can a christian practice yoga?

Answer 1

Sure. Yoga in America is pretty much only physical exercise. There are some techniques used to relax the mind and gain focus but they certainly don't invoke Hindu gods. Yoga may have been part of a religion at another time, maybe it still is in other parts of the world. But here in the good ole USA its just exercise, especially if you join a yoga class at the YMCA. Remember the Y was founded on Christian principles and they teach yoga! It is low-impact exercise which is great.

Answer 2

There's nothing about the spiritual practice of yoga that could not be directly applied to your Christian beliefs. In fact, Christian yoga classes are popping up all over.

Don't be afraid of Hindu chant - they're not magical spells, they're 'prayers' in another language. If you bother to find out the translations into English of much of what is chanted in a yoga class, I think you'll find that you probably say words very similar in your church.

Often in a class, one of the first thing the instructor asks you to do is to dedicate your practice for the day to something - to yourself, to world peace, to a situation you're dealing with. It could be anything - it's meant only to create mindfulness while you practice, so that you aren't simply going through the motions. You could dedicate your practice to your relationship with God. You could use the moments of meditation in class to pray.

Yoga classes usually end with saying the word Namaste, which means, roughly translated, "the divine in me honors the divine in you." Not all that different from offering one another the sign of peace, something I recall from church when I was growing up.

Please don't mistake yoga for something new-agey and nutty. It's every bit as ancient as Christianity.

Answer 3

Of course. That's like asking if a pagan can pray or attend worship services.

To the person who says it's not a religion: it has only been extolled as a non-religious endeavor in the last few decades by people who want fitness without the heavier, more spirtual aspects of it. Patanjali (2500 years ago) didn't think of it as anything but a spiritual quest. The asanas were simply a way to still the mind.

Answer 4

By practicing yoga, you are participating in an eastern mystical religious practice.

Even their own literature agrees with this. In the attached link, they even talk about a serpent, and higher consciousness. These are demonic manifestations, and you would be inviting them in your life.

Why would a Christian even consider this? There are those who say that you can separate the exercise component from the mystical, but that is another lie of the enemy.

Flee from this, before you become a victim of the lie. If Satan cannot have your soul, he will have your walk if you let him. And eastern meditation is one sure fire way to do that.

Of course, I would expect to get heat from others about this, since they like it. But this agrees with Paul's admonition to Timothy: "For the time will come when people will not put up with healthy doctrine but with itching ears will surround themselves with teachers who cater to their own needs. They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn to myths." (II Timothy 4:3-4)

Answer 5

That would depend on how limber the specific Christian is..

Whether a Christian MAY practice yoga is the question you're probably trying to ask.

Answer 6

Of course a Christian can practice Yoga! Anyone can practice yoga. Its a fulfilling and for some a spiritual way to connect inwards and outwards as well as an excellent form of stress relief and exercise.

I think some people may be worried that they will be forced to do things that are contrary to their beliefs, i.e. chanting etc.. A good Yoga class or facility will allow you to do what is comfortable for you and support your choices. If you are concerned about what to expect, again, a good Yoga facility will be happy to answer any questions to help you with your comfort level before participating.

Answer 7

Of course a Christian can practice yoga. Its not really a religion, although some huge yoga fanatics make it into one. Its more of an exercise for your body. And believe it or not, when your body is in optimal shape, your mind does become clearer too. Thats what yoga does. Brings your body into shape and clearing your mind. Besides... I am not a Christian anymore. I have discovered too many lies and cover ups within Christian religions to trust the Bible in its FULL context anyway. Churches have re- edited words, and taken things out for more control over its followers.

Answer 8

Not without some inner conflict or criticisms from others who feel it to be wrong. If you can feel good about doing yoga and also doing church, then do it. For myself, I would not be surprised if Jesus was a Yogi. Ask Jesus. Maybe Jesus wants you to do yoga, thus everyone who criticizes is speaking for Satan. Or maybe the critics are fat butts who are jealous. What sort of cult have you gotten yourself into where you can't even choose to do yoga, anyway? If you want to do yoga, and your peers don't like it, find new peers. Maybe a more modern church whose members aren't living in medieval times.

Answer 9

Depends on how you practice it

Yogic tantras actually make you invoke hindu gods or something of the sort so Id be careful about that if I were you.

but if youre not humming no weird mambo shambo then am pretty sure you can practice the physical exercises in yoga....I hear theyre very useful.

Answer 10

You can do breathin excersises, stretch and excersise without having to meditate or yoga.

Breathing excersisses are free and healthy and yoga has nothing to do with it.

Anyway, instead of meditating, pray to god and that is like meditating but better.