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Yoga And Christiaanity.The Danger !

bhakthi

Member
Yoga has nothing to do with Christianity or the Bible. It is predominantly a Hindu practice. Then why some Christians in America are trying this?When Israel went on backsliding they tried a lot of things like this. Isaiah says,” For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob, Because they are filled with eastern ways; They are soothsayers like the Philistines” Isaiah;2:6 When God is about to leave a land or when He forsakes a people they will try to find some kind of alternatives. Because God will leave them to the hardness of their own hearts. “Woe to them when I depart from them!” Hosea;9:12 God will stay with a people or nation only as long as they choose to stay with Him. Mediums, astrology, soothsaying, palmistry, yoga. etc are pagan stuff. They have nothing to do with God or the Bible.All these kind of things have always been waiting to creep into a nation or people who forsake the Lord and His ways.Those who study the prophets can see that Israel was filled with these kind of things when they departed from God. "They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah; 2:13
These are symptoms of of a backsliding people. It declares that the Lord is about to leave the land. As He did to Israel, when Baal’s power prevailed.Then Elijah said to the people. "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." 1 Kings; 2:18 This is a time for America to make a choice like that. Before it is too late .Before, “Judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field.” Hosea; 10:4 as seen in Hosea What did God say when Israel turned away from God?"Woe to them, for they have fled from Me! Destruction to them, Because they have transgressed against Me! Though I redeemed them, Yet they have spoken lies against Me.” Hosea; 7:13
So "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.” Jeremiah;10:2
“Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live;” Isaiah;55:2,3
 

MysticSang'ha

Big Squishy Hugger
Premium Member
I'd like to understand how yoga is defined by Bhakti, too, as well as how it is categorized clearly as "pagan."




I practice yoga; I am not pagan.



I have also read a great book at the bookstore written by a yoga teacher titled, "Yoga for Christians" that is deeply devotional to God the Father through Christ. This book didn't seem to be a universalist point of view, either, "borrowing" from Hindu culture and what-not. It was strictly Christian, utilizing prayer, meditation, breathing exercises, and hatha yoga postures from a purely Biblical point of view. (at least from what I can remember)




Peace,
Mystic
 

Sunstone

De Diablo Del Fora
Premium Member
Regardless of what anyone thinks of it, we live in an age of extraordinary cross-cultural exchange, and it's only going to increase, barring a world wide calamity. I suspect that Christians practicing yoga is by no means the strangest thing we'll see.
 

may

Well-Known Member
The objective of yoga as a discipline is to lead a person to the spiritual experience of being "yoked" to or merged with a superhuman spirit. But which spirit would that be?
 

sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
bhakthi said:
Yoga has nothing to do with Christianity or the Bible. It is predominantly a Hindu practice. Then why some Christians in America are trying this?When Israel went on backsliding they tried a lot of things like this. Isaiah says,” For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob, Because they are filled with eastern ways; They are soothsayers like the Philistines” Isaiah;2:6 When God is about to leave a land or when He forsakes a people they will try to find some kind of alternatives. Because God will leave them to the hardness of their own hearts. “Woe to them when I depart from them!” Hosea;9:12 God will stay with a people or nation only as long as they choose to stay with Him. Mediums, astrology, soothsaying, palmistry, yoga. etc are pagan stuff. They have nothing to do with God or the Bible.All these kind of things have always been waiting to creep into a nation or people who forsake the Lord and His ways.Those who study the prophets can see that Israel was filled with these kind of things when they departed from God. "They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah; 2:13
These are symptoms of of a backsliding people. It declares that the Lord is about to leave the land. As He did to Israel, when Baal’s power prevailed.Then Elijah said to the people. "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." 1 Kings; 2:18 This is a time for America to make a choice like that. Before it is too late .Before, “Judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field.” Hosea; 10:4 as seen in Hosea What did God say when Israel turned away from God?"Woe to them, for they have fled from Me! Destruction to them, Because they have transgressed against Me! Though I redeemed them, Yet they have spoken lies against Me.” Hosea; 7:13
So "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.” Jeremiah;10:2
“Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live;” Isaiah;55:2,3

Much of the OT prophecies were informed by exile and the social "contaminants" that accompany exile. They were also informed by a sense of the Hebraic community that they were to remain "pure," both culturally and genetically. Given that the world was not so "small," culturally speaking, as it is now (that is, we live with a global economy, a global world view, and the peaceful, amicable, and mutually beneficial exhange of cultural ideas and norms), I think God rejoices that we have learned to live together so well in these areas.
 

Halcyon

Lord of the Badgers
may said:
The objective of yoga as a discipline is to lead a person to the spiritual experience of being "yoked" to or merged with a superhuman spirit. But which spirit would that be?
I thought there was only one God?

Yoga and meditation do not contradict the 10 commandments, nor are they any form of sin. Thus they cannot possibly lead to a union with Satan.

And if not Satan, then it must be God, because there are no other Gods but him, right?
 

dawny0826

Mother Heathen
When I practice yoga...I do it for exercise...and actually pray about it before hand...to Christ...

I replace every invocation with prayers to Christ or I'll outwardly quote scripture.

I also bellydance and I've had Christian family members turn their noses up and smirk at that. It's solely for exercise and I enjoy it...practicing in the privacy of my own home...by myself...also praying beforehand.

I believe it all boils down to WHO your heart and mind is focused on.
 

Sunstone

De Diablo Del Fora
Premium Member
bhakthi said:
Yoga has nothing to do with Christianity or the Bible. It is predominantly a Hindu practice. Then why some Christians in America are trying this?When Israel went on backsliding they tried a lot of things like this. Isaiah says,” For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob, Because they are filled with eastern ways; They are soothsayers like the Philistines” Isaiah;2:6 When God is about to leave a land or when He forsakes a people they will try to find some kind of alternatives. Because God will leave them to the hardness of their own hearts. “Woe to them when I depart from them!” Hosea;9:12 God will stay with a people or nation only as long as they choose to stay with Him. Mediums, astrology, soothsaying, palmistry, yoga. etc are pagan stuff. They have nothing to do with God or the Bible.All these kind of things have always been waiting to creep into a nation or people who forsake the Lord and His ways.Those who study the prophets can see that Israel was filled with these kind of things when they departed from God. "They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah; 2:13
These are symptoms of of a backsliding people. It declares that the Lord is about to leave the land. As He did to Israel, when Baal’s power prevailed.Then Elijah said to the people. "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." 1 Kings; 2:18 This is a time for America to make a choice like that. Before it is too late .Before, “Judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field.” Hosea; 10:4 as seen in Hosea What did God say when Israel turned away from God?"Woe to them, for they have fled from Me! Destruction to them, Because they have transgressed against Me! Though I redeemed them, Yet they have spoken lies against Me.” Hosea; 7:13
So "Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them.” Jeremiah;10:2
“Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live;” Isaiah;55:2,3

It seems to me you assume yoga is backsliding merely because its origins are not Judeo-Christian. But precisely how does yoga distract someone from the Judeo-Christian religions? Or, on what grounds do you assert that it is incompatible with those religions?
 

bhakthi

Member
Mike182 said:
would you care to give a definition of Yoga?
Quote-:Amrit Yoga connects yoga practice with the ancient roots and fundamental principles that are at the core of all branches of yoga.
Amrit Yoga uses the body as an entry point to explore, experience and release blocks that prevent us from tapping into the source of the infinite potential within. The concepts are adaptable to various types of healing modalities as well as personal self-discovery.
Amrit Yoga cultivates inward focus and meditative awareness along with the practice of postures and pranayama. This internal focus is the single most powerful tool to prevent chronic, stress-producing, mental dialogues and emotional reactions. These unconscious habits accompany us through every activity; the yoga mat is not an exception.
The vigorous traditions of Hatha Yoga provide powerful results, and are intended to serve as a foundation for the mental and spiritual dimension of yoga. Hard work can silence the mind during vigorous practice, but has no power to transcend or alter emotional and karmic patterns held securely in the unconscious. Vigorous practice combined with internal focus engages the mental and emotional bodies into the practice of yoga — expanding its scope and deepening the experience of Hatha Yoga many fold.
The practice of Amrit Yoga has the power to engage you totally, absorb you completely, and integrate you fully in your body, mind, heart and soul. It empowers you to enter the experience of unity, which is integral to the experience of yoga.Amrit Yoga is a metaphor for life. The skills of mindful attention and meditative awareness you develop on the yoga mat extend to challenges you encounter in life

A Testimony from another board.
"I've done alot of yoga - but it is very troubling since most yoga classes include chanting in strange languages about spiritual matters. When the chanting started, I used to put my hands together and pray instead. I figured it could only help -- and might open an opportunity to witness to the others in the class. (It didn't). Then I managed to find a class whose motto was "no chanting, no incense, no funny business" and I love it."
Another Testimony -
 

bhakthi

Member
Another testimony .Originally Posted by Frances
I have always understood the positions in Yoga are all positions of worship to Hindu gods. . . also the doctor who taught me to breath properly (my normal breathing was hyperventilation) insisted on adding to the piece I put on my website 'breathing for health' that the 'yoga' way will get folk into a trance-like state. . .

(whether you choose to indulge in yoga or not is up to you, but I'd prefer not to risk being involved with 'other gods' . . .
 

Booko

Deviled Hen
may said:
The objective of yoga as a discipline is to lead a person to the spiritual experience of being "yoked" to or merged with a superhuman spirit. But which spirit would that be?

Funny, the objective of my daughter practicing yoga is to stretch and tone muscles that she uses dancing.

As for spirits, we are not interested in spirits in our household, as drinking alcohol is forbidden to us.
 

Booko

Deviled Hen
dawny0826 said:
When I practice yoga...I do it for exercise...and actually pray about it before hand...to Christ...

I replace every invocation with prayers to Christ or I'll outwardly quote scripture.

I also bellydance and I've had Christian family members turn their noses up and smirk at that. It's solely for exercise and I enjoy it...practicing in the privacy of my own home...by myself...also praying beforehand.

I believe it all boils down to WHO your heart and mind is focused on.
Go, Dawny!!!
bellyemoticon.gif
bellyemoticon.gif
bellyemoticon.gif
bellyemoticon.gif

 

Booko

Deviled Hen
bhakthi said:
Another testimony .Originally Posted by Frances
I have always understood the positions in Yoga are all positions of worship to Hindu gods. . . also the doctor who taught me to breath properly (my normal breathing was hyperventilation) insisted on adding to the piece I put on my website 'breathing for health' that the 'yoga' way will get folk into a trance-like state. . .

(whether you choose to indulge in yoga or not is up to you, but I'd prefer not to risk being involved with 'other gods' . . .

Actually, I find it fascinating you have the username that you do, considering in Hinduism one of the approaches to God is "bhakthi yoga" or the approach from devotion.

I'm more a karma yoga fan, myself.
 

may

Well-Known Member
the entire thinking behind Yoga is deeply rooted in non-Christian religion and Eastern gods
While choice of exercise and health regimens is a personal matter, a Christian would want to choose activities in life that please Jehovah God and shun those that would yoke him with religious ideas that are not compatible with worshiping Him. In this way the Christian’s manner of life will harmonize with Jesus Christ’s invitation to his followers: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light."—Matthew 11:29, 30
 

Scarlett Wampus

psychonaut
Tai Chi Chu'an and Chi Kung (Chinese Yoga), Kung Fu and its many derivatives, massage, most forms of meditation, etc. are all non-Christian disciplines but that doesn't mean to say they couldn't be adapted. They benefit health in subtlely different ways to other forms of exercise so it would be sensible to find ways to do that. For instance, you could just 'borrow' many of the physical and mental aspects of these things but adapt their spiritual aspects to fit Christianity. Many Jesuits practice what could be described as a Yoga-like system yet is thoroughly Christian, and some like Anthony De Mello have even actively borrowed things from eastern traditions and integrated them into Christian disciplines.
 

sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
may said:
the entire thinking behind Yoga is deeply rooted in non-Christian religion and Eastern gods
While choice of exercise and health regimens is a personal matter, a Christian would want to choose activities in life that please Jehovah God and shun those that would yoke him with religious ideas that are not compatible with worshiping Him. In this way the Christian’s manner of life will harmonize with Jesus Christ’s invitation to his followers: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light."—Matthew 11:29, 30

In what way is yoga incompatible with our worship of Christ?
 

may

Well-Known Member
sojourner said:
In what way is yoga incompatible with our worship of Christ?

The objective of yoga as a discipline is to lead a person to being merged with a superhuman spirit. Contrary to God’s direction, yoga involves stopping spontaneous thinking. (Romans 12:1, 2) Yoga can expose one to the dangers of spiritism and occultism. (Deuteronomy 18:10, 11)
To empty the mind goes further than merely organizing the mind or freeing it of unnecessary "clutter." the mind swept completely clean is easy prey to outside influence, possibly by unprincipled humans or superhuman demonic forces. Though practicing only the Yoga physical exercises might appear harmless, yet pursuing the Yoga discipline, even when combined with Christian prayers, could be fraught with dangers, as stated in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17. One risks trying to unite something clean with something God considers unclean.
 
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