Is practicing yoga against Christianity?

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   nnmsposted 8 years ago

   Is practicing yoga against Christianity?
   
   As a Christian what is your view of Yoga keeping in view its origin in Hindu concept of Brahma, god.

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   Ericdierkerposted 8 years ago

   Well I just can't figure out for sure who developed the numbering system that is used in modern Bibles. Something to do with Arabic Hindu. Of course the Roman Numeral system was developed by Pagan Romans. Basically our current Alphabet developed via Phoenicians-Polytheistic, Greeks-Polytheistic, Romans - Polytheistic. Certainly no Christians. And obviously it had European influence dating before Christianity reached that region. I admit that my family eats a great deal of Asian food emanating from non-Christian regions of the world. Yesterday I noticed I bought something made in Atheistic China. And true this, once I bought a cool crucifix that was made in communist Vietnam.
   So now comes a Yoga that originates in a non Christian place that is practiced mostly in a Hindu concept but is taught worldwide in Christian format. All my mantras are focused on God. Some using Sanskrit words to refer to God. But mostly straight forward Christian mantras derived from  hymns and psalms. Wow does the quiet meditation time while practicing help get me closer to my God.
   And what about that traditional story of Jesus being visited by the three wise men who were clearly not Christian? And what about Jesus being a Jew as both a race and a religion.
   Very strange these people who can only focus on the differences rather than the clear fact that we share a common world that is the origin for developing all of our cultures.
   I must admit I am glad I do not have to read the Bible in Aramaic.

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   Dr CHE Sadaphalposted 8 years ago

   Western culture has adopted yoga and transformed it into many different things. So ...
   
   No, there is not a Biblical prohibition against it if by "yoga" one refers to a purely physical exercise focused on flexibility, strength and toning.
   
   Yes, there is a Biblical prohibition against it if by "yoga" one refers to an activity that transcends physical exercise and involves focusing the self on something mystical (Exodus 20:3).

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   LoliHeyposted 8 years ago

   It is said that it is because the poses are really meant to be forms of worship or something.  I have to do more research on this.  Most people today do it for exercise and nothing more.  They don't care about the religion.

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   Rich kelleyposted 8 years ago

   There is nothing wrong with my adultery because I always think of my wife when I'm with those other women, is not a good defense. There is nothing good about doing what other religions do and then claim I'm thinking about God when I do it.
   
   Those that believe there are many paths to God have no problems rationalizing  the practices of other religions. Believing that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ creates a very narrow path one is 'suppose' to walk.
   
   Just as God divorced Israel for their choices that lead them away, He will allow us to wander away as well.

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      Dr CHE Sadaphalposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      The proposition that "there is only one way is narrow" is itself and exclusive truth claim. It must also be reconciled that different faiths have mutually exclusive truth claims so if one is "right" by it own doctrine, others cannot.

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      Rich kelleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      "It must also be reconciled"
      Chose whom you will follow.

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      Dr CHE Sadaphalposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Wise words.
      
      Ultimately, everyone follows something.

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Dang Rich, That would exclude -- Loving, eating, getting together, listening to a wise leader, thanking God for another day, knowing that there is something more powerful than us and our thoughts, Other religions do it so it is bad?

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      Rich kelleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Other religions do it so it is bad?
      That is for you to answer Eric. The God I attempt to serve is not inclusive of other religious practices, maybe yours is.

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yes that might be the issue. I really try hard not to follow a religion as a doctrinal practice. So I am not really bothered by stuff like the Nicene Creed and Yoga as a worship technique. Some stuff creates a gap between me and God but not that.

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      Rich kelleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      "Some stuff creates a gap between me and God"
      May He show us all where our gaps are and how to eliminate them.

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Good enough for a prayer.

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      Hxprofposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed.  Yoga is a Hindu religious practice.  Enough said.

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       LoliHeyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Absolutely right, Rich Kelley.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the light. No one gets to the Father except through me."  Not through Buddha, Allah, Bael, or any other "god" out there.  Just Jesus.  He is the only way.

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   Terrexposted 8 years ago

   There have been some weird videos of black people attacking white people for 'appropriating their culture' because they have dreadlocks etc (LOL) while the black individuals seem oblivious to the fact that they are wearing pants, shirts and jeans, things which their white victims could say they had misappropriated from white people. (LOL!!)
   Yoga is the ancient Indian Hindu exercise of mind and body. No Hindu anywhere has been heard demanding anyone stop practicing Yoga and their ancient knowledge is free to be shared amongst the people of the world.
   Yoga has been shown to be beneficial to mind, body and spirit regardless of who you are. Christiains, Jews, muslims, atheists, Jedi, animists, whatever -  it's not against your beliefs to improve yourself, regardless if the source is not anchored in your belief system.

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      gmwilliamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      THANK YOU, it is time to let go of atavistic, superstitious nonsense!

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      Rich kelleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      "Yoga has been shown to be beneficial to mind, body and spirit regardless of who you are." According to you. Others disagree. Practice what you like but there are behaviors that are not accepted if you want to claim one is a Christian.

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   manatita44posted 8 years ago

   Christianity, like any Religion, is the science that teaches one how to know God; to fear or obey God.
   
   Yoga also teaches one how to know God, to become one with the Transcendental Self. This is its goal. It has no other purpose.
   
   Christianity is governed by recommendations or rules, first set by Moses, if you like and modified by Jesus, The Christ. So, for instance, we must Love God with all our Heart and Soul and also Love our neighbour as ourselves.
   
   One must bear in mind that all Religions have a goal, and that there are principles to follow. Whether its 'feed by sheep' or 'being a good 'Samaritan,' or the striving to imitate Christ, the principles are all there.
   
   Yoga means to yoke; to bind or bring together. The ancient Seer Patanjali, systematised it into 8 limbs, hatha (asana or posture), being only one of the eight. The first three principles of 'do's and don't's, are rather like the Sermon on the Mount and very necessary for Yoga.
   
   Now let us look at the practicing aspect, and compare both. Christianity uses Rosaries and beads and chants the 'hail Mary' and other Jesus prayers. Yoga uses malas (beads) to do japas (repititions) of holy names and scriptures or mantras, very much like Christianity with the same purpose in mind:
   
   Purification of the lower vital - the parts of the being that has not been touched by the Light Divine, in order to attract God or the Higher Forces, if you like.
   
   Christianity uses verbal prayer as an entreaty, to request things from God, and silent prayer to listen to God. Yoga uses concentration to make the mind one-pointed, calm, quiet so that it can then become expansive, harnessing the spiritual energy into a more advanced form called Meditation. This aspect is sometimes uncomfortable for the Westerner.
   
   Right now, Yoga is spreading. Businesses and universities are moving away from the mind-orientated Conflict-resolution, to the more modern form of Mindfulness. Research done so far, indicates that it helps children to study better in class and they become higher achievers.
   
   Persia is full of ancient mystics who went to great pains to tell us that there really is no East or West, that we are all One, just seemingly taking different Pathways to arrive at the same destination. Exalted Souls such as Sri Ramakrishna in the East and our own Christian Fathers, have given us the same message of Oneness:
   
   That we are spirited beings; that we all come from the same one Transcendental Light or Absolute.

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hey friend I definitely to not buy this idea; "Yoga also teaches one how to know God, to become one with the Transcendental Self. This is its goal. It has no other purpose."

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      manatita44posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      You buy or you don't buy? Not clear. This is what I practice. This is what Vivekananda came to the West with in 1893. Much later, Indian teaches focused on it as an exercise. It isn't. It is pure Spirituality without the trappings of Dogma or rituals

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      Rich kelleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      "the greatest misfortune of the world is to not tolerate and accept other religions". Vivekananda
      Disciples of the Messiah must turn away from the Buddhas and the Hindu gods, and serve Yahweh only. Yahweh doesn't run a buffet line

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      manatita44posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with Vivekananda Rich. He was speaking of tolerance and acceptance. Without this we create boxes, separation, ego and division, compartments. Spirituality is the song of Universal Oneness, and Yes, God is everything.

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      Rich kelleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      manatita44, my comment wasn't for you, I'm certain you believe what you practice is acceptable to Yahweh. The Messiah despite his teachings on love never preached the acceptance and tolerance of all the gods and their worship methods.

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      LoliHeyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Rich Kelley is right.  Tolerance can be a deception used by Satan.

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      manatita44posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Lolita, tolerance is a start. I repeat: "Spirituality is the song of Universal Oneness, and Yes, God is everything." Rich, Hinduism teaches of one God. Brahman, The Absolute Existence, Consciousness, Bliss (Sat, Chit, Ananda) We call this Spirit.

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      Rich kelleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      manatita, You accept the teachings of Mr. V, I have studies his teachings and do not. To proceed down a spiritual buffet line and take what you like on your plate is common today. I chose not to consume what is on your plate believing it is deadly.

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      manatita44posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I'm happy for you. Let us accommodate. I did not come into this world to create a separation game, and the Universe is as unfolding as it should. I'm really a servant and I do apologise if it seems otherwise. You, to me, are a spark of the Divine.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Wasn't there a big argument between Peter and Paul? Something about non jews having to follow jewish law. I thought it was settled in a vision. I thought those Jews for Christ were admonished to be accepting of other folks.

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       Rich kelleyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       "Sparks" after having breath decide whom they will serve. Choices made, on the physical and spiritual buffet line determine if we live or die. Not all food is to be consumed. Your kind words and servitude is noted, however consider Luke 12:51-53.

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   Joseph Slainposted 8 years ago

   Yes, we are not to learn the way of the heathen. God states His people are not to have any doings with foreign Gods or their practices. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting. If you took that to logical extremes we would have people dying daily from diseases previously thought to be a possession. Any dude with Bipolar or leprosy would be a gonner.

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