Christians should view yoga with careful discernment because its roots and practices are antithetical to the Christian faith. At the same time, yoga poses or stretches are not inherently sinful in and of themselves; a Christian needs wisdom and discernment regarding yoga.
Yoga's Hindu roots and pantheistic goals conflict with Christian beliefs, requiring careful evaluation of its practice.
While yoga poses can offer physical benefits, it is important to recognize that they were first connected with a spiritual philosophy that contradicts biblical teachings. Any performing of yoga poses and movements for physical health should be disconnected from these unbiblical foundations.
Christians must ensure their exercise routines, including yoga, glorify God and align with biblical truths and values.
How do your personal beliefs about yoga align or conflict with your understanding of Christian teachings?
How can you incorporate physical exercise into your routine in ways that reflect your faith, values, and desire to honor God with your body?
What boundaries and convictions do the Bible encourage you to have regarding unbiblical or ungodly practices?
What most people practice is called "Hatha yoga" and is the aspect of yoga that focuses on the physical body. Through postures, breathing and meditation, one seeks relaxation and "centeredness" along with a general strengthening and flexibility of the muscles. Many people in the West treat yoga as nothing more than a workout routine. Still, its roots are Hindu. In what ways can we engage with those who practice yoga to learn about their view of it and their understanding of its spiritual roots and impact? How can we engage with others about yoga’s Hindu roots and its popular use while maintaining our biblical values?
How can we discern whether our fitness practices are honoring God or inadvertently leading us away from Him?
What biblical references can we use to guide our choices in fitness routines and practices, including yoga?
Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice in which the participant seeks to unite him or herself with the "infinite Brahman" which is the Hindu God-concept. Unlike Christianity, the Hindu god is like a spiritual life force that is said to exist in all things—in the universe and in nature. The Hindu belief is that everything is god, including the person practicing yoga. By focusing inward, yoga encourages a person to meditate on that connection between god and the self, seeing that there is truly no distinction between the two. The ultimate goal of yoga is pantheistic—becoming one with nature. Yoga's origins are in a spirituality that is antithetical to Christianity, teaching people to search for healing and well-being and peace within themselves. This is ultimately futile—the only source of lasting peace and joy is a connection to the true God, the Creator (Galatians 5:22–23).
Some Christians find that they can separate the physical breathing exercises, stretching, and postures from the spiritual worldview that accompanies them. As such, a person can stretch and focus on God and on whatever is peaceful—as we are encouraged to do (Philippians 4:8). Yet if a believer finds him or herself drawn to the philosophy behind yoga, or is uncertain about it, it would be wise to avoid the practice. Satan often tempts us away from God through seemingly innocent means (2 Corinthians 11:14). Everything we do should be to God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Many who seek the physical benefits touted by yoga have found Pilates to be a useful alternative exercise program.
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