LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A Southern Baptist leader who is calling for Christians to avoid yoga and its spiritual attachments is getting plenty of pushback from enthusiasts who defend the ancient practice.
Southern Baptist Seminary President Albert Mohler says the stretching and meditative discipline derived from Eastern religions is not a Christian pathway to God.
Mohler said he objects to “the idea that the body is a vehicle for reaching consciousness with the divine.”
“That’s just not Christianity,” Mohler told The Associated Press.
Mohler said feedback has come through e-mail and comments on blogs and other websites since he wrote an essay to address questions about yoga he has heard for years.
“I’m really surprised by the depth of the commitment to yoga found on the part of many who identify as Christians,” Mohler said.
Yoga fans say their numbers have been growing in the U.S. A 2008 study by the Yoga Journal put the number at 15.8 million, or nearly 7 percent of adults. About 6.7 percent of American adults are Southern Baptists, according to a 2007 survey by the Pew Research Center Forum on Religion & Public Life.
Mohler argued in his online essay last month that Christians who practice yoga “must either deny the reality of what yoga represents or fail to see the contradictions between their Christian commitments and their embrace of yoga.”
He said his view is “not an eccentric Christian position.”
Other Christian leaders have said practicing yoga is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus. Pat Robertson has called the chanting and other spiritual components that go along with yoga “really spooky.“ California megachurch pastor John MacArthur called yoga a ”false religion.” Muslim clerics have banned Muslims from practicing yoga in Egypt, Malaysia and Indonesia, citing similar concerns.
Yoga proponents say the wide-ranging discipline, which originated in India, offers physical and mental healing through stretching poses and concentration.
“Lots of people come to yoga because they are often in chronic pain. Others come because they think it’s a nice workout,” said Allison Terracio, who runs the Infinite Bliss studio in Louisville.
And some yoga studios have made the techniques more palatable for Christians by removing the chanting and associations to eastern religions, namely Hinduism and its multiple deities.
Stephanie Dillon, who has injected Christian themes into her studio in Louisville, said yoga brought her closer to her Christian faith, which had faded after college and service in the Army.
“What I found is that it opened my spirit, it renewed my spirituality,” Dillon said. “That happened first and then I went back to church.” Dillon attends Southeast Christian Church in Louisville and says many evangelical Christians from the church attend her yoga classes.
She said she prayed on the question of whether to mix yoga and Christianity before opening her studio, PM Yoga, where she discusses her relationship with Jesus during classes.
“My objection (to Mohler’s view) personally is that I feel that yoga enhances a person’s spirituality,” Dillon said. “I don’t like to look at religion from a law standpoint but a relationship standpoint, a relationship with Jesus Christ specifically.”
Mohler wrote the essay after reading “The Subtle Body,” where author Stefanie Syman traces the history of yoga in America. Syman noted the growing popularity of yoga in the U.S. by pointing out that first lady Michelle Obama has added it to the festivities at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the front lawn.
Mohler said many people have written him to say they‘re simply doing exercises and forgoing yoga’s eastern mysticism and meditation.
“My response to that would be simple and straightforward: You’re just not doing yoga,” Mohler said.
___
Online:
Albert Mohler’s website: http://www.albertmohler.com/
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Comments (298)
rfycom
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:50amJust another extremist Christian group. They seem to be popping up everywhere. Nut jobs in Florida threatening to burn Qurans, people picketing funerals, where does this end? What is next? Religion makes some people stupid. Yes I am conservative. You don’t have to be religious to be conservative. You don’t have to believe in Jesus to be good.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:58amI don’t think the post was put here for you to BASH CHRISTIANS! ATHEISTS are mean nasty people…kind of like… YOU!
Report Post »PAAM
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:13amvia Rick Warren: I don’t believe in atheists, therefore they don’t exist…
Report Post »IKW
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 11:23amNo, you don’t have to believe in Jesus to be good, but if you are good then you would certainly not have any problems with the teachings and peace that is “The Way”.
IKW
Report Post »Freedomfromsocialist
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:48amI guess it all comes down to who is the mind in meditation about, God, self or something else. Just because it has the label of spirituality attached doesn’t make it the freeway to God.
Report Post »Sledgehammer
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:47amAs an imperfect man, I can say that yoga has physically helped me, I was medically discharged from the Corps. Nearly everything on the right side of my body was broken, literally 50% disability. (I never took the payments) With the help of my wife (a nurse) my family (mom was damn near a D.I. w/cookies) and yoga, I out work kids half my age, and proud of it! I still pray on my knees, yes it still hurts. I have never been one not question, and hope to always be, till my day before him and all my quetions are answered. I understand that everything can be abused, this we must be aware of.
Report Post »JohnnyGalt
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:12amAs a Pagan amongst Conservatives, on many things I don’t see eye to eye with my brothers and sisters here on this website. However, as a Pagan amongst the world this is nothing new to demonize my religion in any way possible. Now before anyone yells Yoga isn’t Pagan, stop. Pagan, by definition from dictionary.com, is a person who is not a Christian, Jew, or Muslim, so people who practice Yoga as a religion are in fact Pagans. The word Pagan is essentially the coverall word like Catholics and Baptists are Christians. Now that being said, Yoga does amazing things with our bodies to tone muscles, stretch joints, increase flexibility and blood flow, decrease blood pressure, relieve stress, and provide a positive outlet for shedding any anxiety, doubt, or anger. The chanting, in most places that practice Yoga publicly like the YMCA or your local fitness center, is either completely removed from the practice and is replaced instead with breathing exercises (which also are amazing to do during yoga due to the stretching and compressing of the abdominal muscles in different positions) or is optional for a person to participate in.
All in all, this article is another prime example of Pagan’s being demonized by the mainstream religions in an attempt to marginalize us. You think we’d be used to it since the first days of Christianity when our major holidays and rituals were stolen and marginalized by early Christians…
Report Post »DWinMadison
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:45amPerhaps Dr. Mohler’s last statement makes a LITTLE sense. Yoga’s roots are in eastern mystacism which is inconsistent with Christianity. However, my wife is a conservative Christian, yet she frequently enjoys yoga for its health, stretching and relaxation benefits the same way she enjoys aerobics. My point is that, in reality, most American “yoga” simply borrows techniques from this middle eastern practice for exercise purposes. I don’t think the Holy Spirit is overly “threatened” by some folks relaxing on a mat to improve the body that God created. No disrespect to Dr. Mohler (I’ve heard he is a fine man), but my God is a little bigger than that.
Report Post »glittersky
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 11:33am100% agree!!!
Report Post »stone2016
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:42amAren’t we suppose to “pray always”?
Are we not allowed to play sports? Harder to pray while playing basketball than doing yoga. So is he going to ban basketball?
How about teach your people correct PRINCIPLES and allow them to rule themselves.
Report Post »coffinman
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:42amOkay, movin’ on……
Report Post »Rex Corvinus
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:41am“Mohler said many people have written him to say they‘re simply doing exercises and forgoing yoga’s eastern mysticism and meditation.
‘My response to that would be simple and straightforward: You’re just not doing yoga,’ Mohler said.”
Mohler is technically correct: Yoga minus the eastern mysticism and meditation is not denotatively “yoga”. It’s just a series of stretching, posed positions, and breathing. But it’s a lot easier to call that non-mystical exercise “yoga” than it is to call it “stretching, posing, and breathing”.
There’s nothing inherently Hindu/Buddhist about the various body positions that one goes through during a session of yoga; indeed, done right it can be a good addition to your exercise regimen.
Where the eastern mysticism enters in is in the philosophy and objects of mental focus that often accompany the physical exertions. What makes yoga dangerous for Christians is when they start using it as a spirituality-enhancer. Once you begin to tie your experience of the spiritual and the divine with the physical exertion of the poses, yoga has ceased to be harmless exercise and the Christian is now trying to fit Biblical Christianity into a framework custom-made for Hinduism. Therein lies the danger, and the woman at the Louisville studio is walking a dangerous line (assuming she hasn’t carelessly stepped over it anyway).
Christians can do the physical component of yoga with no problem. (I do a purely-exercise ‘yoga’ session once a week: no chanting, no meditation, no talk of prana or chakras) They just have to be sure to approach it with no more of a spiritual mindset than they would a step aerobics class or a set of dumbbell curls.
Report Post »Momma M
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:39amI was “raised” as a Baptist… Which lead me AWAY from all religion through my 20s… Thankfully, I returned to the LORD, but left the Baptists behind so I could find him.
This is just silly drivel … Speak with the Father whenever you feel inclined… Call it “eastern culture”… whatever… But the Lord knows your heart and your intent…
Report Post »anadee
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:37amAdd your comments
Report Post »WestOfThePecos
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:36amOf the 123 churchs in this little town out west, we do have this kind of thinking in most of those churches. I just ignore it.
Report Post »PAAM
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:35amGod centered & Church lead yoga works for me. Many Christian Churches, including SBC, have pliates, karate, volleyball, softball, basketball, & football community outreach programs. You gotta go out & shake the bushes, & invite folks to the banquet
Report Post »anadee
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:34ami have to do some yoga stretches for the terrible pain i suffer in my lower back……i donot chant
Report Post »i do not look at it as im doing some religous damage as i am a catholic…..the stretches are great
and is keeping me out of a wheel chair….now i call that a blessing from god to whom i pray every
day for my family and america…..so wheres the prob…….
Devil in Arkansas
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 12:35pmOrganized religion would have you focus on what THEY want you to do, say, and think. If you have physical pain, you should live with it, and believe that when you die a miracle will occur, and you will be happy for eternity.
Better make sure to choose the right book though, cuz if you choose the wrong one, there’ll be hell to pay!
I’m glad I live in a country where I have the freedom to choose what flavor of kool-aid I want, and I don’t have to live with choices other people make for me (except politicians).
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:33amMy uncle was a Baptist minister and very self righteous and strict with his children. That’s why I am a CONGREGATIONALIST. :)
Report Post »Catalytic Convert
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:31amOne’s relationship with Christ is rooted in the heart, and if He is one’s focus, yoga can be limited to a physical discipline. Yes, it is traditionally tied into an old Eastern philosophy which I personally do not follow, but whether you participate in that aspect of it is a choice, and not the default result of practicing. I personally believe yoga is a good way for people to get some fitness in that are not in a position to do something more intense, either at the moment or permanently. For me, it’s time with the Lord. I am always saddened to see when zealots using either ignorance or arrogance to promote self-righteous agendas. Can you say modern-day Pharisees?
Report Post »glittersky
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 11:11amSaid PERFECTLY!! Could not agree more!! You can be a devout Christian and practice only the physical aspect of yoga. That’s what I do. God knows my heart so I don’t worry about what these others might say.
Report Post »Steve
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:24amOhhh give me a break already.
Report Post »bree20
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:24amI grew up Southern Baptist and never I have I heard not to do any of these things, Yoga and any forms of relaxing and/or strenghten body can only be good for both body and soul.
Report Post »verdonne
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:24amThis is exactly the kind of retoric that makes all Southern Christians look stupid……
Report Post »Hondaman
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:28amBe careful Verdonne – - God will have the last word.
Report Post »Highland
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:37amGeneralize much?
Report Post »Hondaman
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:22amHow about John 14:6 that says, “I am the way, the truth and the life – no man comes to the Father except through me”?
Report Post »jbl8199
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:22amYoga in itself is not a religion of any kind. It’s just exercises and meditation. It’s the people that add the religious aspect to it. I personally don’t see a problem with it and I am a Baptist.
Report Post »dbmmcquattie
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:04am@ JBL8199, ya it is a religion. sorry to burst that bubble. everyone forgets this is NOT Christian. its just like christmas or halloween or easter or birthdays… please dont argue with me just look it up your self or read the bible. I BEG YOU PEOPLE READ YOUR BIBLE! i dont want your opinion like it says, twice actually, GOD IS NOT A RESPECTER OF MAN (persons)! he doesnt care what you think, so go on do what ever you “think” is right…..
Report Post »Zaphod
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 1:01pmYou do make a good point … I don’t give a flying rats ass what a person does … but these very same people who so piously rant against yoga, no doubt celebrate Christmas, Easter, or any number of holidays that are simply pagan festivals with a Christian package. So, when all these holier than thou Southern Baptists actually STOP picking and choosing what practices THEY deem to be righteous or not … they can keep their “once saved always saved” opinion to themselves!
Report Post »printdesignchicago.com
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:21amonce again, we see the argument of whose GOD is the RIGHT GOD. pretty senseless!
Report Post »Skwerl E. Muckenfutch
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 12:05pmRight on, right on. I faintly recall a wise man once saying “But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.” His name was Thomas something or other. He was some sort of radical farmer or writer- lol. Besides, is it not wise to maintain the body & mind God gives us? Keep it free of debris and rust.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:21amAre they only kidding? Not that I CAN get myself into those stretch positions, but I have 2 friends who ARE Christian and who TEACH yoga (they let me “sit” in on chair-yoga classes, which aren’t lots of fun either) and there is no discipline or doctrine being taught, nor do their own instructors, who are of East Indian and Malaysian descent, ever teach anything except the stretching positions. Anyone who goes to yoga classes knows, you listen to pretty music, you are encouraged to enter a meditative state, and taught to assume certain positions for stretching the inner and outer body under supervision, so you don’t hurt yourself!! What is their problem, with all due respect??
Report Post »speakforfreedom
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:42amThere are two types of meditation. The Bible says to meditate on the word day and night. This involves mind and reason. It is an active state of mind. Eastern meditation asks for a passive mind which is open, then, to outside influence. When one is passive, the will is disengaged. Is that really a good place to be?
Report Post »rlmeals
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:30amYes, but I pray during yoga, to the one and only God, my Father. And then sometimes I don’t. But I’ve never been “open minded” and “tempted” to let other gods in. I mean, some of us just want to exercise…is it so hard to believe that a Christian grounded in the Word can do yoga without being influenced by other worldly things? My husband studied martial arts for years, and is quite accomplished, and his sensei was the Church of Christ preacher here in town. I even used to go with him. He also taught a Tai Chi class. But the purpose of these ancient art forms is that they are very beneficial to the body. These ancient people were very in tune to how to tone muscles and control breathing and cardio. Why can’t we take these benefits without being lambasted by our more fundamentalist brothers and sisters in Christ? By the way, no god or religion was EVER mentioned in any of these classes. If it would have been, I would’ve been out of there. But believe it or not, there are many of us who are able to separate the exercise from the underlying religion.
Report Post »glittersky
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 2:02amI’m with you wingedwolf. I am a very devout Christian who has also been casually practicing yoga for ten years now. For me, it is simply exercising and stretching and relaxing. That’s it!! Pure and simple. My mind often finds the Lord while I do this. Other times I think about other things I have to do, never about anything God would disapprove of. If someone is a strong Christian, yoga should be no big deal. These people need to quit lumping everyone together and realize it‘s about where a person’s heart is and their intent, and I’m sorry, but only Jesus Christ knows that info. :)
Report Post »ann123
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:19amthis preacher is right . I stand by him yoga is not from GOD . becareful to walk the narrow road, many walk the wide road
Report Post »Awakened One
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:51amConsider the attributes of God: Omniscience, Omnipotence, Omnipresence. It this is true, there is only God. What else can there be? Yoga, are any path that leads to a direct personal relationship with God is beautiful. Don’t be so judgmental of those that find a different path from yours. “jJudge not lest thy be judged”.
Report Post »biggreenboo
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:53amAre you a larger person… should you really be on the “narrow road”? Would a bit of streching kill ya?
Report Post »Huff-a-Ton Post
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:03amWelcome to the “Flat Earth Society.”
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:19amI attend a Southern Baptist church and see nothing wrong with the physical aspect of Yoga. Everything depends on a person’s intent. I often speak with God while stretching, walking, exercising. I don’t do Yoga though. Will start praying that people are not mislead just in case.
Report Post »Sardu
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:46amAnd remember kids, don’t read those Harry Potter Books!
Report Post »ncmtnman
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 11:45amRight on Marylou, I believe that fasting and meditation are practices shared by many faiths, including Christianity. It has more to do with your motive than the action itself. Just the same, we all should read or listen to this gentleman’s essay before forming an opinion of his intent.
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:15amI am a former Minister and I heard all of these stupid dogmatic arguments against Yoga and Martial Arts. It all boils down to your relationship with Christ. Fundamentalist go way too far. It’s a control issue plain and simple.
Report Post »iatoala
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:34amSo true; it is who God says you are, not what you do. He GAVE it ALL so we can have life and have it more abundantly.
Report Post »BrownTrout
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:05amThat’s one of the things I admire about Dr. Mohler, he doesn’t mind speaking the truth regardless of what the reprobates or apostates say. He just places the truth out there and then lets the non-believers tear themselves apart.
Obviously he’s touched a nerve, since there’s so much vehement denial in the above comments.
Report Post »wifezilla
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:56amThank you for the voice of reason Dusty.
Report Post »Bumr50
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:07amBrowntrout, your immediate condemnation of me as a practitioner of meditation as a “non-believer tearing myself apart” is an extremely narrow and quite frankly offensive comment.
It is precisely the reason that I have such a problem with Dr. Mohler extending his views to encompass all of Christianity, as you do here.
I practice meditation in a Buddhist style, and am offended by this condemnation.
Some of these “religious leaders” need to tend to their OWN flock and quit trying to tell the rest of us what IS or IS NOT Christian.
I’ve read two versions of the Bible, KJV and NIV, and found nothing that says that I can’t use these practices to enter into a state of serenity with only the Creator and I.
I also suffer from an anxiety disorder, and meditation and mindfulness have been a lifesaver for me. There are a number of books dedicated to reconciling Buddhist practices with Christianity, and I intend on purchasing one in the near future.
Report Post »From an insightful essay:
“Traditional yoga is not a religion but is a spiritual discipline. It is a practical tool for exploring the ultimate meaning of human existence and the nature of human happiness.
—————————-
These yogic codes can strengthen our appreciation for the Christian teachings. Should it be surprising that truth converges? The experience of many in intercultural encounters is that when something of value is discovered in another philosophy or worldview or religion, it sends you back with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation for what is analogous to that in your own faith tradition which before you took for granted. Perhaps this brief exposition of the Yamas and Niyamas and their resonance with Christian moral teachings will occasion for you that kind of reappraisal.”
Lori
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:30amAs a senior martial arts instructor who has had to field similar hyper-control dogma or strikingly similar “anti-violence” rhetoric from progressive types, I agree with you Dusty.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:33pmThank you – finally someone with some sense! http://wp.me/pYLB7-bg
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:14amStupid is as stupid does……sometimes our religious friends drink a little too much wine at communion…..pay no attention.
Report Post »iatoala
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:38amThe Southern Baptists would never drink wine at communion or any other time that’s bad too. Their theology on once saved always save is right on though.
Awakened One
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:46amThese ignoramuses give a bad name to Christianity. A personal relationship with God can only be a good thing. It’s no wonder, with such a blind dogmatic approach, so many are leaving the Christian Church and finding their own way to spirituality.
dbmmcquattie
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 8:57amim sorry to all of you who have not read the bible. it says NOTHING ABOUT A RELATIONSHIP with god. the commandments are the relationship your looking for but you wont find it in yoga. im not a baptist nor any Christian sect i read teh bible and im reading it again. You should not do yoga. The first and second commandments says not to mention another gods name let alone do his exercise. this is how you reach enlightenment through the Hindi religion. enjoy cause thats plain wrong. go for a run…. who needs yoga
Report Post »Joseph8
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:06amthen why should a baptist care about yoga if its “once saved always saved”, their gonna be saved no matter what. ill stick with “endure to the end”
Report Post »Awakened One
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:08amSo you are advising against having a personal relationship with God. That is sad indeed. I wonder who you pray to?
Report Post »Awakened One
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:11amI wonder if Satan would would agree with not having a personal relationship with God. Maybe he has a plan to separate the children of God from their Father by dividing them with judgments against others spiritual path.
Report Post »Independent Tess
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:14amThey are objecting to certain spiritual aspects of yoga (I agree), but yoga can be a simple group of stretching and balance exercises that increases health and general well being.
Report Post »This kind of yoga is not objectionable to Christians.
dbmmcquattie
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:42am@ AWAKENED ONE, no my point is people miss the point of the bible. all this hoopla about love and free sin. love is defined in the bible give it a read im not gonna hand out answers here but honestly love is submissive!!!!! follow the rules…. like it says in the bible god is not a respecter of persons…..
Report Post »aquariaqueen
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:47amWhile I consider yoga to be good for the body itself, I guess I never realized that it came especially with a “wrong message”. I guess I don’t take the message so seriously. Maybe the Catholic church and protestant churches can use the same physical exercise coupled with Christian messages…. or would that be too far of a “stretch”?????
Report Post »dbmmcquattie
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:54am@ AWAKENED ONE, im sorry you clearly havent read the bible. maybe satan is the one decieving you into thinking its ok to do this stuff. the word of god says to not follow other gods. there are plently of other excersises one can do that are far better. this fasination is becoming disgusting.
there are commandments we need to follow in order to consider our selves with god….
1 john chapter 2 verse 3-7
ill highlight verse 4 for you “He that saith, i know him (god), and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
pretty plain. i can keep going if you wish in revelation when christ comes back he says 3 times including at the very end of the bible chapter 22 verse 14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments (notice his that one of the many trinity debunkers, jesus is saying the commandments are GODS…. anyways)….
Report Post »read it for your self if you want me to keep going just ask for it i dont mind ill just toss you scripture…
dbmmcquattie
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 9:56am@ AQUARIAQUEEN, its just the basis of where it comes from. it stems from anotehr religion so i wouldnt do it. i mean the rules are pretty clear… but im not here to push people just clear up ignorance. i had to learn about all these easter religions in uv, what a waste of time.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:05amDBMMCQUATTIE thinks they are the only person here that has an understanding of the Bible and that we all need to only adhere to THAT interpretation of the Bible. Gee…there are many demolibersocialcommies who are trying to feed us the same line(s) as regards the Constitution of the United States of America. They want us to believe, in much the same way, that we cannot possibly interpret the Constitution (or the Bible) for ourselves, but must allow them to explain it to us in words we stupid people can understand. There are no words in either document which instruct us to denigrate, demean or make war against those with whom we disagree. That type of language is only found in muslim holy books, not American or Christian holy books. We ought to not listen to any of the people who think they are the ones who should feed us what to believe or how to interpret what we see, hear and read. Read your Bible and your Constitution and prayerfully interpret them for yourselves, Blaze people. Koolade is a beverage that comes in many flavors. Do not be misled.
Report Post »captnbigg
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:11amYou seem to miss the point. Yoga, without the Hindu religious consciousness, is not really yoga, That’s what Dr. Mohler said.
Report Post »Awakened One
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:22amdbmmcquattie, I have the advantage of a personal relationship with God. There is nothing like the Holy Spirit to guide you directly. You should try it. It transcends scripture and translations and speculation. It’s the keys to the Kindom of Heaven at hand. It’s right in front of you but you will never see until you drop intermediaries and look for yourself. Let love and your inherent sense of truth be your guide. You will never need dubious external authorities again. That is what awakening is all about. Cultivate a direct relationship with truth over any written word. Fear is what Satan wants you to guide your life by.
Report Post »alsmith01
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:25amThe bible say that there is only one way to the father through Christ. That means there is only one path to God. Just because you have taken many paths to Christ does not mean there are many paths in Him or on the other side of Christ to God. In other cultures you can reach spirituality through drugs, is that ok if you feel it makes reach Christ. Drinking the blood of a living thing has brought spirituality in many cultures, is it ok for Christians to find God that way? Yoga in Christianity is a loosing arguement because it is a practice of another religion to find spirituality, enlightenment, and god. Yes it is a great excerise process, however, is faith not more important than your choice in excerise.
Report Post »John1717
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:26am“Stupid is as stupid does”…? …“ignoramus”…? Do either of you even know what you are talking about? Or even who you are talking about? I am a student at SBTS and I can tell you that everyone posting here on this site are still in intellectual diapers compared to Dr. Mohler. Really, you are childish and downright foolish: who in their right mind would describe the president of any graduate level institution as “stupid” or as an “ignoramus,” without revealing themselves to be such?
He studied the issue in-depth and formed an opinion. Not only that, he’s interviewed proponents of the other side (listen to his podcast “Thinking in Public”). What can you say?
Now for the record: I am not actually a baptist, and please note that I have not given my opinion on the issue.
Report Post »wingedwolf
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 10:35amI miss no point. The only point I need to remember is that the Bible instructs that God is the only One who gets to make judgement calls, not I. In my human state, I am thankfully absolved of the responsibility for knowing what lies within the hearts and souls of others and making determinations as to the worthiness of those people to God. I have, although not limber enough to practice, been in the room many times when yoga is practiced. One of the instructors with whom I am personally acquainted is a yogi, a devout Hindu, from India. There is no chanting the names of evil spirits or other gods, no spells being cast, no mantras of any kind, just some pretty music and the encouragement to enter a relaxed state and stretch. Perhaps there is some system of yoga practiced by followers of a certain teacher or teachers where these things are practiced. Perhaps there are even those people, somewhere, who believe that the only way to practice yoga is their way, and if you don’t do it their way, you are not practicing yoga. There’s a lot of that here in America regarding many issues, there are just so many people who think they have the only appropriate and correct version of everything. It makes me so tired……. Perhaps we should regard our fellow Christians as having enough intelligence, if confronted with such a practice wherein they are required to chant the names of evil spirits and foreign gods, to leave the premises and get their money back.
Report Post »Awakened One
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 11:07amJohn1717, ignorant is to be unaware. The world is full of highly educated people who have simply studied the wrong information. So they are educated in falsehoods. It doesn’t make them an authority on truth. Until you have awakened directly to the truth, without the need for crutches made of scripture and doctrine, you will not know a personal relationship with the Holy spirit. It’s the blind trying to tell those who can see what is truth. Have some courage. Look beyond the words and into your heart. God is will meet you there if you invite him. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. I can testify to it from experience.
Report Post »NickyLouse
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 11:31amDoesn‘t the proper technique in yoga include the eastern meditation practice of trying to empty one’s mind? Christian meditation involves soaking one’s mind with the word of God, His Laws, His promises, and His works. Jesus tells us in Matthew 12:
43″When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.
So if you are trying to empty your mind, beware of what you may be inviting in.
Report Post »NickyLouse
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 11:34amDoesn‘t yoga include the eastern meditation practice of trying to empty one’s mind? Christian meditation is soaking one‘s mind with God’s word, His Laws, His promises, and His works. Jesus tells us in Matthew 12:
43″When an evil[f] spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.
If you are trying to empty your mind, beware of what you may invite in.
rubberbandangle
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 11:59amI do yoga for the workout and relaxation. I go to church for my spiritual guidance. This ‘leader’ only gives those that mock Christians more fodder.
If you go to a yoga class that is also teaching spiritualness, then there would be a conflict. As a Christian, I choose to go to yoga that teaches yoga for the workout. Big difference.
Report Post »Country
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 1:10pmJoseph8, “Once saved always saved” I would love to see scripture on that.
As far as yoga goes, can’t Christians come up with their own stretching exercise or does it have to be exclusively yoga. Christians should not confuse new Christians (babes in Christ) by weaving with what ever else is out there. Confusion comes from Satan.
Report Post »Country
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 1:15pmNickyLouse, You are right. We are to mediate on His Word, not empty our minds to allow who ever/what ever in. Keep Christ you crown.
Report Post »RomansTenNine
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 3:43pmOne of the problems with blogs is that people can reply without giving it much thought, whereas Dr. Mohler gives much thought to what he rights. He researched yoga, read about its recent poplularity in America, knows its origins, and is simply reminding our society that it is not just exercise; it has a tie to Eastern Mysticism. He is not against anyone exercising; he is raising our awareness of a belief system that it is associated with. I think we can learn something from that.
Report Post »Awakened One
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:00pmRomansTenNine, what we can learn from him is Christian bigotry in action. God is the God of all people, everywhere. For whatever judgment may follow this life, it will be based on a person’s heart, not their birthplace. Christians don’t own God in spite of there efforts to claim so.
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:29pmBottom line is Christians can do yoga as long as none of the practices their uses dont contradict the christian faith….getting in touch with your inner self, releasing the god within and garbage like that. If its purely for exercise purposes its fine but one must use discernment.
Report Post »Awakened One
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 4:38pmRobert W, here is some of that “garbage” you’re concerned with – “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). If your are going to live by the Bible, at least learn its message.
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 12:50amawakened one- You must not be very awake because luke 17:21 does NOT say the kingdom of God is within you, The pharisees asked Jesus WHEN the kingdom of God would come. Our Lord said- “Behold the kingdom of God is AMONG you.” not within. Nice try
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 1:17amawakend one- In one of your posts you say “they give christians a bad name” in another you say christians just want to own God. Do you have split personalities? Off your meds? No I think your a wolf in sheeps clothing. I smell a rat (or a liberal).
Report Post »cubanbob
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 6:08amhold on, can’t do Yoga but you can celebrate Christmas and Easter even with its pagan roots? Little double standard meesa thinks.
Report Post »rsclark
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 3:32pmI am a strong christian. As a christian i believe what God’s word says, that the only path to God is thru faith in Jesus Christ. Any activity that contradicts that should not be practiced.
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 3:33pmThe word for Christmas in late old english is Cristes Maesse, the Mass of Christ, first found in 1038. Just because previous pagan rituals fell on the same date doesnt mean anything. Im sure theres some pagan ritual that falls on my birthday….but I dont worship crystals or bark at the moon.
Report Post »dbmmcquattie
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 4:15pm@ WINGEDWOLF… i said to read your bible? im not here to interpret, there is only one message. people go by what their pastor says thats the biggest issue with “christianity”…. i like what paul calls it better, the way
Report Post »if you have read it you would see what im talking about? i myself am not a liberal dink. i dont vote for the same reason it says in the bible… god elects our rulers why do you think there are so many problems in the world? man if you read your bible you would know….
dbmmcquattie
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 4:18pm@ AWAKENED ONE once again i dont know if you do, im just recomending you re read you bible, it says that if you dont hold the sabbath day (SATURDAY) as a day of REST your breaking gods law. Because to break one of the LEAST commandments is to break them all !!!!!!!!!!
To break the LAW is sin ….
Report Post »John1717
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 6:17pmAwakened One, you have proven my point. Besides that, you started out by simply calling names, but now that you’ve been called out on that you backtrack from calling him an “ignoramus” to just saying that he is merely “unaware” and hasn’t read the correct information. If you had not meant to be insulting, then you would not have used that wording.
Back to how you proved my point: you assume he has read the wrong information. Have you read the correct information? Would you define the correct information? Have you even read the article he wrote or listened to the interview he did? I’m betting you did not because the elapsed time between our posts is only about 40 minutes, and that is not enough time to listen to the podcast. I believe you are assuming far too much.
About the “crutches of scripture and doctrine.” You do not need them? Are you so spiritual that you are automatically superior to anyone who holds faithfully to the scriptures? If you read the scriptures they would tell you they we all need training wheels in this area—that they are indeed a crutch which we desperately need. But you say you find God within yourself while rejecting his words which would tell you to do otherwise (Joshua 1:8).
When Jesus rebuked the Sadducees did he say that their doctrine was hindering their knowledge of God? No, he said, “you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matt 22:29, ESV), so in turn their doctrine was wrong, and he was all about correct doctrine concerning the resurrection which they denied. To the woman at the well he said, “the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23, ESV), and what is truth? “[Y]our [God’s] word is truth” (John 17:17).
Did Jesus exhort anyone to look inside themselves to find God? Or did he always point to both himself and the scriptures as the source for truth?
Report Post »ahimsa1
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 7:26pmIf it is not love, it is not true. The major aspect of God is love! I grew up in the South and attended the Penticostal Holiness Church 3 times a week. I went to choir and was raised by a Deacon and a Sunday School Teacher for 21 years. Hell, fire and brimstone were the message I heard with each attendance. Be fearful. God is an angry God. I always thought to myself even as a 5 year old or younger ” how can your actions be pure if they are based on fear?” I felt a strong connection to God and Jesus. From age 20 to 38 I tried very hard to escape the fear, thanks to the church. I even tried to turn my head from God as I could not stand the fear and just wanted an honest connection to what Christ had intended for us, died for us and tried to teach us. Luckily, I woke up. My first Yoga class was at age 38. I had been living a spiritual life, but always running from the fear. I never felt love in church, only fear. My eyes opened in this first Yoga class to experience Christ and God in a way I never had in 38 Years. I realized I could align myself with Christ and God without fear. I felt my connection in a loving way for the very first time. Why would a Church full of “Christians” deny a child love. That is all I ever wanted. I found that connection of love from God and Christ through Yoga.
Report Post »I am now a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist. I care for the sick on a ventilator unit and teach to Alzheimers patients. They respond that when practicing Yoga they feel Love and healing, a connection to God and family. I align myself with Christ and his compassion. I pray every day to be more like Christ. I love you all. Under God we are one. Please try to love one another. We make no gain in judging one another.
Namaste! Peace and Grace!
cubanbob
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 7:51pm@Robert W it’s not a coincidence that easter and christmas land on pagan holidays, the early church used existing pagan holidays and mixed a little bit of bible truths so they could get some converts, i don’t believe that was proper. easter bunny, eggs, christmas trees, holiday lighting and even the gift giving was all part of pagan tradition. heck, the bible does not give us the birth date of christ. they are all lies…who does the bible tell us that is the father of all lies?
lets just except that the early church was lazy and pulled something similar that the israelites did during the exodus, they got bored, remembered old egyptian holidays and decided to make a golden calf to worship, they tried to make an excuse saying it was okay because they named it festival to the (YHWH) Lord. according to the scriptures God wasn’t too happy and tons of israelites died. just saying, that example is in the bible.
Report Post »Robert W
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 9:37pmCubanbob, You must be really old to know that anything that happened that long ago is “all lies”. No I think there might be a little chip on your shoulder against christians because in christianity there are rules and them rules might cramp your lifestyle.
Report Post »james9940
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 11:24pmdo people really believe that if jesus was here he would tell people to stop doing yoga???seriously?
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