Yoga

[biblemanryan]

We have been approached by a Christian woman lately, wanting to use our facilities for conducting a yoga class. What do you guys think about it? I know that it has its roots in religion in India, but also know that here in the US it is seen mainly as an exercise routine. I really don't know a ton about it and was curious what others knew or thought.

[one love]

I am like you Brother I do not know much about it. In Virginia Beach it seems to be more of a relaxation exercise thing. I would be careful what to do here but if it would not hurt the building and nothing evil per say was going on, what woul the harm be? I think that is the correct question.
Are they going to pay for the facilities or just borrow them?

Do you all have a church building in franklin now?

[Alan]

I would personally be against it. It was just a few months ago I saw something on TV about yoga and how it is so tied in with Hinduism (at least I think it was Hinduism). One of the guys who they interviewed had been a yoga instructor before he got saved, and said he felt they were so intertwined that it was impossible to separate the "exercise" and the religion.

[biblemanryan]

I am unsure what to do. On one hand I do wonder about part of the yoga stuff, and if it is actually completely intertwined or not. On the other, I see it as an indirect outreach opportunity, by bringing people in that might not normally attend church anywhere.

God bless,
Ryan

[TW]

Although I'm not a big supporter of Wikipedia, because they do not verify the articles posted, this might give you a clue as to what is involved with yoga.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga


TW

[Alan]

I looked up a few articles and you'll probably want to search for a few more before making a decision.

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/129/story_12947_1.html
http://www.probe.org/content/view/967/0/
http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/yoga.htm
http://www.praisemoves.com/ChristianAlternative.htm

The last link there has a very similar story to the one that I saw on TV except this time a woman from New York instead of a man from Florida.

[Full Quiver]

On the other, I see it as an indirect outreach opportunity, by bringing people in that might not normally attend church anywhere.

Using/renting your facilities for yoga classes does not constitute attending church does it?

Yoga is certainly derived from Hinduism and possibly even Buddhism but most in your area probably are not worshiping those gods. The Scriptures tell us to meditate upon the word of God and basically yoga is exercise and meditation. It really depends on what the instructor believes and practices. I would question their intent and beliefs and if you feel unsure then abstain. The last thing you want to do is offend one from your congregation, district, region, or even organization especially if you don't feel good about it.
Merry Christmas!

[oletimer]

1Th 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Makes scents to me.

God Bless

[AndyG]

1Th 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Makes scents to me.

God Bless

Well....

Nah, I'll let one of the others who are better with words deal with this one.

[AndyG]

Frankly, as one who has practiced Yoga, I can tell you it is just like anything else. If it is taken to an extreme, it is bad. But then, so is almost everything else, like eating or posting on forums.

I had/have no issue with Yoga, but the ultimate decision is your's and your congregation's

[paul]

1Th 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Makes scents to me.

God Bless

Well....

Nah, I'll let one of the others who are better with words deal with this one.

So, how does yoga appear ? Lustful, prideful, sinful, sweaty, ?

[Pastor Gary]

1Th 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Makes scents to me.

God Bless

Well....

Nah, I'll let one of the others who are better with words deal with this one.

So, how does yoga appear ? Lustful, prideful, sinful, sweaty, ?

Twisty? Stretchy? Achey?

[pastorables]

I am not a big fan of Yoga and I find it interesting how many times I have seen examples of the classic "meditation" techniques crop up in advertisements and movies.

Having said this, wouldn't another example be Karate? Karate, in the strictest form, is connected to religion and practices that wouldn't be recommended for the Christian. Upon approaching our local Karate instructor about possible classes for my son, he responded that he was a Christian. He further assured me that he taught Karate strictly as a sport and did not include any of the accompanying religious aspects.

pa

[dolfan]

Two words: Jamie Hooper

Nth degree black belt (I'm thinking like 8 or 9, not sure now), lives here near Moulton, AL, is a pastor of a very charismatic church in Madison, AL. You might tell him you think karate/martial arts/Eastern blends of philosophy and physicality are antichristian. You might want to make that comment in a long distance phone call!!

[Alan]

Having said this, wouldn't another example be Karate? Karate, in the strictest form, is connected to religion and practices that wouldn't be recommended for the Christian.

While I'm not doubting this, I would like to see references, if you have any available. I always heard that most martial arts were developed as a form of defensive fighting, and had never heard any religious aspects from anything other than Kung Fu.