Should Christians practice Yoga? NO!! Okay bye…..
Hey wait! .. Don’t you want to know why? You should, and this information involves all who may be participating in this Eastern religion. Religion? Yes, Yoga is Hinduism. Now you are going to argue…”NO, I do Yoga to relieve stress and for relaxation”. Or how about this, “I only hold the positions for exercise and to increase my body strength”. Did you know that the Sun Salutation is worship to a sun goddess?
Okay let’s talk. Well… if you will read this for a few minutes, I would be extremely pleased.
Yoga means “union” in Sanskrit. Union with what? You will find the true answer to this a bit later. Yoga theory teaches that everything is divine and the goal is to reach union with Brahman, your higher self, God, or the universe, depending on what they are trying to sell you. The practice of Yoga, the positions and breathing prepares the body for the occult changes that will arouse the coiled power (Kundalini) at the base of spine. This power can travel up the spine passing through the Chakras to the top of your head (Crown Chakra). It is the ultimate goal for the Kundalini (Serpent Power) to reach the brain. The “OM” which is repeated over and over again is to empty the mind of thought so that a new spirit can enter.
What happens then? The ultimate goal of enlightenment? Let’s take a look at what the experts say:
Swami Narayananda describes some of the possibilities:
These hot currents that reach the brain center heat the brain, make the mind fickle, bring insomnia, brain disorder, insanity and incurable diseases. For the hot currents keep the mind wide awake and if a person does not know how to check the currents and to bring down the partly risen kundalini shakti to safer centers, one suffers terribly and it may ruin the whole life of a person or lead one to insanity. This is why we see many become insane, many get brain defects, and many others get some incurable diseases after deep sorrow.
Gopi Krishna, founder of one of the many kundalini research centers, records his own experience:
It was variable for many years, painful, obsessive, even fantasmic. I have passed through almost all the stages of different mediumistic, psychotic, and other types of mind; for some time I was hovering between sanity and insanity.
Even though one may desire only the physical or exercise of yoga, you can see how dangerous a practice it really is. The above kundalini symptoms are the extreme, this is duly noted, but nevertheless, many have noted a change of worldview, or a darkness that follows them because of their involvement into the occult spiritual realm. A commercial on TV shows a woman in a lotus position calmly looking at the ocean, and you may desire the relaxation but the truth is, (and the trainers don’t want you to know this), the problems can be overpowering. Consider some of these other manifestations. Fear, uncontrollable laughing or weeping, intervals of ecstasy, tremors, spasms, and violent shaking. The guru can often impart these manifestations in mass, to his students, leaving them writhing on the floor helpless.
New-Age techniques almost always involve some form of meditation that is to bring you into a state of peace, enlightenment, open the door of physic knowledge, and can bring extraordinary power. But this power is an illusion of self-grandeur, it is occult, and very dangerous because the spirit you invite into your mind, is a demon or fallen angel. Remember the earlier question of what “union” means in Yoga? You are NOT uniting with a higher-spirit, an ascended master or a spirit-guide, you are uniting with a counterfeit spirit who is delighted to deceive you into thinking it a positive force but in truth is demonic.
Christians need to know that we are not to delve into the spirit world.
Deut 18:10-12 says “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord…”
In Yoga the self is God… In Christianity one denies self……… Choose now.
Choose the Lord Jesus Christ, for……….. “No man can serve two masters”. Mat 6:24
PS Eastern Regional Watch on the Blogroll has extensive articles on Yoga.
Also i like this web site:
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/New%20Age/kundalini.htm
Here is an excerpt:
May I say, no believer should ever partake in any type of yoga class. Why can’t they simply call it an exercise class? Why not call it, “The Ultimate Workout & Lose Weight Now Class?” Of course, some folks do; however, there is a very heathen reason why New Age occultists are promoting “yoga” classes all across the nation. The reason is that the devil is working round-the-clock to kill, steal and destroy people’s lives. “Yoga” is NOT harmless folks! If it’s so harmless, then why call the class, “A Yoga Workout?” “Yoga” always involves mind-control. I realize that some sincere folks may go to a yoga workout simply for the exercise; however, they are supporting witchcraft. It would be like going into a tavern for a drink of water, or a nude-house to use a phone book. As Believers, we are commanded to “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). “Yoga,” no matter what type, is evil
Witchcraft (divination): a means for extracting information or guidance from a pagan god.
When most people think of witchcraft, they think of worshipping the devil. Howbeit, most people that worship the devil, do NOT worship him directly–They worship idols or other pagan gods. Did you know that behind every idol is a demon! Read the following Scripture:`
1 Corinthians 10:19,20: “What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.”
Please read Yoga Uncoiled which tells you of a great DVD about Yoga.
http://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2007/06/20/yoga-uncoiled-from-east-to-west/
New article posted February 22, 2008 – link below-
http://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2009/02/22/yoga-a-christian-perspective/
112 comments
January 22, 2009 at 4:14 pm
fed up with being condemned
And by the way, yes. I do practice Yoga. Namaste.
January 22, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Kim
“To me, any belief system that requires you to think so horribly about yourself is nothing I want to be a part of.”
Hi Laura…thank you for taking the time to comment.
It is just that I believe in the Bible and this verse applies to me:
Jer 17:9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
I need Jesus. I need Jesus because I view God as holy. The only way to be able to stand before Jesus, who is perfect and holy, when He returns (many think it is soon), is to believe in Jesus, repent of sin, and let His shed blood cleanse us.
Yes, i need Jesus. Even though I am saved, i still sin. I still tell white lies, exaggerate, feel anger when i shouldn’t, get impatient…etc….Therefore i confess my sin daily.
Hell is more than just an “idea”, it is mentioned in the King James bible 54 times. Yep, no one likes the thought of hell. But…..I can’t keep it to myself just because you don’t want to hear it. Many just like their life (fate) as is…and do not want to live for God but for themselves.
The part you should want, is to be a part of is the salvation offerred freely, it is a gift. What an amazing plan. Only you must believe, repent and walk in faith.
January 28, 2009 at 5:46 am
Rachel
Honestly…
I am going to forewarn you. I am DISAGREEING, so please hear me out.
Now I am only 16 but I have been told that I am very mature for my age including in my faith. My mother and I did a yoga program at a church for a little bit and I saw nothing wrong. But in saying that just doing the practice makes you a devil worshiper? That sounds frighteningly close to saying that if you just go through the motions of the Christian life makes you a Christian, and I legitamitely hope you don’t believe that. Anything you are comes from inside. Yoga would ONLY make me a devil worshiper if my purpose was (duh!) to worship the devil. Please for your all’s sake know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Christian doing yoga. God made everything perfect and we humans are the ones that presented evil. So if we include no evil in the practice of yoga, it is considered worship to GOD in His own sight.
I pray that you all will not dismiss me for my age or any other reason. I am not so concerned that you may be missing out on yoga as I am that your narrow-minded beliefs on the subject are a reflection of something more which I did make mention to earlier. I will pray for you all. Honestly.
Thank you and God bless,
Rachel
January 28, 2009 at 9:19 am
Kim
Rachel,
I want to thank you for comment.
But I want you to think about something. When you sit in a position named after a false Hindu God, created to force an energy up your spine, do you think God considers this worship?
Even the gurus do not believe believe you can separate the practice from the religion. Did you read all of the comments?
I am going to reprint a statement from a Hindu professor who has a Master’s degree in yoga philosophy:
Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual center reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga.
You might think about ordering this book “Out of India” written by a Christian woman.
http://kimolsen.wordpress.com/2008/12/26/out-of-india-a-true-story-about-the-new-age-movement/
There are many Christians who will not allow themselves to engage in any practice that involves energy/spirit work. I am one. The Bible teaches that we are not to follow the ways of the world and the spirit or energy that is at work, and to do would be disobedient to God. Eph. 2:2
Here is another earlier quote you should read:
Laurette Willis, an American exercise instructor, taught and practised yoga for 22 years before her conversion to evangelical Christianity. “I don’t think it is possible to subtract the spiritual element from yoga,” she says. “Webster’s Dictionary defines yoga as ‘an ascetic Hindu discipline’ and yoga postures derive from gestures of offering traditionally made to Hindu gods, while the pranayama breathing techniques used involve a manipulation of energy that, according to Ephesians 2:2, Christians are not supposed to do.”
Please take a few minutes to at least scan the articles on this link
http://erwm.com/Yoga.htm
I have huge issues with your statement
God defines how we are to worship in truth and spirit. Leviticus is a hard book to read but Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu were destroyed after offering false fire during worship. What a frightening warning. It is foolish to disobey God.
You are at a wonderful age. I teach 7-8 graders in Bible Study. In fact we are studying Moses at this time and they are learning that God is Holy and He will not accept false worship. And we talked about what we need to change in our lives so that we worship and serve God in His way.
Much love to you and I ask that you read and research a bit more. Please pray for truth and that the Lord will show you what you need to know.
Some Christians have told me that they have stopped doing Yoga and do pilates instead which involve no energy/spirit work. So there is a way to exercise without the false spiritual baggage.
*update*
I am adding a warning about pilates. Some of what i just read may be problematic. It seems that pilates stem from a yoga/zen background and there may be controlled breathing.
“The objective is a coordination of mind, body, and spirit, something Joseph Pilates called “contrology.”‘
Please use caution here.
8:16 pm
January 28, 2009 at 10:06 am
Rachel
I don’t need to research. I apologize for being so straight-forward but you are just too closed-minded. GURUS may say something but when did they become wiser than God? And everything in the bible can’t be taken literally. Don’t follow the ways of the world? So crap, I’m screwed huh?
I’m not trying to be ride this is just how I am. But like I said, I’m just worried that you may be shorting yourself out from your salvations if you are so judgemental about this.
January 28, 2009 at 10:14 am
rachel
“what we need to change in our lives so that we worship and serve God in His way.”
your a Bible teacher? ok, then, im pretty sure you know that God said to make EVERYTHING WE DO in our lives worship to Him.
yeah, im sure thats in there
January 28, 2009 at 10:27 am
Kim
I am not close-minded. I am just following scripture. I am obeying God.
1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or anything in the world.”
There are parables which teach but yes I believe we have to take the Bible literally on many issues we would rather avoid. We would rather look the other way and say things like “oh the Bible can’t always be right”, or “The Bible was altered.” We prefer our sin and hate to give it up.
The story of Aarons sons is not a fable or illustration. They died because they did not follow God’s instructions. God was setting up the sacrificial system for the Israelites for generations to come, and to alter it in any way was serious indeed.
We have to research and read the Bible. We have to make an effort to seek the truth. Gurus are not wiser than God, they are deceived. They created and promote techniques that God calls detestable in Deuteronomy.
That is why we must seek the truth from scripture and then obey it. God teaches from HIS word, not me. He is the one who will judge us when He returns whether or not we loved Him enough to follow His Word.
January 28, 2009 at 10:53 am
Kim
Rachel,
Oh yes….you are right. everything we do and say should be to God’s glory.
I like this verse from 2 Corinthians 3-5 passage.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
But to do this we must also reject false worship and false teachings. We cannot take pagan practices and Christianize them.
Think of the Sun Salutation, and then read this: Deuteronomy 17: 2-4
If a man or woman….is found doing evil in the eyes of the Lord..and contrary to my command has worshiped other gods, bowing down to them or the sun or to the moon or to the stars in the sky..this is detestable.
January 28, 2009 at 3:57 pm
JM
Rachel, What is your definition of a saved Christian?
January 28, 2009 at 4:19 pm
rachel
‘That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ Romans 10:9
January 28, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Kim
Rachel,
I just wanted to add that i know about the Sun Salutation because i used to do it, about 10 years ago. I tried yoga for a short time after i was involved in a car accident and suffered whiplash.
I wasn’t very good at it and fell over alot laughing. I was a professing Christian but I wasn’t walking with the Lord then and I had not committed my life to Jesus. I believed… but was backslidden and never read my Bible.
Times changed for me and I came back. I repented to the Lord for doing the yoga even though at the time I didn’t know better. It was my fault because I was not studying the Bible every day and praying.
I could never…ever.. engage in yoga again, not with the biblical knowledge that I now have.
So what are you going to do with this knowledge? Will you repent and turn away from sin? Will you take the lesser known path of truth or will you follow the wide path? Many will tell you (even people in the church) that yoga is just exercise and it is OK for the Christian, but it is not.
I am constantly told by non-believers that I am narrow-minded and not enlightened. I have the Word of God that tells me that this will happen and that I will be ridiculed for my faith. This is OK…there are blessings for this persecution, and standing up for Jesus Christ, as the only way.
January 28, 2009 at 10:24 pm
JM
Yoga means “to yoke”—to yoke with Brahman (i.e., the “Infinite,” the “Universal Spirit,” the impersonal force that the Hindus call “God”) via the realization of an altered state of consciousness, thereby theoretically releasing oneself from the bondage of endless reincarnation. Yoga comes out of the Hindu Vedas. It can be traced back to Patanjali, who was a religious leader. Shiva, one of Hinduism’s three most powerful gods, was known as “The Destroyer”—he’s called Yogi Swara or the “Lord of Yoga.”
Why would you want to expose yourself to this? Everytime you expose yourself to this and other satanic techniques you weaken. It gives satan a foothold on your life. You may be saved, but you need to acquire some discernment and humility. The Bible is inerrant and you do need to do some research. If you don’t want to read then go to this link and listen.
http://www.thebereancall.org/node/5789 You are treading in dangerous territory. Kim is just trying to warn you. You can either listen or ignore, but I suggest you listen, it will save you some heartache.
January 28, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Rachel
Well if it was or is your intention to offend me by telling me my faith is weak or doesn’t exist, congratulations. And discernment is one of my very prominent spiritual gift. I apologize for disagreeing but if this is how you talk to unbelievers as well I see why they are so pushedd away. When speaking to Christians I should feel comforted. You all are making a big deal of nothing but let me open your eyes.
I (being in high school) am surrounded by the type of people that we ate here for and let me tell you something. Whether you want to believe it or not, a non believer would look at this whole post and just shake their heads saying “those crazy Christians”. How do I know that? Because that’s exactly what I’m doing. If we are supposed to make faith in our God look inviting I would pray that you all do alot of seeking Gods purpose. People look down at Christianity and as extreme as this seems, now I see why.
God bless
January 29, 2009 at 8:35 am
JM
You find the Gospel and God’s truths offensive? You are being warned and you don’t even see it.
January 29, 2009 at 8:39 am
Rachel
No I find the way you ate talking to me offensive. I’m simply trying to warn YOU that if you are trying to minister to nonbelievers that this is NOT the way.
January 29, 2009 at 8:47 am
Rachel
I don’t need to be warned. I’m already saved. What you all need to be worried about is what other people think of you as Christians. Let’s assume for a moment that there really IS something wrong with Christians doing yoga. Then CONGRATULATIONS! You have nothing to worry about. But let’s be honest. This is not our mission here. If you are already saved then you need to realize that ok your fine your saved but posting crap like this on the Internet will make people think that we are LOONY!!! So stop worrying about stuff like this and start posting stuff about Gods love and what He has done for you in your life. People will look at this and just see that “oh if I become a Christian I can’t do this and this and this”. Is that what we are trying to do? Not at all! I suggest you do some praying to realize what our true purpose on this earth is and realize how terrible and stupid this post makes us Christians look, whether it’s true or not. And if you choose to ignore me then fine, but if that’s your choice then don’t tell ME to find humility. And if your not closed-minded then good! You will understand what I am trying to say.
January 29, 2009 at 9:22 am
Kim
We should not worry about what others think of us as Christians. In fact, if we are telling the truth and spreading God’s Word, then indeed we will be mocked for it. These are days in which if you as a Christian are not being persecuted then you need to ask yourself why.
John in chapter 15 says that the world hates disciples of Christ, and that we are to obey His teaching. So if unbelievers call me loony or hates me, this means I am testifying for the truth.
Our purpose on this earth is the great commission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and then walking in faith.Then we are to work out our salvation in trembling and fear always giving glory to God.
We can be like the world and live like world but in 1 John 2 we are instructed not to love the world. And indeed there are things that as Christians we are not to do.
So whose will are you going to do? Yours or God’s?
January 29, 2009 at 9:35 am
Rachel
I’m doing gods. I KNOW that. If you don’t care if people think we are crazy then you are mixed up. Sure you can spread the gospel but what good does that do of you make it look so uninviting?
I don’t have to prove my faith to you. God and I both know that I am saved. So don’t make judgmental comments like “whose will are you going to do? Yours or Gods?” that’s stupid. And your right. We should be persecuted. But not by eachother that is stupid too. How much do we have to screw up for there to be so many different interpretations of the word? Apparently alot.
But if you are wanting to plant a seed, maybe you should figure out if the seed you are planting is rotten or not. So stop passing judgment on me and start doing some self observation. Cuz I won’t stand for you telling me or anyone else that they aren’t good enough.
January 29, 2009 at 9:38 am
Rachel
Oh yeah. And thanks for proving my point about closed-mindedness.
January 29, 2009 at 9:38 am
Brett
Rachel, your writing style indicates that you are an intelligent girl. Please hear me out, as I’m not trying to patronize you. This is a “discernment” website, aimed at both reaching the lost as well as warning the saved. This particular post regarding “Yoga and occult” is an article warning the saved. As Kim mentioned, she would never again engage in yoga with the knowledge she now has, and there is a reason for this. Some of us that support Kim have compromised our faith by practicing yoga, or meditation, TM, etc… If you want personal testimony, I know that Kim has some at her disposal (mine included!).
I wish to assure you – this is a lesson some of us have learned the hard way. If you want us to post about what God has done in our life, here it is: He freed me from the chains of the occult. He restored me, and continues His sanctifying work in me.
January 29, 2009 at 9:44 am
Rachel
thank you. But what I am saying is that while yes this may be aimed at warning the saved, that does not ensure that only the saved will see it.
That’s my concern.
January 29, 2009 at 9:58 am
Rachel
I’m not saying that question is stupid to ask of yourself. But for you to ask me, and not knowing me, that’s what’s stupid. And I’m not sure you realize it but you have a very condescending tone when you write.
But believe what you want to believe. Clearly my reason and I can’t change your mind.
January 29, 2009 at 10:00 am
Rachel
That’s directed at kim, not Brett.
January 29, 2009 at 10:05 am
cheryl U.
Hi Rachel,
I haven’t commented on this site for a long while. However I would just like to encourage you to listen when someone like Brett above says that he and others have learned a lesson the hard way when it comes to things like yoga. If you haven’t been harmed by these things at this time, that is great. I am very glad for that. However, when others testify that they have found these things to be damaging spiritually, is it wise to think that there is nothing to the dangers being spoken of here? Please, thank God that you have been protected and then stop and take another look before you may find yourself wishing that you had.
And yes, warning other Christians of dangers is part of our mission here. The apostles did it constantly in the New Testament. Their mission was two fold, win others and teach and train disciples.
In Jesus love,
Cheryl U
January 29, 2009 at 11:50 am
Brett
Rachel,
Although this particular article is aimed at warning the saved, there is nothing to hide from the unsaved. We are supposed to be “set apart” and different, especially when it comes to something that has such large spiritual ramifications.
Should Kim post warnings about the dangers of gambling, pornography, or say recreational drug use, such an article would surely apply to both the saved and unsaved. Some non-saved would probably say “this lady is cracked – there is nothing wrong with my drug use”. But those who legitimately know, deep in their soul, that something is not harmonious within their life, could be reached.
Lets take this a step further. What if Kim is to warn about false religions, or blatant occultism? What about the subtle and deceptive forms of occultism that are creeping into the church? Are these pitfalls any different than the gambling or pornography or drugs? Is the bondage any less significant? Some of the non-saved will likely think we are nuts for damning yoga as false – but those who are legitimately seeking God and being drawn by His spirit will be reached.
Now, lets be completely honest here with each other – the root issue is not “what would the un-saved think”… I pray that you aren’t offended by the harsh stance we take Rachel, and that you are willing to use your discernment by testing yoga against scripture.
January 29, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Rachel
Like I have said before, discernment is my most prominent spiritual gifts and I have found that God planted it in me as instinct. I really truly wish you all could see it my way. That sounds bad though. But honestly, it just seems like my view point would be so obvious. If I were practicing yoga with no knowledge of it’s background, what harm could be done to me? Or even if I did know and that was not my purpose. God judges your heart, and if your heart does not lie in praising Hindi gods, God knows that! We are so blessed to have a heavenly Father who is eternally forgiving. He sees the depths of our hearts.
Take for example Song of Solomon. If someone were to read this without knowing what it was, it would seem very lustful. And please at least agree that you can see that. But it is in the Bible not because it is lust, but because it is love. This is the same words, the same act that God would judge two different ways. Why? The heart. The motive behind it.
This is how I KNOW that practiced without the intention of praising a different god, yoga is not harmful to a Christian soul.
January 29, 2009 at 1:25 pm
cheryl U.
Rachel,
Have you read the comments from April 18th? Assuming what is claimed there is accurate, (that the yoga postures are designed to manipulate occult energy), to do them is dabbling in the occult if you know it or not. Dabbling in the occult is dangerous it you do it innocently or not. If you are entering the devil’s territory he can take advantage of it no matter how pure your motives are. Yes, the Lord can protect you, but does that mean you should willing go into dangerous areas counting on that protection? I don’t think so. Remember Jesus words when Satan tempted Him to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple and expect divine protection. In effect He said do not tempt God. Mt. 4:7
Again, please listen to the words of caution from people who have had to learn to hard way.
January 29, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Rachel
We shouldn’t count on the Lords protection? Wow. That’s one I haven’t heard before. It seems that you all are taking into no account everything that I am saying….
January 29, 2009 at 1:45 pm
cheryl U.
Rachel,
You said, “So if we include no evil in the practice of yoga, it is considered worship to GOD in His own sight.”
I’m not sure if you meant you are doing yoga to worship God or if you believe it is just exercise. But, I want to remind you again as was stated above, that God only accepts worship in ways He has already laid out. And one of them isn’t worshipping Him as those in false religions worship their gods! Worshipping Him in other ways can very hamful.
Also, as JM stated above, the very meaing of yoga is “to yoke”. Now since yoga comes from Hinduism, you know that whatever they were yoking with is not the God of the Bible. So why do you, as a Christian, want “to yoke” along with them? The very meaning of the word says it is spiritual and as stated above, gurus believe you can’t separate the two. So what makes you so sure that you can?
January 29, 2009 at 1:51 pm
cheryl U.
Rachel,
You totally missed my point. I am not saying that we shouldn’t count on the Lord’s protection. Jesus was making the point that we shouldn’t carelessly put ourselves in dangerous places figuring that He is automatically going to protect us. For instance, a car is speeding down the road and you know it is dangerous to cross right in front of it. But you jump out there anyway because, after all you can count on the Lord’s protection, right?? Wrong! You are likely to end up quite dead.
Remember, I was talking about willingly walking into the devil’s territory for you own purposes figuring that He can’t hurt you because God will automatically protect you.
January 29, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Rachel
Because “gurus” happen to be insanely biased and just so happen to believe in the culture you are refuting. It seems to me that you should view their credibility as shotty. And as for God only accepts worship in the ways He has laid out? No. Wrong. That’s like saying if I wanted to dance for the glory of God tough luck? Uh, uh. Anything you do in your life that isn’t evil is a sweet perfume to God. And I don’t honestly care what the word means. I already told you that I am making the situation that I am just doing yoga for yoga. Which I don’t by the way. I don’t know why you all feel the need to warn me about simething I don’t do. But tell me how you explain Song if Solomon?
January 29, 2009 at 4:06 pm
rachel
what do you make of Song of Solomon?
January 29, 2009 at 4:59 pm
cheryl U.
I’m not sure how bringing the Song of Solomon into this works–it is kind of like comparing apples and oranges IMO.
God has already told us in His Word how we are to worship Him and how we are not to. Since yoga is very much derived from a pagan religion and is part of their worship practice, how do you think God justifies it? I think it takes some pretty hefty mental gymnastics to justify it in our minds. Certainly would for me.
January 29, 2009 at 5:18 pm
rachel
Sorry. I brought up Song of Solomon because of this: if anyone today were to read that out of context they would see a lustful and sexual passage. But no! We know that it is just pure, clean adoration and love. This is ONE thing that God would judge two different ways. Why? Motive. Where your heart lies.
So how is that different from anything else??
January 29, 2009 at 5:21 pm
cheryl U.
I see it as different because God has plainly said we are not to worship as the heathen do or adopt their practices. He doesn’t say it is alright with Him to use pagan worship practices to approach Him if we do it with what we believe to be right motives. Do you see the difference?
January 29, 2009 at 5:21 pm
rachel
Oh and I’m sure your right that at one point God said how to and how to not worship Him but I’m not making things up. It does say that everything we do glorifies Him.
January 29, 2009 at 5:25 pm
rachel
It’s in 1 Corinthians 10:31
January 29, 2009 at 5:27 pm
cheryl U.
I think you had better qualify that statement. There is no way we can do something that He has told us we are not to do and say that it glorifies Him because we are doing it with the right motives.
January 29, 2009 at 5:30 pm
cheryl U.
I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Notice it says that whatever we do we are to do to the glory of God. NOT that everything we do glorifies Him. Big difference there.
January 29, 2009 at 5:35 pm
rachel
Well nobody is really even trying to think about my opinion. So it’s whatever. Like I said believe what you want to believe and when your ready to let go of your pride and actually listen to someone else opinion then God can help you with that. But clearly a 16 year old has no idea what she’s talking about. I don’t care about yoga. I don’t do yoga. I care about the unsaved and the effect Christians have on the and the impression we give them. This site is not a good one.
Goodbye
God bless you.
January 29, 2009 at 7:13 pm
cheryl U.
Rachel,
If you are still reading here, I think maybe you need to think about something. You say we aren’t thinking about your opinion. But I don’t think we have seen any evidence that you are thinking about ours either!
And I must once more reiterate that we can’t do whatever we think is right if contrary to God’s explicit commands and think that it is alright because we believe our motives are pure.
January 29, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Kim
Also I would like to add that we need to be Bereans. They even checked the words of the super-apostle Paul against OT scripture to see if what he said was true. Acts 17
Rachel, my opinion, your opinion isn’t worth a hill of beans if it doesn’t conform to the Word of God. That is why it is important to use scripture to back what we think and say.
So you need to check out what I say against scripture. I welcome this and so should we all.
The Lord rebukes us because He loves us. Proverbs 3:11-12 And this from Solomon…Proverbs 9:8 “rebuke a wise man and he will love you.”
Thank you for coming to this site even though you did not get the response you desired.
Much love in Christ,
kim
January 31, 2009 at 11:11 am
jb
I think we better be careful when we say God doesn’t want us to use pagan worship practices. I agree with you guys on the yoga. I’ve studied it and it is not just the gurus who say it can’t be separated. I think the naivety on this thread is getting to me.
Rachel, Just because it is done with an innocent heart does not make it ok, I think we could come up with literally thousands of things that would be immoral, illegal, and unethical that are done by people that didn’t know any better due to upbringing.
cheryl u. & Kim, we should not make our or anyone’s weakness a stumbling block and we certainly shouldn’t throw pearls to swine. I think what your website has done to warn others is great, however God brings people to Him, we don’t.
The “christian church” is chalk full of paganism, from meeting in a building EVERY Sunday and sitting in pews to having a paster feed us passively.
When Jesus says if you have to cloaks you are to give one to someone who has none. Does this mean that tithing is 50%? OT study finds tithing to be up to 30%. When Jesus stated that the rich young man is to sell his possessions and follow Him, does that mean tithing is to be 100%?
What I’m doing is throwing this out there so that you’ll question as Bereans, the “church” today. Ekklesia is the church, but it is a people not a building (I know you know), but if someone does not go to “church” on Sunday, would you question their faith?
Rachel, have you really studied yoga? I myself when born again was practicing scientology and was very much into word of faith and the “anything that feels good” christian mode. As I prayed more and more for wisdom and discernment it became obvious who L. Ron Hubbard was and where his theology came from- eastern. Scientology in itself is not bad if you practiced it, but ancient eastern mysticism is part of a lie that is being a concealed as “not” a religion, and that can be separated from the occult. The only problem is that it is like saying aspirin is not medicine because I don’t need a prescription or a dr.s ok, it can still kill you.
January 31, 2009 at 11:34 am
Kim
jb,
I do agree with much of what you say…about other pagan practices in the church. We could go farther with holidays and I have addressed some of these issues elsewhere. But this article focuses on Yoga. Just because it does not state other issues, it does not make this thread “naive”.
But i have no problem with the “God doesn’t want us to use pagan worship practices” statement. Why should we be careful here? Why would we not want to share Bible knowledge and warn other believers?
January 31, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Mary B
I’m curious JB if you are in a home fellowship?
For some reason it sounds like you might be one of those people who are tired of the traditional church thing. I don’t blame you.
But frankly, I don’t think the Lord is against church buildings or pews. Why does that matter? You are right, the “church” is the body of believers. It doesn’t matter if we meet in a grass hut in Africa or behind stained glass windows down the road. It’s about the fellowship of believers. I think the American church is far from being authentic as in authentically loving each other like thebelievers in the book of Acts did. But that is another issue.
February 2, 2009 at 11:26 am
jb
No, we actually attend calvary chapel. I grew up RC.
I think we do need to warn people, but I’ve also seen those who sap our energy when it is strikingly obvious that they believe they are “christian”. When we engage dialogue wit someone who demands they are “christian”, when they either are oblivious to the word, but have been “christian” their whole lives or new I think we need to remember that although we can warn them, The Holy Spirit will guide them in their thought life. For example: We have some very dear friends who are christians and the husband witnesses to everyone, and I mean everyone- the gas station attendent, my secretary, waiters etc. The wife is into New Age hollistic healing and they both pray for discernment (I’ve heard them). It was a huge blow when I told them Bush Jr. is a universalist.
I’m just saying we should warn, but then let the Spirit quide them. If we continue to dialogue and become divisive or make someone stumble too hard, we are not acting as christians.
February 2, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Kim
jb,
I do agree that it is sapping to continue to dialogue after the truth has been presented. Sometimes we are told to shake off the dust and move on and let the Holy Spirit take over. But those who continue to question ….I will still try to answer their questions. It soon becomes apparent though if someone just wants to hold on to their own truths and are not interested in biblical truth.
It has been my personal experience that truth, is sometimes exposed a little at a time. God is very patient. Had the Lord revealed in one fell swoop the extent of my previous false belief in personal extra-biblical revelation, it may have been very devasting. But I first heard the truth from someone else which made me think. Then I read of more truth on-line (look at my blogroll) and I read my Bible. As I prayed for truth it was revealed to me. I give thanks to many who boldy speak the truth and praise God for the ministering of the Holy Spirit who guided me to accept it.
Gods word is divisive. It separates the truth from the false. I am unclear as to your reference to make someone stumble too hard.
Malachi 2:8 says “But you have turned from the way, and by your teaching have caused many to stumble…” Here it says wrong teaching causes someone to stumble…and of course Israel stumbled over Jesus in unbelief…we are not to cause someone else to stumble by the freedoms we have, like drinking wine or eating meat….John 11:10 “It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”
(Bush being an universalist is just the tip of the iceberg in my opinion, but that is off-subject)
February 14, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Mary
Compare how many people have been killed throughout history in the name of Christianity to those killed in the name of Yoga. Just shut up for a few minutes and count. Your path is one that leads to the greatest of evil.
February 14, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Kim
Yes, the church of Rome became more pagan than Christian. The study of church history shows that when Constantine turned the temples over to the Christians leaders in the 4th century, it turned out to be a terrible decision for the early church. The church simply rededicated the pagan gods to the saints and disciples. Pagan worship infiltrated the Christian faith, mass was instituted. Biblical teachings ceased and the Scriptures were locked up in monasteries, leaving the followers defenseless.
The Dark Ages then prevailed. The Catholic church perpetrated many massacres in the name of Christ.It is estimated that 40 million people were killed. In the St. Bartholomew Square massacre 40,000 Christians were killed. And the Hugeunots…4 million.
The reformation changed everything. But there was.. for instance… Wycliffe and many others who did stay with the true faith. Bibles were printed and distributed.
Today true Christians will not comprise their faith in the name of unity, or the blending of pagan practices into true worship of Jesus Christ. The Bible predicts that Christians will be presecuted and threatened because of their faith. True believers die for their faith, they do not kill. It is happening right now in other countries especially China. I too get ridiculed for my faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth, which will only increase.
February 14, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Mary
By all historical accounts, Jesus Christ was a really cool guy. He preached things like being kind to each other. Most of the other stuff in the bible, on the other hand, was written and rewritten over hundreds of years by people with a very different agenda than his. An agenda that often had to do with creating divisiveness between people that could be used for political ends.
If you want to honor God, I suggest you listen to Jesus and love your brother, instead of spreading rumors and superstitious nonsense. God did not create evil. The Yogis and their Kundalini – superstition. Apples and Satan.. superstition. There is no serpent living below us, and there is no snake threatening to run up your spine.
Just stop with your stories. It’s been several thousand years of them and all they have brought us is pain and separation. If you want to sit on the couch and be tight and uncomfortable because you are freaked out about some fantasy, that’s your business, but don’t try to convince the rest of the world that they should join you.
February 14, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Kim
I am not trying to convince the rest of the world. Although I would like all to hear the Gospel. You have come to this Christian site. And as far as “your” stories, it is the eastern mystical world and the Yogis who created the chakra system. Not Christians. I do believe there is a metaphysical energy force though, and that it should not be tapped into.
So you only like the “cool” stuff from Jesus ? Well Jesus said in Matthew
Mat 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Jesus often quotes the Old Testament and is the fulfillment of the OT. That is why study of both testaments is important.
There is a site called CARM
http://www.carm.org/questions/about-bible/hasnt-bible-been-rewritten-so-many-times-we-cant-trust-it-anymore
which shows the accuracy of the Word of God and any text changes over the years.
Here is another site that is interesting about the Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls, etc.
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-abr/abr-a008.html
I thank you for coming by and I do listen to Jesus. Everyday. In His Word the Holy Bible.
August 27, 2009 at 2:19 pm
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