Is yoga online a threat to Christianity
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By Steven Taylor posted on on Tue 21st Sep, 2010 08:44 pm 
The ongoing debate concerning whether or not Christians should be practicing yoga is heating up again. In a recent blog post Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says that, “Christians who practice yoga are embracing, or at minimum flirting with, a spiritual practice that threatens to transform their own spiritual lives into a ‘post-Christian, spiritually polyglot’ reality.” According to Mohler, “While most adherents of yoga avoid the more exotic forms of ritualized sex that are associated with tantric yoga, virtually all forms of yoga involve an emphasis on channeling sexual energy throughout the body as a means of spiritual enlightenment.”
Really? How do I get into that class?
Seriously though, many Christians practice yoga, and many Christians believe there is no contradiction in doing so. In fact, most Christians I know who practice yoga use it either strictly as an exercise routine, or as another device to further their connection to their faith.
Strangely, on the other side of the fence, many people in the yoga community complain that the “spiritual” aspect of yoga has been diminished or tossed out completely in “westernized” yoga. So which is it? Is yoga just Jazzersize with trippier music, or is downward facing dog a bow to Satan? Here at the Yoga Learning Center we want to get your opinion. Do yoga and Christianity mix? Leave your comments below.
Namaste! (no offense)
Comments (5)
I am a Christian and i love yoga! I definitely think you can do both. Yoga helps me to keep me to clear my mind and keeps me sane!
Posted by Mandy Bentley on Sat 25th Sep, 2010 08:36 pm
Yoga is no threat to Christianity. My yoga practice makes me a more tolerant, understanding, gracious person. Might I suggest a Yoga Learning Center gift pass for Albert Mohler? He may benefit from some practical experience with yoga.
Posted by Sheila Whitmore on Fri 24th Sep, 2010 12:45 pm
Seriously, what will they come up with next? Yoga allows one to connect with their inner self, drawing them closer to whatever faith they have chosen to live by. Maybe Albert Mohler should take a Yoga class so he can become a better Christian and start spreading peace rather than spreading ridiculous diatribes.
Posted by Kristin Taylor on Thu 23rd Sep, 2010 10:46 am
No it is not a threat. The Bible tells us to treat our bodies like a temple. Yoga is good for the body, mind and spirit.
Posted by Cameron Taylor on Thu 23rd Sep, 2010 07:01 am
It seems that there are the extremist Christians who are blinded by their "faith" and are so fearful of what they do not know. Yoga if anything makes me feel closer to God. I can feel that energy flowing through me during my practice. Yoga makes me a better person. AMEN to that!
Posted by Kelly Martin on Wed 22nd Sep, 2010 03:00 pm
