Yoga opinions #1

Joe
to me

show details 2/4/05

Hi there,

Thanks for a very interesting and good question! I,
personally, know almost nothing about yoga directly.
I have heard in Christian circles that it is dangerous
because it mixes in “Eastern religions” (whatever that
means!). I think the people who say that probably
don’t know much about yoga either – they just pass on
what they hear.

Anyway, I’ll put yoga on the list of things to post
about, and when I have time, I will do some proper
research into it and give a balanced post (I hope)!

Thanks for your e-mail, and have a good day!

Joe

michael
to me

show details 2/4/05

Hi – I’d have to plead ignorance, although I am suspicious of Yoga, just
like I am of horoscopes and other things that appear to replace God as a source for supernatural healing and direction.

reindl
to me

show details 2/5/05

Hello,

I’ve tried as best I can to answer your questions, and I just included my responses within your framework. The truth is, I’ve never really thought about yoga, so I don’t have much of an opinion about it. Take care brother.

Tom

Martin
to me

show details 2/5/05

Hi,

I’m sorry, but I don’t really have too many thoughts on yoga. I feel
that with any of these Eastern disciplines, Christians need to take care
not to get too deeply into the spiritual side. But I imagine that it is
possible to do yoga exercises without the spiritual component.

Martin Roth

Dory
to me

show details 2/4/05

I am sorry, but I know nothing about yoga. I do understand that some
Christians object to it because of its ties to mystic religion. However
others enjoy the exercises and practice them without the meditation. I do
not have any experience with yoga, and so I have not formed an opinion of my
own. I am sorry I cannot be more helpful.

God bless you,
Dory

Brad
to me

show details 2/4/05
I certainly think there is nothing wrong with relaxation and paying attention to your body. BUT yoga mixes mystical and speculative philosophies which directly contradict the Christian worldview. For example, how do we attain “peace of mind”. The biblical idea of peace or shalom is found in knowing God and imitating God’s moral attributes namely love. It is often that peace would be taught through yoge by clearing the mind of desire or other Buddhist ideas. I think to the extent that Buddhism is mixed with yoga or other speculative ideas about the path to enlightenmment or peace to that extent I would stay clear of yoga. So the problem is not “being aware of one’s body” but Buddhism.
brad