Let us venture into this conversation. Can Christians do yoga? I really want to know what you think. Even though you know where my opinion lands, let us examine some of the issues. Pastor Mark Driscoll wrote one of the best essays I’ve read against Christian yoga. I love Pastor Mark! He is a great pastor and speaker. I even have a leopard gecko named after him. Yet, I do not share all of his opinions. His blog about Christian yoga very accurately sets forth the history and origin of yoga and its spiritual implications. Read
I do not disagree with his facts. I learned all of these in school and they came to no surprise to me but neither do they make a case against it for me. I have heard the opinion many times before. The debate comes down to whether you believe you can worship unknown gods unknowingly. This opinion feels we can not take yoga captive for the Christian faith because of its roots. But this to me is as ridiculous as saying we can not participate in traditions like the Christmas tree or Halloween because of its pagan roots. If the origins of something automatically orient us with that religion, we are going to be in for a surprise as we research the many influences that develop the American culture we have adopted as Christians. They do not call America “the melting pot” for nothing.
Let me be clear now. I believe in one God. And I believe we discover Him through scripture. Yet we can not put man made rules on how we experience Him. And we most certainly can not worship unknown gods unknowingly.
This belief that we are worshipping something unknowingly because of our ignorance on the origins of the practice is exactly what Paul was talking about in 1 Corinthians 8. READ
In the same way people had different reactions to meat whose origins were in idol sacrifices, people have different responses to exercise whose origins are in Eastern Religion. Yet the difference in these people are that some believe that there is power outside of God that make these practices wrong and cause them to feel guilty in their consciences. I agree with Paul that there is only one God and we have liberty in Christ to live our lives free from guilt and man made restrictions. There is no power over my soul other than God the Father and when I do yoga my heart is His and none other. Praise God for our freedom over Death and Demons. We are His and no one can snatch us from His hand. Not even yoga.
What do you think? Can Christians do yoga? Agree or Disagree. Please tell me your thoughts.
I agree – When I found out you did Christian Yoga, I was like this I can do now since your class was based around Christian principle. I had stayed away from yoga before. Even thou I am having a hard time with yoga now because of some body parts, think I need to do chair yoga :o)
You are a blessing, Dawn! I’m so glad you joined my class.
It probably depends on how mature a Christian is and how grounded in the Word of God. If God’s Word is living strongly in us it protects us from the schemes of the devil. Also, since you are teaching it in the Christian
way, God will guide you in your teaching so you will not lead anyone into false religion. Everthing we do should be bathed in prayer, so you are a tool in God’s hand to bless others.
Very good point. I’m glad you brought that up. Discernment is a tool that must be active and growing within a Christian. Being versed in God’s Word is a must when it comes to being discerning. I prefer a Christian atmosphere as a Christian so that I can move through postures and meditation with a community of other believers. When we go outside of the Christian community, our discernment must be on high alert, so as not to allow our minds to slide into New Age philosphies.