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Christians and yoga

Posted: Aug 18, 2013

I have an acquaintance who is a Christian. I recently started yoga classes because I have back problems and I think it will help.

I mentioned this to my acquaintance, thinking maybe she would like to come along some time. She then proceeded to tell me that I need to immediately stop the yoga because it will lead me down the path of meditation and then into Hindu religions. She also said she won't be able to associate with me anymore if I continue with the yoga classes because I'll continue to tempt her down the path of evil.

!?!?! I'm rather taken aback by this. I'm not going to stop the classes, so I guess we're not going to associate anymore.

I guess I'm just looking for thoughts/opinions on this. I was at a complete loss for words listening to her (which is a rarity for me! lol)

;

Yoga - research

[ In Reply To ..]
Did some research and ran across a website, "Christian Yoga? It's a Stretch," by Mark Driscoll, pastor. This article expresses/clarifies my personal beliefs, and you may find it interesting.

I admire your acquaintance's willingness to be frank, unambiguous, and unapologetic about this. I would probably not have been so bold.

Someone once said to me, "If you were standing on a riverbank, and some people in a raft were drifing by you, and you knew that a dangerous waterfall was right around the corner, would you go to any lengths to warn them of impending danger?" I'd like to think I would, even if I looked ridiculous doing so.

I can see the pastor's point. As a Christian, I don't want - to take any chances

[ In Reply To ..]
on something that may pull me away from Jesus. I do think each of us has to make that determination for ourselves after careful prayer and following where we believe the Holy Spirit leads us.

If your faith is strong - enough

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NOTHING will "pull you away from Jesus." Sounds like even you are having doubts about where your heart lies. That's like saying the beginnings of rock-n-roll music would damn everyone who listened to hell. same concept.

The Bible says "I can do anything I want to if Christ has not said no, - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
but some of these things aren't good for me." 1 Corinthians 6:12

Though we have faith, there are definitely things that can derail us and take us away from close fellowship with Christ. While God is always faithful in his love for us, we are not yet perfect in our faith in him. Faith is a gift from God, and the Bible does say that he keeps on helping us to grow in his grace until his work within us is completed when Christ returns.

Depending on the things we do, we can cooperate with God's work in us or we can impede it from time to time. Because my heart does lie with Christ, I want to seek His wisdom to do the things that will honor him most and keep me growing in faith and doing my work as a part of the body of Christ.

She's a nut case. Go into your classes for your own health - and forget about her. sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I do yoga and have not taken up any kind of evil path, etc. My religion is my health and freedom from pain, I would imagine any type of entity one worships would like their followers to be happy and healthy, so I'll stick with that.

That is essentially what I tried to say--but you said - it like I wanted to say it. LOL

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.

Although yoga has roots - Yoga teacher

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in meditative spiritual practices such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the yoga you are likely to be practicing at a local gym or rec center will likely bear very little resemblance to its ancient roots (about 5000 years). It will probably be more like "stretching/relaxing exercise" than anything with religious overtones unless you are specifically seeking that.

I think most of us have the good sense to know when someone is trying to influence our religious beliefs, and you should just enjoy it and get the benefits without concern. And really, even if it did open your mind to other religious/spiritual beliefs, would that be such a bad thing? You'll still be free to practice whatever faith makes you happy. Namaste!

Yoga and your mislead friend - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Yes, yoga has a basis in Buddism. However, more importantly is your friend. She's part of sect of Christianity that quite bluntly turns me off. It's exclusionary Christianity. Christ spent in his time in the company of many different "kinds" of people. If your friend finds yoga questionable she's going to find a lot of things questionable and unacceptable. You need to do what makes you comfortable. If she can't accept or tolerate your differences then I think I'd be ending the friendship. This is going to be an ongoing theme in your friendship. Hope the yoga helps you though!!

Two thoughts - Trampled underfoot

[ In Reply To ..]
I agree with the poster who said that your yoga class would likely have nothing to do with religion, but more to do with stretching and relaxation. That kind of yoga is completely innocent and really is "yoga" in name only.

But I was taken aback by Yoga Teacher's comment about if yoga did "Open your mind to other religious/spiritual beliefs, would that be a bad thing?" and the short answer is yes. Christ did associate with many kinds of people during his ministry, but He made it clear that not all roads lead to heaven, but said "I am the way, the truth and the light. No man comes to the Father but by me."

However, if you're aware (and beware) of the path that leads to meditation and the Hindu religions, you will surely recognize if your yoga teacher starts leading you in that direction.

I would really like to hear her side of this story. - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
The tone of your post makes her sound like a religious nut. What you posted might have been what you "heard," but it's not necessarily what she actually said. There are always 2 sides to every story. Always.

If I were in your shoes, instead of dismissing someone simply because their opinion, religion, culture, etc., differs from mine, I might try to come to an agreement, like maybe I won't try to force my religion, beliefs, practices, etc., on them if they'll offer me the same consideration.... versus just dismissing each other because we're different.

You coming on this board to "ask" for advice is really just you coming on this board seeking confirmation and agreement. You're afraid to stand alone. This girl obviously isn't.

I didn't get that at all from the OPs post - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
It sounded to me like the OP was fielding thoughts and opinions from others. Your take on her post is unnecessarily pejorative and judgmental, in my opinion.

Yeah, me neither. It was out of line, IMO. - nm.

[ In Reply To ..]
.

I think you read my post backward - op

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In no way, shape, or form did I try to either force my views on this woman or dismiss her because she has different views from mine.

She told me she cannot associate with me because I am now doing yoga. If I want to associate with her, I would need to give up the yoga.

All I asked her was if she wanted to come with me one day. It's a drop in program at the local rec center, so it's not like I asked her to spend a couple hundred dollars on a 4 month course or something.

Conversely, she did ask me a few weeks ago to come to church with her, to which I politely said No, thank you and left it at that. I would expect the same type of treatment in return, which I obviously did not receive.

I came on this board to find out if anyone else has ever had this kind of experience, and if this is a typical Christian belief. I did not to seek confirmation or agreement. I am solid in my own beliefs, thank you.

No I didn't, and yes you were. - nm

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nm

How? Explain please. - OP

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nm

are you telling the poster what she was doing? - judge not

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doesn't all this assuming take away from your worship time?

Christians and Yoga - kat

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My yoga teacher is a Christian - a Seventh Day Adventist to be exact!! So don't worry about what she says, but I would stay away from her. That line of thinking is just so wrong and narrow minded, etc.

In over 15 years of practicing - Yoga teacher

[ In Reply To ..]
yoga with many different teachers in community settings (i.e. gym, sometimes outdoors)including my yoga teacher training, I have never once been asked to reconsider my religion or lack thereof, and although I would not know for sure because it was never discussed, I would have assumed most of my classmates were Christian.

Your yoga class will likely consist of a brief warm up, poses done either gently or vigorously, depending on class, and a brief cool down and relaxation. It is very unlikely that any religious indoctrination will happen unless you are in a church or some type of religious setting to begin with, and this should be clear to you before you even start.

The idea that if you keep your mind open to learning about other religions or even visit a religious service that is non Christian you could be led down the path of a "wrong" religion just seems ridiculous and ludicrous to me. One of the great teachings of yoga is tolerance of all belief systems.

Your friend... - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
sounds paranoid. Yoga doesn't have to be anything more than stretching and exercising. It is what you make of it.

Someone who is comfortable with their Christianity should have no problem doing yoga stretches. It is a healthy activity that promotes well-being. If something as simple as taking a yoga class could sway someone's belief system--what does that say about that person?

It sounds like your friend's faith is not strong enough - to withstand a yoga class. :(

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I feel badly for her, but she is projecting her issues onto you. Her problems go beyond you and your activities...I would let that friend go. Life is too short.

Thank you for all your replies - op

[ In Reply To ..]
I appreciate everyone's commentary.

I had my class the other night and I think it did help my back! I'm looking forward to more sessions.

I haven't spoken again with my acquaintance, but that's ok.

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