is is pure and folks are getting "offended" for no reason. I am of the persuasion that if something is not pure and folks have the potential to be led astray by it, then your practice should be abandoned. I stopped watching zombie movies and playing violent video games for this exact reason. I don't think it is very harmful to me (except, perhaps, by cultivating a worldly mindset) but not everyone is going to understand why a person who is pleading the blood of Jesus is watching people get splattered like bugs and enjoying it. There are many instances like this that are not given up by people because, well they just enjoy it too much.

Let's quit the games and pursue Jesus with all our heart, mind, and strength! God bless brother!

Exactly. I totally agree with you.

 

[Dan_473]

The bible says to avoid the appearance of evil. So while it maybe OK to do some Yoga poses, you are in fact supporting Yoga and it is possible that your involvement might cause another to get involved at a Yoga studio that encourages more, to the point they sin. My advice is to simply find a Zumba class or Jazzercise class or a good gym and have at it.

well, it looks to me like it's then a matter of deciding what has the appearance of evil... to me, yoga does not appear evil... anymore than a sitar appears evil... there's probably thousands of things that appear evil to different christians all over the world... including posting on an internet forum... i'm not planning to give them up just because there's somebody somewhere... to do so would place me in a self-made prison... now, if they're in the same room or nearby... that's a different story...

grace and peace to you!