Why do some people consider yoga anti-Christian?

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  1. MarleneB profile image92
    MarleneBposted 8 years ago

    Why do some people consider yoga anti-Christian?

    Recently, I spoke with a Christian friend about doing yoga. Her response was negative. She asked me why I would want to do something that is against the Christian religion. I had no idea Christians looked at yoga in such a negative way. My friend could not give me a defined answer, so I bring it to you. What is it about yoga that makes it a bad activity for Christians?

  2. Lady_E profile image62
    Lady_Eposted 8 years ago

    There are parts of yoga that even as a Christian, you yourself will challenge  within your spirit. I don't have time to write an elaborate answer, but I'm sure someone else will or just search google.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, Elena you might want to consider writing a hub about the inner concepts surrounding yoga. I'd certainly read it. I'm even more curious after reading your comment.

  3. ChristinS profile image39
    ChristinSposted 8 years ago

    People who don't understand yoga are the ones spreading that misinformation.  Yoga can be practiced by anyone of any religion and it is good for your health both body and mind.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with your practicing yoga.  You are your own person and should feel free to take part in anything that helps you feel better.  People often fear and spread misinformation about things they don't know and don't understand.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Christin. I taught dance and exercise for 18 years. I see yoga as a form of exercise. I never saw anything bad about it - until I started talking to my Christian friends about it. The funny thing is, none of them can say exactly why yoga is bad.

    2. Hui (蕙) profile image60
      Hui (蕙)posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      If they can't say anything bad, then it is not bad. Yoga is a good way to shape human body,  whether Christian or not. Never heard of it before.

    3. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Hui, I am learning through this thread that people have tapped into a deeper level of yoga. Personally, I have only seen the surface of it and looked at it like a simple stretching and exercise program. No chanting or meditating involved.

    4. supremeupbeat k profile image61
      supremeupbeat kposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I support your statement.

  4. Heather A Thomas profile image59
    Heather A Thomasposted 8 years ago

    While I couldn't say exactly why your friend said it, I'd guess the reason people who say that yoga is against the Christian religion, do so because they associate yoga with the teachings of Hinduism (or Buddhism).

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Heather! I actually see yoga as a form of exercise and have never thought about its association with any religious ties. At least you have now given me a place to begin more research.

  5. Wilsono profile image59
    Wilsonoposted 8 years ago

    I guess because the origin of yoga is deeply rooted in some form of spirituality connected to hinduism from ancient India. You may have to do some research on ''the history of yoga'' to learn more.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Wilson. I never thought about Yoga being a spiritual thing until now. I guess it is time to do some extensive research on the subject.

    2. profile image49
      younexposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I guess because the origin of yoga is deeply rooted in some form of spirituality connected to hinduism from ancient India. You may have to do some research on ''the history of yoga'' to learn more.

  6. Patty Inglish, MS profile image90
    Patty Inglish, MSposted 8 years ago

    My experience with yoga was with a supervisor of mine who did it every day, but not the most advanced movements. Her large book on yoga included chapters in which a long-time yogi explained and showed how to use clean cotton rope to clean out all the body orifices (from bottom up to the eyes, ears, nose, throat) in order to allow and encourage a snake spirit to enter the body through the lower orifice  and take up residence along the spine, threading itself through each chakra and resting its head on top of the uppermost chakra.

    The introductory course I took in grad school for exercise was plenty enough for me and I did not attempt headstands, with the instructor telling us to do what we were comfortable doing. We also only did deep breathing, no out-of-body meditations. Again, that was plenty.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Your introductory course, Patty, is my understanding of yoga - exercise. I never thought about yoga having a spiritual aspect. I have to admit - that snake spirit thing might have scared me away from doing yoga.

    2. Patty Inglish, MS profile image90
      Patty Inglish, MSposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I was shocked by the book/photos, but gave the intro course a try and much was good. Lots of things start off well, but have advanced segments  individuals need to think about carefully. Qualified instructor helps.

    3. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      You are a brave person, Patty. After reading through the comments, I think it is wise for me to stay away from TV yoga. Right?!!! I don't want to get into anything weird. Thank you for the extra caution. I'm listening well.

    4. Patty Inglish, MS profile image90
      Patty Inglish, MSposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Just find a good and credentialed instructor you can trust and I think you will be fine. Much success to you in doing so!

    5. profile image49
      younexposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      My experience with yoga was with a supervisor of mine who did it every day, but not the most advanced movements. Her large book on yoga included chapters in which a long-time yogi explained and showed how to use clean cotton rope to clean out all the

  7. sunilkunnoth2012 profile image60
    sunilkunnoth2012posted 8 years ago

    Yoga is good for all and it is not against any religion as some Christians and Muslims believe.  If you practice it daily, your mind as well body can get lot of relaxation and health benefits.  Yoga is now recognized by all and a day was recently allotted as International Yoga Day. I think it is on 21st June.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Sunil. Thank you for sharing your belief and experience with yoga. I am just starting to research yoga and have never heard of Yoga Day, but I am now going to look into it.

    2. Au fait profile image84
      Au faitposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Worshipping any god other than the God of Heaven breaks the First Commandment whether you are intentionally worshipping a false god or not.

    3. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, C E Clark, I totally agree with you about the First Commandment and abide by it 100%. My question about yoga is legitimate. I had no idea yoga was about worshipping any god. I thought it was just a form of exercise. I'm learning that it is more.

    4. Au fait profile image84
      Au faitposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      MB, my comment here was for Sunil who says there is nothing against any religion involved.  I think you asked a great question and I answered it below.

  8. lisavollrath profile image93
    lisavollrathposted 8 years ago

    Yoga has roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. Most people in the US don't practice yoga as an extension of their religion, but as a form of exercise, relaxation and meditation.

    Weirdly enough, there is now "Christian Yoga", which co-opts the physical aspects of yoga, and pairs them with Christian spirituality.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Ah, Lisa that's an enlightened way of looking at it. Since I live in the U.S. I only look at it as exercise. But now you say there is such a thing as Christian Yoga? I'm thinking that must be to counter balance the Hinduism and Buddhism aspects.

    2. profile image49
      younexposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yoga has roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. Most people in the US don't practice yoga as an extension of their religion, but as a form of exercise, relaxation and meditation.

      Weirdly enough, there is now "Christian Yoga", which co-opts the physical asp

  9. Ericdierker profile image46
    Ericdierkerposted 8 years ago

    Horrible and distasteful to say the least. First you get into those unseemly positions and then you mantra and/or focus on parts of your mind, body and spirit! And then to get into it you study on the origins which are not out of the Bible. You probably will even learn somethings about other people's spirituality and beliefs. Just horrible. Yes I am being horribly sarcastic. And now I will be caustic. I bet it would be just fine if an ordained salary receiving cleric taught it and they passed a collection plate at every session. That should do with the superficial made of man type arguments. There are more but they fall into the same trite category.
    The real stuff lies in these notions. Flirting around with notions that are rooted in a spirituality that is not based on Christianity is dangerous to a troubled soul. A real master Yogi normally is grounded in Eastern philosophy and religions. That is just a truth, although my master is a little Jewish guy from New York, go figure. And many of the areas if done well include some meditation with a sound resonance developed over 1,000s of years which include names of their gods. It makes sense that words developed to refer to a deity are calming and rhythmic. Very deep stuff. And it could suck you in. So staying way away from it may be advisable.
    My experience may help. After a year or so of training, I was called upon to relate to folks looking into it who were Christians. What a hoot. We just broke it down mechanically, promised to keep an open dialogue about feelings and thoughts. Then we shared Christian focuses for the meditative aspects. So I suppose we developed our own Christian Yoga and meditations. There are many atheists who practice Yoga and are not one bit afraid of becoming spiritual. Yoga does not have a God of Yoga. There are no presidents or Popes that dictate how it must be done, so do it this way: Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
    Meditate on These Things
    8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Eric, after reading your response, all I could do was sigh. I had no idea yoga included mantras and stuff other than intense stretching for the muscles. Now I see what the turmoil is all about. Thanks so much for your response.

    2. Ericdierker profile image46
      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Marlene, I was just referencing that part of a yoga experience, because if you are just talking about doing the stretching routines --- there is absolutely no foundation for any controversy.

    3. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yet, controversy there is, Eric. I know the Bible does not even mention yoga because it is not a biblical issue. Yes, my intent is on just using it for stretching. All that other stuff can be left out of it. This has been a learning experience. Thx!

    4. profile image49
      younexposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yoga is good for all and it is not against any religion as some Christians and Muslims believe. If you practice it daily, your mind as well body can get lot of relaxation and health benefits. Yoga is now recognized by all and a day was recently allot

  10. Au fait profile image84
    Au faitposted 8 years ago

    To answer fully, on must know what they’re talking about.  Most people do not know the definition of yoga or its origin.  Christians should first understand that yoga is taught within all sects of Hinduism as a means to salvation.

    From https://carm.org/should-christians-practice-yoga  This is where I found the answer to your question, so first of all, what is Carm?

    “CARM is a 501(c)3, non-profit, Christian ministry dedicated to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and the promotion and defense of the Christian Gospel, doctrine and theology.  To do this, CARM analyzes religious and non-religious movements and compares them to the Bible.”

    Carm examines many social issues and different religious beliefs and religions and compares them to the Bible to see if they are in agreement.  “In all our analyses we use the Bible as the final standard of truth in order to defend and promote Christianity.”

    According to Carm — why Christians should avoid yoga:

    “There are different types of yoga, but what they all have in common is that they are a way to earn salvation.  There are several practices within Yoga.  These include but are not limited to meditation, repeating the divine name [Hindu], breathing exercises, etc. 

    Meditation is central to all forms of Yoga.  Meditation helps its practitioners to be able to find release from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth.2   “Yoga is a method of spiritual training.  A physical exercise, its goal is nonphysical -- uniting with God.  Yoga teaches that people should attempt to yoke the individual spirit to God, to atman-the individual soul or essence of a person-and to Brahman.”3    So we see that Yoga is essentially physical exercises in which one tries to work his or her way to God.”  [But not the God of Heaven that Christians worship.]

    “There is nothing wrong with stretching [exercises].  The problem comes when one meditates and focuses on the religious aspects of yoga.  One needs to distinguish between purely stretching and yoga.  So if one is just purely stretching and is not practicing the philosophical and religious nature of yoga, then feel free to participate.”

    Why take the chance in meddling with something that comes from and is associated with a false view of salvation?  There are plenty of exercise programs that stretch and tone, so why choose one that pays homage through thought/meditation to a false god?

    For full information and understanding I urge you to visit the URL above.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      C E Clark, thank you very much for your answer and for providing a reference. Truly, I would only use yoga positions to stretch this tired body. In fact, that's what I thought yoga was all about. I had no idea about mantras, meditations, and such.

    2. Au fait profile image84
      Au faitposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      MB, I know you only wanted to benefit from the stretching etc., and that's what most people think.  As I said in one of my paragraphs in my answer, and Eric concurs, just doing the stretches without all the other folderol is not harmful.

    3. Kylyssa profile image92
      Kylyssaposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Couldn't Christians just use it as a way to become more harmonious with their bodies and focus on the Christian and Jewish name for the creator God, Yahweh, instead of on the Hindu name for the creator God, Brahman?

    4. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Kylyssa, your thought process is quite logical. Personally, before this post, I never considered yoga to be anything but exercise. Why do we even need to chant? But, if we want to chant, we should be able to chant for the god we worship.

    5. profile image49
      younexposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      They should not. Yoga is tied in with spirituality much like C.E. (Au Fait) explained. I do yoga daily as I exercise. I love it all: stretching, twisting, meditating and formations. It keeps me in concordance with the creator. Through serious y

    6. cam8510 profile image92
      cam8510posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      "So if one is just purely stretching and is not practicing the philosophical and religious nature of yoga, then feel free to participate.” CARM believes they have the authority to grant permission for Christians to  stretch their muscles? How absurd.

    7. Au fait profile image84
      Au faitposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Chris I don't think Carm believes they have authority over anyone.  They just research and investigate and spell out their results.  Some Christians worry about offending God and Carm is trying to help them avoid doing that.

  11. word55 profile image70
    word55posted 8 years ago

    They should not. Yoga is tied in with spirituality much like C.E. (Au Fait) explained. I do yoga daily as I exercise. I love it all: stretching, twisting, meditating and formations. It keeps me in concordance with the creator. Through serious yoga is another beautiful way to communicate with God, release tension, work out impurities (detox) and flex the muscles.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      word55, I know you are a strong Christian and that your yoga workouts are indeed more spiritual in nature. I can see how it is a relaxing form of exercise and as such could allow the relief of stress and the ability to get closer to God.

    2. fpherj48 profile image60
      fpherj48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Marlene...You may want to investigate "pilates."  It sounds to me that this form of exercise may be just what you're looking for w/o the issues of concern.  I love pilates! (pee-lot-tees)

    3. supremeupbeat k profile image61
      supremeupbeat kposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      word55 is an ideal to break the false notion about yoga out of some false people.

    4. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Paula, you offer a wonderful solution to the yoga conflict. I will look into pilates. There's no chanting in pilates, is there? smile

    5. celafoe profile image54
      celafoeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Marlene.   Being "spiritual"  and being scriptural are not the same thing.   There are MANY spirits people follow these days.   But a CHRISTIAN must discern them.

    6. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Relax Celafoe, I need to be clear that I have no intentions of combining worship with exercise. However, I am glad to read what others feel about yoga.

  12. manatita44 profile image73
    manatita44posted 8 years ago

    Life is always the same, in a manner of speaking. If you look at it holistically, it is all a matter of Consciousness. Some of us are just further along the road. Do you know that many of our Christian Saints were killed for less than I am writing today?

    Again, you can also ask, why was such a compassionate being like Christ killed. It is all Consciousness. Some of us are just in darker places than others, and see things in a different way. We need to evolve. We say bad things about other Faiths, for example, but you and I know that Christianity had to evolve in a most brutal fashion.

    Should or do I blame anyone or anything? No. no, no! I'm an optimist. I also love people and life. Still, I know what you are saying and I know what I can and cannot say in Church. Some are just further along the way in spiritual growth, and the darker ones see Yoga as associated with meditation and as such evil.

    They do not know that the Saints practiced silent prayer, and built their Monasteries in the woods and forests, specifically for the purpose of solitude. Their minds are also restless and enslaved, and they are suspicious of spirits.

    Finally, it is much easier to break than to build, and many are interested in breaking. Look for the Christ-life in the Holy and devout, not necessarily in Pastors and churches, or the intellectual mind. Much peace.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Very true, Manatita, and no one can dispute the truth. Whether positioned in the "Downward Dog" or on bended knees and arms stretched, at that moment, people have a choice of which god they will worship. My God is the one above all others.

    2. manatita44 profile image73
      manatita44posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I hear you. I feel more Love in saying that my God is in everything and in all. That way I cover the ignorant also. Love is in all and God is ALL. Much Peace.

    3. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      And that, Manatita, is why I listen to you. You have a way of making things perfectly clear. Peace back to you, my friend.

  13. supremeupbeat k profile image61
    supremeupbeat kposted 8 years ago

    yoga is not distinguished between Christians and Hindus. Yoga is not to quarrel against other other religions as well and establish Hinduism. It is to upgrade the physical standard of human beings in common. It can be taken as substitute for medical remedy. It is not religion but science to make you feel better. If it has been originated by Hindu astutes, then what is the wrong to accept it.If Christians have made some good revelation, Muslim has made some good revelation, Bouddhists have made some great revelation, Jains have made some revelation, Hebrews have made some great revelation ..... , then what are the wrongs to accept the greatness .If these are for the well being of the human race, then why should we not accept these? Above all all religions came this world to upgrade human beings, civilization. Religions came in this world to spread rules of morality and humanity for the existence of human civilization. We should pay respect to all religions for these reasons. If I am a religious person, then I must show my honour and respect to other religions. If I am a devotee of my religion, then must not bear hatred against other religions. Only education (proper education, not to con informations) can take out the wrong ideas from a human being.At last , I can conclude,' take the good, reject the bad'.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Mahadeb Kar, for your enlightening and very respected comment. I especially like your final words, "Take the good, reject the bad."

    2. celafoe profile image54
      celafoeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Too bad that advice goes against scripture.    Even more sad is that that most who profess Christianity these days do not belive that scriptures are not all that important and accept answers like that.

  14. pramodgokhale profile image40
    pramodgokhaleposted 8 years ago

    I am an Indian Hindu and never believe Yoga is anti religion . many small christian nations banned yoga as they fear it will make them less Christian
    It is a excercise and nothing anti traditions of anybody..

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you pramodgokhale for your comment. Your beliefs are exactly as my beliefs were, but then when I started talking to my friend about yoga, she stirred my interest about whether or not yoga was anti-Christian. I see it is only what we make it.

    2. celafoe profile image54
      celafoeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Pram-  of course you did not it is an actual practice of YOUR RELIGION.

  15. cam8510 profile image92
    cam8510posted 8 years ago

    As a former Evangelical Christian pastor and missionary, I'd like to take a stab at this question. 

    My understanding of one small part of yoga is the drawing of one's attention away from outward, physical stimuli and focusing on one point within the body or mind. 

    This point, in my experience with Christians, has been interpreted by them to mean that the mind is being completely emptied as much as is humanly possible to do so.  Whether this is a correct understanding of yoga or not is irrelevant because it is what many Christians choose to believe.

    The focus of the controversy then is on this "Emptying" of the mind.  The following verse from the New Testament is used specifically in reference to what we are discussing here about yoga. 

    “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.”

    This passage is about demon possession.  After the demon has been cast out of the person, it goes away, then seeks to come back to the person it had possessed.  If this person has not replaced the demon's presence with the presence of God, the demon will repossess the person and bring other demons along as well. 

    Let me clarify all of this with a summary.  According to some Christians, Yoga teaches people to completely empty their minds during the Yoga session.  This emptiness invites demons to possess that person.  Yes, this is teaching that I have heard in past in the Christian circles I moved in.  I do not believe this now, I want to make that clear. 

    I hope this sheds some light on the issue.

    1. cam8510 profile image92
      cam8510posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I just found this link after I posted the above answer:
      http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc … on/276570/
      GOP Candidate: Yoga Opens You to Satanic Possession

    2. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Chris. It sheds a lot of light. It shows me that I have been living in a naive world. What I saw as a stretching exercise turned out to be something deeper than that. Thank you for your insight.

    3. cam8510 profile image92
      cam8510posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Marlene, I have just finished writing an article based on my comments above.  I'm going to go ahead and post it since virtually the same concepts are already here.  It might actually increase your traffic.  I'll mention this thread in my article.

    4. profile image49
      younexposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Chris Mills (cam8510) says

      As a former Evangelical Christian pastor and missionary, I'd like to take a stab at this question.

      My understanding of one small part of yoga is the drawing of one's attention away from outward, physical stimuli and focus

    5. cam8510 profile image92
      cam8510posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Regarding my comments above, it is very enlightening to do a google search using the words "Yoga, demon possession."  45,000 hits.

    6. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I thank everyone for your internet links but I don't rely on the internet for absolute answers. I prefer the bible. But there was no mention of yoga in the bible so I wanted to know what you all thought about yoga. That's all.

  16. Mick Beet profile image68
    Mick Beetposted 8 years ago

    Because the yoga pants are too sexy...lol

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      You're funny, Mick Beet. Great way to lighten up the day.

    2. vink21778 profile image62
      vink21778posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      hah..

  17. Dakk profile image85
    Dakkposted 8 years ago

    Yoga is more then just an exercise. Yoga has a strong element of religious worship tied to it, so it is no wonder other religions would not advise its practice to non adherents of buddhism and hinduism.

    Yoga isn't exactly "anti-christian" in the general sense of the word, but it might be considered so according to catholic and protestant doctrine. The problem is actualy far bigger than just "christian religions not liking yoga", as several hindu and buddhist sects are against the casual (non religious) practice of yoga common to the western world, since it is very much a religious practice for them and its casual usage is considered offensive to some.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Dakk, for your answer. I have never done a yoga class where we did anything other than stretch and breathe. But, after asking the question, I have a new understanding of yoga and why people have such strong feelings toward or against it.

  18. Shyron E Shenko profile image70
    Shyron E Shenkoposted 8 years ago

    I do not do yoga, never thought of yoga as anything but exercise.  Exercise is good for the body, mind and soul.
    My exercise is from the a book that I have used for over 40 years, my religion is totally separate. 
    That is the best answer I can give you other then spend time looking it up on line as Au fait did.
    Blessings and I hope you get the answers that you seek.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Shyron E Shenko. Your opinion is valuable to me. I know I could look it up, but I wanted to know what people's personal opinion was versus what I could find on the internet. Just because it's on the internet doesn't make it true.

  19. thumbi7 profile image63
    thumbi7posted 8 years ago

    Yoga is not merely physical exercise. It is actually a way of living. It was started by ancient sages of India to sharpen their mind for concentration and thereby to achieve salvation.It is a disciplined way of life.
    In today's world, most of the scientific studies done on yoga takes into account mostly its physical and psychological effects
    In either way yoga is not against religion.
    When you concentrate your mind you can concentrate on the deity you believe in
    Yoga has profound positive effects on one's physical and mental health.
    There is nothing called Christian Yoga.
    The system was first collated and written down by Patanjali, an ancient Yogi  in his Yoga Sutras or Aphorisms many years ago.
    The mention of yoga was there in the scripts written before his times.

    1. supremeupbeat k profile image61
      supremeupbeat kposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      yes, you have said rightly.

    2. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I like your answer JR Krishna. It is thorough and unbiased, taking everything into consideration and then leaving it up to the individual to "concentrate on the deity you believe in."

  20. dashingscorpio profile image82
    dashingscorpioposted 8 years ago

    https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/12611231_f260.jpg

    I believe some Christians simply think that anything that encourages one to (look within for answers) or to find ways to relax and control their state of being is an affront to praying to a God outside of us.
    This also goes for meditation, using affirmations and visualization to achieve success. Ironically Luke 17:21  states the following:
    "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, (the kingdom of God is within you)."
    John 10:34
    "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods.."
    Psalm 82:6
    "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High."
    John 14:12
    "....I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do (shall he do also); (and greater works than these shall he do)..."
    Scriptures like these seem to encourage looking within for a connection to God or a higher being as opposed to believing we are disconnected. Yoga and meditation seek inner peace by going (within)  as opposed to praying outside of us for peace.
    Personally speaking I don't see a conflict between yoga or meditation and Christianity. Maybe there's mistrust because yoga didn't originate in the Middle East or Western world.

    1. supremeupbeat k profile image61
      supremeupbeat kposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Your comment is a brilliant lesson.

    2. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I like your answer, dashingscorpio. It is a very heartfelt answer which provides something for us all to think about.

  21. Juliet Christie profile image67
    Juliet Christieposted 8 years ago

    It is said that yoga is opening oneself to be infiltrated by another entity because it entails a type of meditation where one leaves his mind open. Evil spirits and demons look for such opportunity to enter ones body and one may become demon possess.

    1. gmwilliams profile image84
      gmwilliamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Oh my dear......

    2. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Juliet, then I am glad that the yoga classes I have seen do not call for that type of openness. I can see how, if we chant or meditate along with any activity, we are vulnerable.

  22. Anup sardar profile image61
    Anup sardarposted 8 years ago

    I just found this link after I posted the above answer:

  23. vink21778 profile image62
    vink21778posted 8 years ago

    Well Lisa Vollrath, with all due respect I m not agreed to you.
    Yoga has its root on our planet and as far as i know U.S is not out of it.
    Yoga is a Set of exercises which energizes oneself.It helps to attain peace and helps to go deeper and deeper into your mind while meditation.If someone doesn't meditate it helps to control your thoughts and brings one toward his or her inner-self.
    let us not conserve it for one community or two.It cannot belong to just Hindus or Buddhisms and there cannot be Multiple Yogas like Lisa Vollarath said Christian Yoga.Yoga was developed for humans ,do not divide it in religion.Let us all practice it and become better (infinite  times) humans.
    just Breathe in........
    slowly breathe out and see the difference.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Vink, In the yoga classes that I have seen, slowly breathing in and out is the extent of it. There was no meditation and I had not even thought about the spiritual side of it until my friend got all bent out of shape over it. I like your answer.

    2. vink21778 profile image62
      vink21778posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      thanks,I have done a five days course in The Art of living and that time was one of the best times in my life that is why I have respect for
      YOGA.Well ,all i can say YOGA is very pure  and It is for all religion.

  24. profile image52
    KALI PRASADposted 8 years ago

    THE ART OF YOGA HAVE BEEN CREATED IN ANCIENT INDIA.AND NOW IT IS SCATTERED IN ALL OVER THE WORLD.YOGA IS A SPIRITUAL EXCERCISE.WHATEVER OUR RELIGION MAY BE ! IT SHOULD BE PRACTICED BY ALL.SO THERE IS NO QUESTION ARISE TO THINK YOGA AS ANTI CHRISTIAN.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I like your open-mindedness, Kali Prasad. That people should be able to practice whatever their religion is, then it should be OK.

  25. gmwilliams profile image84
    gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

    https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/12347243_f260.jpg

    For SOME Christians.  There are Christians who are so ensconced in their ideology that they view any practice outside the precepts of Judeo-Chrisitianity to be of a darker, even Satanic nature.  There are a few Christians who view yoga as pure idolatry, even paganism.  They strongly contend that yoga opens "the doors" or "portals" to some type of spiritual entity.   They have the misconception that practicing yoga takes them away from God which in their eyes is an unforgiveable sin.

    They really do not understand the precepts of yoga.  Yoga is a meditative and even spiritual practice which brings many closer to God and elevates their consciousness.  These Christians misinterpret the precepts of the Bible, God, and Christianity to mean that anything outside of their Christian ideology is prohibited and a transgression against the 1st Commandment.  They strongly contend that practicing yoga will make them abandon their Christian beliefs and principles.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting answer, Grace. I had not even thought about the idea of "opening the doors" to unwanted elements. For me, it has always been just an exercise program. I never really delved into the deeper aspects. But I am learning more about it here.

  26. Rich kelley profile image60
    Rich kelleyposted 8 years ago

    http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=17900

    Above is some knowledge about yoga that might or not help. Background that puts a different twist on yoga than the western worlds take on things.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for the link, Rich.

  27. profile image54
    peter565posted 8 years ago

    Because some radicals think anybody or anything that isn't the church's bitch, is anti Christians.  In other word, these people who think yoga is anti christian need help.  Serious, psychological help

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Wow peter565, that's putting a lot of people in the same basket. Thank you so much for sharing how you perceive yoga and for "outing" the radical thinkers.

  28. profile image0
    RTalloniposted 8 years ago

    The simple answer is, because it is.  The philosophy of yoga opposes Christianity because it teaches that salvation comes through something apart from Jesus the Christ.  Like many religions, it includes a concept that requires works before salvation. 
    Christianity begins with the Christ and the works that follow are an outflowing of His love, obedience to the Word, humble appreciation for His mercy, a following of His sacrificial example, and more. 
    That said, simple exercises from yoga can be beneficial to physical health in some circumstances.  However, for many of the reasons others commenting here have already mentioned, people should protect themselves from the yoga teachings even if it means that they never learn anything about the simple exercises. 
    Some who are mature and not naive can do those exercises for the physical benefit while others would unwittingly be drawn into the philosophies.  For the naive Christian and those who do not understand Christianity, yoga is a way of life that deceptively opposes Christianity.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      RTalloni, you have given me a very healthy response to this intriguing question. Now, I can see how a person might be deceived, while at the same time, a person who is strong in their beliefs would not get caught up in the spiritual side of yoga.

    2. profile image0
      RTalloniposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It's a serious thing because we are not up against flesh and blood...

  29. Naresh4u profile image61
    Naresh4uposted 8 years ago

    As per me... Yoga is good for health as a human being.... yoga can do all the contries and all the people rich or poor.. male or female any religion can do.. yoga is started from bharat(India and started from hinduisam buddaijam jainaisam...).. that may be the reason.....

    smile

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      After reading people's responses, I think you are right Network Enginer.

  30. profile image48
    Juno Smithposted 8 years ago

    My dear, I have heard every kind of things, I am flexible and calm because I am possessed, I am calling spirits to my body when I chant, etc… I believe it is based on fear and ignorance, as much as stretching mythology to today's practice. Yoga is a sport that can have a spiritual dimension for sure.I believe the fact that a person relies on anything else but God, Holy Spirit, Jesus and co-parishioners for comfort, peace, focus, support scares groups that really want exclusivity in people's inner life. Once, they are the only leaders, support, you will never leave or fall apart and come back. This is the true reason I believe.
    Anytime, fear, push, removal of free will is, we know, it is not GOd, created in his image, we have a whole universe inside connected to him, that they don't need to control for us, not all the time. One you are at peace with yourself, things are clear, relationships are clear, you go to church because you want to, not because you are desperate or dependent!

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Good answer, Juno Smith. Free will is very important. And, like you said, when we are at peace, we do things (like go to church) because we want to and not because we are desperate or dependent.

  31. Gaurav Oberoi profile image69
    Gaurav Oberoiposted 8 years ago

    In order to get to the right answer to this question it is very important to first under stand what Yoga is. It is nothing but a set of techniques to help us to discipline, organize, relax and develop our body and mind and be one with God. The word Yoga itself means 'Union.' Yogic techniques originated and were developed in India in and after the fifth century BCE. IN those times it was not only a practice but a way of life. The Hindu scriptures on Yoga are vast and comprehensive. The reason why Yoga is considered anti-Christian is because  those who do not understand Yoga well enough are of the notion that it teaches us to focus on ourselves and our physical body instead of focussing on one true God. Whereas the truth is that it is considered to be a way of uniting the transitory body with God (Bramhan). The Fifth Niyama of the Ashtanga-Yoga describes exactly how to achieve this union.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      gaurav oberoi, you have added more knowledge to this topic. I had not known that yoga means union. That's interesting to say the least. Thank you for giving a deeper understanding of yoga and why Christians believe it is anti-Christian.

    2. Gaurav Oberoi profile image69
      Gaurav Oberoiposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      The pleasure is all mine. Your question was so interesting I could not keep my hands off the key-board.

    3. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you gaurav oberoi. It certainly has been an enlightening experience. I am now more aware and more sensitive to people's belief systems. Many thanks to people like you, I know so much more about yoga.

  32. days leaper profile image61
    days leaperposted 8 years ago

    Hi..  I read the Christian book/s ot, nt.  I never heard this about Yoga.  Tell me though, where is it's origin.  And is it part of worshipping some deity?  That is the only potential qualm I see which goes back to Solomon, (see Kings 1 & 2 Old Testament), God warned him against worship of other /"false"/"foreign" gods...

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hello days leaper. Same here. I have read the Bible, too and I had not read anything about yoga. That is why, when my friends fussed about yoga, I wanted to know what others felt. I definitely don't want to worship any God except the Almighty one.

  33. Atul Chandran profile image57
    Atul Chandranposted 8 years ago

    People consider yoga anti-Christian because they did not understand about religions. Some people consider yoga related to Hindu religion , as every religion has its own dignity but no religion has its own exercising skills. Yoga has been originated from Hinduism but it may not be associated with the religion at all. So yoga may be for all in this whether he might be Muslim, Christian, Hindu..etc.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I like your answer, Atul Chandran, especially when you say yoga may be for all. Although I only worship one God, He is my God and I should be able to worship Him in the way that I want... even if it is through exercise... if I choose to do that.

  34. profile image0
    Commander Timmyposted 8 years ago

    What do you mean by negative: did she frown, say "oh-no" that's for the hindus, or complain about them stretchy yoga pants?"

    Yoga, is just stretching. Kids naturally do yoga, its fun, safe, and healing.

    Religion shouldn't have anything to do with it, but it is great for prayer and rejuvenation.

    We were created to move and stretch, perhaps if we Christians did more of it, we wouldn't have so many cases of cancer in our church bulletins across america.

    1. MarleneB profile image92
      MarleneBposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Well, my friend first frowned like she couldn't believe what I was saying and of course, she went on to explain how yoga is anti-Christian. I only thought of it as stretching exercises, but her response prompted me to ask others for their opinion.

 
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