Can a Christian practice the movements of Yoga, without the beliefs, and still be obedient to God?

Question

I'd like to hear from saved Christian's who agree and disagree on this issue. Please comment, and explain why you feel Christians can or can not practice these movements based on "scripture", and not opinion?

I understand why the chants and beliefs from Eastern religions should not be embraced and incorporated with the movements, but if one uses scripture and the Bible as foundation, is this still inappropriate for a Christian?

What other exercises can be used instead of Yoga to promote relaxation, deep stretching, and similar physical/mental benefits if yoga is not for chiristians?

Since the Lord made our bodies to stretch, and our lungs to breathe deeply which causes relaxation, I'm sure there must be some way we can obtain the benefits of both through movement.

Again - My question is not about mixing the philosophy of Yoga with Christianity. It is about practicing the "movements" of Yoga as a Christian. Also, I'm still praying on this issue for answers, as I'm still unclear on this question myself.

Some christians have even re-named various movements. Movements are not limited or created by any religion, they are simply the act of moving the body God has given us, this is why I'm confused on this.

Answer 1

Since you are asking, you must KNOW that Yoga is the first step exercise into Eastern Mysticism.

What you are asking is "How far can I go into it before it becomes idolatry and the worship of other gods?"

The latest movement in the church is "The Emerging Church Movement." Popularized by Rick Warren and his book "A PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE" many churches are embracing meditation and Yoga exercises whole heartedly.

Answer 2

I'm a little confused as to why you say that the beliefs would be inappropriate for a Christian. I am a Christian, I love God and my savior and I pray regularly and have attended church all my life, but my lifestyle choice is yoga. I follow the philosophy of the eigthfold path of classical ashtanga yoga, written by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras about 2,000 years ago (though yoga has been in existence for about 5,000 years, this was one of the first seminal philosophic texts on yoga). I also believe that the syllable 'om' is the symbolic voice of God and the sound of the reverberation of life and all things in creation.

I see no reason why it should be inappropriate to practice the lifestyle approach to yoga, like I do, or even just the postures. You have to remember yoga is a philosophy, not a religion. For me, Christianity is my religion, and yoga is my philosophy of life - that is also a medium for my spirituality. I often pray while in corpse pose/Savasana (the final resting pose). Meditation is also a good time for prayer.

If you want to just do the poses, that's fine. There's no philosophical connotation if you don't want there to be one. Just enjoy the poses and what they do for your health.

I read somewhere that Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras 200 years after the life of Jesus. Sometimes I like to think that if Jesus had known about yoga, he would have done it. But, that's just a thought.

I hope you continue to practice yoga, if only for the physical applications. Once again, there's nothing wrong with being a Christian and practicing yoga.

Answer 3

I am a Christian, and I don't see how it is a problem, so long as you don't do the chants and meditation parts of it. My cousin is a Penticostal holiness pastors daughter and she is taking yoga classes. Sometimes if you're lucky, you can find a good yoga class that doesn't focus on the mystical end of it. As you said, if it's just the stretching and breathing deep, there should not be a problem with it. Just don't do that "push every single thought out of your mind" mumbo jumbo, I had to do that in class once (I know I shouldn't have) and that's kind of creepy. Pilates has a lot of the same ideas without any religion tied to it, but it is a little more hard-core than yoga, you might look into that.

Answer 4

I don't see how it could be wrong for a Christian to practice yoga stretches. They are simply body movements to promote physical and mental relaxation. I see no reason that a Christian couldn't meditate on scripture or pray while doing yoga. I know many Christians who use these types of exercises regularly. Our lives are so stressful that without some kind of quiet reflection we can become irritable. Taking time out to relax would make it easier to concentrate on listening to God and treating other people with the love and compassion our Lord would want us to.

Answer 5

This really is a hot topic among Christians. I don't really understand why.

To practice yoga would really be no different that visiting another denomination during a prayer service would it?

You're not going to be infected by another denomination. Or something along that line.

I guess because I enjoy being ecumenical so much it's different for me. I have no fear of other faiths. I'm sound in my formation (faith teachings). I understand my faith.

But some get very upset. They even deny that "choga" (Christian Yoga) or the ever popular "praise moves" should be used.

Jesus himself went in among those of other denominations. His disciples were shocked that he would speak to a Samaritan woman. Or give healing to gentiles.

It's the same with meditation. Many Christians view meditation as an "eastern philosophy" only. But that isn't so. Meditation is simply contemplative prayer. Turning to God to listen. Not to speak.

We just need to stop being so fearful.

Answer 6

I am Christian, and I incorporate many yogic asanas into my daily exercise regimen.

However, I must admit that this could be treading on dangerous ground.

My logic is this:

The statue of St. Peter in St. Peter's Basilica actually used to be the statue of Jupiter in the Pantheon... it was just moved and given a different name. The hand gesture that St. Peter/Jupiter is making (thumb, index, and middle fingers pointing up, and ring and pinky pointing down) is actually an occult blessing. This hand gesture is now found in a lot of Catholic artwork, including pictures of Mary and Jesus.

So, this being the case, do you think that God is pleased with the fact that thousands of Catholics are passing through every year kissing the foot of Jupiter?

(I don't believe people should kiss the foot of statues at all, but this example just serves the purpose of an analogy...)

I suppose one has to search themselves and the Bible to find the answer... I think I'm going to make a few changes...

Answer 7

Well, I don't see why you can't do the exercise and praise and concentrate on the Lord, but others say the yoga exercises are done to achieve an altered state of consciousness and in turn union with the Hindu Supreme Spirit or Universal soul, so you have to make the call.

Answer 8

If the bible says you can't do yoga, Um, that's just sad. Why? Besides yoga isn't a religion and chants promote meditation and relaxation. There's no reason why you can't meditate on god if that what you want to do.

Answer 9

The choice of what physical exercise to pursue is a personal one. Christians, however, would not allow anything—be it bodily training, eating, drinking, clothing, entertainment, or something else—to mar their relationship with Jehovah God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) For those exercising simply for the sake of their health, there are many avenues available that do not involve exposure to the dangers of spiritism and occultism. By keeping clear of practices and beliefs that are rooted in false religion, we may look forward to God’s blessing of a righteous new system of things in which we can enjoy perfect health in body and mind for an eternity.—2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:3, 4.

Answer 10

I am a Christian and actually there is a degree to which I agree with you. You are able to live a rich, rewarding, loving , happy life without Jesus. Jesus in your heart does complicate things and causes every action to be reconsidered. This is actually very draining sometimes. But I will tell you it is worth it because even though there are times without the wonderful, the rewarding , and the richness, the peace in my heart is what gets me through. So if you are at the bottom of the barell without the peace that is when it concerns me. To each his own and truly if you are living right and are a kind loving person why do you think you are being judged by Christians. It's not the business we are suppose to be in! If you are being judged they are wrong! I am not ticked off that you don't believe in "the sky fairy", I am not ticked off at all! I love you regardless! Michele