Yoga and religion, fellow Christians advise please.
ohthatbambi
Posts: 1,098 Member
A little background info for you. Okay, I am a Christian and I attend a Southern Baptist Church. I tried my first yoga class at a true yoga studio and it freaked me out little bit. I went into knowing the lady was really into her yoga thing and that when she started any chanting etc that I would not participate. When we finished and she was really into the chanting, I silently prayed to my God..not whoever or whatever she was praying or chanting to. I loved the stretching aspect of it but didn't really understand or like the other.
So a few months ago I changed to a new gym and the yoga instructor there is way different. She is all about the stretching and does none of that other stuff. So I feel really good about it and love it. It really is more of a stretching class than a yoga class.
Today I was telling a girl from my church she should come to yoga with me and she was like "ABSOLUTELY NOT" and then preceded to condemn it b/c it is like praying to an idol or something. I explained to her that this class was not at all like that and she said that under no circumstances would she ever attend b/c the poses were intended to be prayers to other "gods". She made me feel really bad like I had been worshipping Satan or something. I go to exercise and only to exercise. If the poses were originally some sort of idol worship pose..I know nothing about it or what the poses mean.
I guess, what I am asking is are there other Christians out there that view this the same way? I am very strong in my faith and I do understand that different people have different convictions and that convictions do not allow or not allow us into heaven. So do I keep going to the class or am I breaking a commandment???
I ask b/c I am curious as to what other Christians think about this so don't be afraid to answer.
So a few months ago I changed to a new gym and the yoga instructor there is way different. She is all about the stretching and does none of that other stuff. So I feel really good about it and love it. It really is more of a stretching class than a yoga class.
Today I was telling a girl from my church she should come to yoga with me and she was like "ABSOLUTELY NOT" and then preceded to condemn it b/c it is like praying to an idol or something. I explained to her that this class was not at all like that and she said that under no circumstances would she ever attend b/c the poses were intended to be prayers to other "gods". She made me feel really bad like I had been worshipping Satan or something. I go to exercise and only to exercise. If the poses were originally some sort of idol worship pose..I know nothing about it or what the poses mean.
I guess, what I am asking is are there other Christians out there that view this the same way? I am very strong in my faith and I do understand that different people have different convictions and that convictions do not allow or not allow us into heaven. So do I keep going to the class or am I breaking a commandment???
I ask b/c I am curious as to what other Christians think about this so don't be afraid to answer.
0
Replies
-
A little background info for you. Okay, I am a Christian and I attend a Southern Baptist Church. I tried my first yoga class at a true yoga studio and it freaked me out little bit. I went into knowing the lady was really into her yoga thing and that when she started any chanting etc that I would not participate. When we finished and she was really into the chanting, I silently prayed to my God..not whoever or whatever she was praying or chanting to. I loved the stretching aspect of it but didn't really understand or like the other.
So a few months ago I changed to a new gym and the yoga instructor there is way different. She is all about the stretching and does none of that other stuff. So I feel really good about it and love it. It really is more of a stretching class than a yoga class.
Today I was telling a girl from my church she should come to yoga with me and she was like "ABSOLUTELY NOT" and then preceded to condemn it b/c it is like praying to an idol or something. I explained to her that this class was not at all like that and she said that under no circumstances would she ever attend b/c the poses were intended to be prayers to other "gods". She made me feel really bad like I had been worshipping Satan or something. I go to exercise and only to exercise. If the poses were originally some sort of idol worship pose..I know nothing about it or what the poses mean.
I guess, what I am asking is are there other Christians out there that view this the same way? I am very strong in my faith and I do understand that different people have different convictions and that convictions do not allow or not allow us into heaven. So do I keep going to the class or am I breaking a commandment???
I ask b/c I am curious as to what other Christians think about this so don't be afraid to answer.0 -
ohm and chants in the yoga aspect have no religious bearing, it is used as a way to relax and calm the nerve and nervous system, think of it as an internal massge, the hums and ohms make suttle vibrations that resonate. When i find the link ill post it up, but there was (several) studies that indicated some major benifits to this practice, included internal ease and peace of mind and clarity of thought.0
-
I love yoga and I'm a Christian. I always thought it was crazy and some form of weird worship of something but then I tried it. Keep in mind that I don't go to a gym or class. I have this natural channel on my Dish Network and there's a yoga show. 1 hour every day this guy teaches a class yoga and it's taped as a show. He doesn't do any chants and he only talks about the body and stretching it and how to be healthy and balanced. Every once in a while he'll say something that's a little out of my zone but I just ignore it. I really believe that if you take it as stretching and keeping your body healthy and nothing else then there's nothing wrong with it. I'm sure there are ways to take it further and go deep into that other stuff. But that's not what you're taking it for. You're doing it to stay healthy and I really believe that is a way of honoring God. So I'd keep it up :happy:
Kels 0 -
Okay, the first class would have freaked me out as well. But the second class sounds okay to me. If the poses were to worship idols at one time, so be it. Many of our hymn tunes used to be bawdy pub songs, they just changed the words. It's not like the instructor is telling you what each pose means in Eastern religion and that to find true fulfillment, you have to practice Eastern religious stuff. There's probably not a gold statue sitting in front of the class either. Stretching is stretching. If you feel comfortable, then keep going. If your friend doesn't, I wouldn't push it. But I don't believe you are worshipping Satan or breaking any commandments. Your faith and belief in God is expressed in everything you do. Eating right, exercising, stretching, personal growth, reading the scriptures, etc. Keep Him first and you won't go wrong.
IMHO, and I'm a fairly conservative Mennonite (and no, I don't drive a horse and buggy! :laugh: :laugh: )0 -
If it feels good - do it! Keep your faith through the way you live life, family, friend and your church.
If you have further hesitation, talk to your minister/priest..
Good luck!
Patricia0 -
First let me mention that I am NOT in anyway a devoted Christian. I was brought up with Christian beliefs and attened church in high school, but I am not strong in the faith. But I wanted to throw in my opinion, just because.
I have a question for you. If saying the word "Hi" in some other culture a long time ago was some prayer to some other God and you JUST now found that out... Would you stop saying "Hi"? Personally, I believe that it's what is in your heart that REALLY matters. If, in your heart, when you're doing yoga, you're doing because it give you a great stretch in a peaceful environment so that you can focus on your body for an hour a day... I don't believe that constitues praying to some God that you don't believe in.
I'm definitely not the type of people who's going to tell other people what to believe.. I'm just trying to put my opinion in... Yoga is great for you body.. if that's the reason you're going.. then that's the reason you're going. If you're going to pray to the Gods (or whatever) like that lady at the "real" yoga studio, then that's what you're going there to do. It's all up to you, sweetheart.
I would think it's pretty hard to accidently pray to something, especially when you don't even know what it is.
Personally, I hope you stick with the class at your gym. It sounds like you enjoy that class and are comfortable there.
Good luck!0 -
First let me mention that I am NOT in anyway a devoted Christian. I was brought up with Christian beliefs and attened church in high school, but I am not strong in the faith. But I wanted to throw in my opinion, just because.
I have a question for you. If saying the word "Hi" in some other culture a long time ago was some prayer to some other God and you JUST now found that out... Would you stop saying "Hi"? Personally, I believe that it's what is in your heart that REALLY matters. If, in your heart, when you're doing yoga, you're doing because it give you a great stretch in a peaceful environment so that you can focus on your body for an hour a day... I don't believe that constitues praying to some God that you don't believe in.
I'm definitely not the type of people who's going to tell other people what to believe.. I'm just trying to put my opinion in... Yoga is great for you body.. if that's the reason you're going.. then that's the reason you're going. If you're going to pray to the Gods (or whatever) like that lady at the "real" yoga studio, then that's what you're going there to do. It's all up to you, sweetheart.
I would think it's pretty hard to accidently pray to something, especially when you don't even know what it is.
Personally, I hope you stick with the class at your gym. It sounds like you enjoy that class and are comfortable there.
Good luck!
Very well said. It's difficult to worship something when you don't know what it is. You're not breaking first or second commandment since you're not worshiping any other god or worshiping false idols.0 -
I don't know anything about Yoga, but if I felt I was not sure and uncomfortable with it I would go to an exercise class that's not labeled Yoga. I truly do not believe you are breaking any commandments or follow some kind of cult. Not in the second class anyway. The first one would of made me uncomfortable as well. I watched on tv one time about 12 people that stood on the shore of the ocean when it was dawn, and they moved together in these stretching positions at the same time and held them and change again, and I was amazed with it. They seemed to have their minds blocking out the world, which is hard to do. And something Jesus tells us to do is to not look of the things in this world but to keep our eyes on the Lord. So I would say pray about it and as you know you will be guided to do the right thing. While your doing your stretching keep the peace of God in your heart. :flowerforyou: I wouldn't mention it any more to your friend, I think she meant well but as long as there is not chanting or worshiping idols, I can't see the harm. If I could possibly get into those positions I think I might try it.:happy:0
-
Thanks everyone. I feel like all of you feel. The girl I had this conversation with today made me feel horrible for going to a yoga class. I respect her reasons for not doing it but she just really condemned it and kept on and on about it. All the while, knowing it is something I do twice a week. She just made me feel really really bad about it and I guess I just needed to hear that I was in fact not some commandment breaking Christian that was going straight to hell in a handbasket b/c I went to a few yoga classes a week.
When I don't agree with someone else's convictions or lack of, I don't berate them. I just felt like that is what she did to me today. So I will continue to go to my yoga class with my head held high b/c I am not going to it to be "enlightened" but to stretch and make my body feel good!!
Thanks again.
And for any of you out there that have a different opinion than what has all ready been stated, I totally respect your right to your opinion, as I do this person I had this conversation with today. I just wish she had used a little more tact and not made me feel so bad.0 -
Hmmmm....
I actually started my first Yoga class last night... I didn't detect any religious undertones. The focus is your own mind, breathing & the body movements (unless I'm missing something?)
Perhaps your friend is being a little quick to pass judgement. If she has never taken a class, her opinion isn't based on anything or she's being influenced by the opinions of others.
You have taken the classes - do you feel like it is a bad thing? When it comes to good & bad, you're gut instinct usually tells you what to do.0 -
I actually spoke to my pastor's wife about this and she is of the same opinion as I am.
If you're doing it as a religion- chanting, praying to another God, than it is NOT okay (as a Christian)
But if youre doing the stretches and the exercise- it has no religious feel to it.
There IS a good yoga DVD called, "Yoga with God in mind" (can't remember who it is by) but the book club I belong to sells it for $15..I think that might be worth checking in to. =o)
edit// Just want to also mention that things like "fluffing your aura" and all that (that some yoga stuff does!) is not something I'd want to mix with...that's the new age 'energy stuff' that most Christians are very wary of.
When I was doing the yoga/booty/ballet DVD they had some sort of thing like that and I just didn't particiate in that part because my gut tells ME that it is wrong..and not something I should be doing.
Also, be careful of *totally clearing your mind*....meditation on the word of God, is good..but when you clear your mind you open yourself up to so many bad things...0 -
http://yoga.about.com/od/beginningyoga/a/whatisyoga.htm
The word yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated. We can think of the union occurring between the mind, body and spirit.
What is commonly referred to as "yoga" can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word asana, which refers to the practice of physical postures or poses.
Asana is only one of the eight "limbs" of yoga, the majority of which are more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical activity. In the West, however, the words asana and yoga are often used interchangeably.
http://yoga.about.com/od/theyogasutras/p/eightlimbs.htm
What are the Eight Limbs of Yoga?: According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the ancient texts that is the basis for the philosophy behind yoga, there are eight “limbs” (Ashtanga in Sanskrit) of yoga. Each limb relates to an aspect of achieving a healthy and fulfilling life, and each builds upon the one before it. You may be surprised to hear that only one of the limbs involves the performance of yoga postures. Here is a description of the eight limbs.
1. Yama: Five ethical guidelines regarding moral behavior towards others:
Ahimsa: Nonviolence
Satya: Truthfulness
Asteya: Nonstealing
Brahmacharya: Nonlust
Aparigraha: Noncovetesness
2. Niyama: Five ethical guidelines regarding moral behavior towards oneself:
Saucha: Cleanliness
Santosa: Contentment
Tapas: Sustained practice
Svadhyaya: Self study
Isvara pranidhana: Surrender to God
3. Asana: Practice of yoga postures.
4. Pranayama: Practice of breathing exercises.
5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses, meaning that the exterior world is not a distraction from the interior world within oneself.
6. Dharana: Concentration, meaning the ability to focus on something uninterrupted by external or internal distractions.
7. Dhyana: Meditation. Building upon Dharana, the concentration is no longer focused on a single thing but is all encompassing.
8. Samadhi: Bliss. Building upon Dhyana, the transcendence of the self through meditation. The merging of the self with the universe. Sometimes translated as enlightenment.
Yoga Philosophy
The Bhagavad Gita is part of the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic poem. In the Gita, Arjuna, a great warrior, is faced with a difficult decision: whether or not to fight in a battle between his kinsmen. He is torn between his duty to fight alongside his brothers for a just cause, and his reluctance when he sees those he must fight against include his other relatives and mentors. Krishna takes the place of Arjuna's charioteer and offers Arjuna advice on how to deal with the situation. Included in this allegory are lessons on how to lead a moral life, which form the foundations of the spiritual practice of yoga.
Although we say that the Bhagavad Gita in an ancient yoga text, it has very little to do with the physical practice of yoga (asana). The Gita follows Arjuna's quest for spiritual guidance, and Krishna's answers to his questions on how to realize his inner spirituality and take responsibility for his life and role in the world
Krishna counsels Arjuna to practice:
karma yoga, the yoga of service
jnana yoga, the yoga of knowledge, particularly self-knowledge, and
bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion.
The Bhagavad Gita can be taken as a sacred text, an historical document or a philosophical musing, depending on the perspective you bring to it. Although not essential to the practice of asana, the Gita is a wonderful companion, and the best place to start an exploration of the history and philosophy of yoga
According to the Gita
The Bhagavad-Gita, the greatest and holiest of Hindu sc riptures, emphasizes the importance of 'Bhakti' or loving devotion to God. Bhakti, says the Gita, is the only way to realize God.
Arjuna's Question
In Chapter 2, Shlok (Verse) 7, Arjuna asks, "My soul is oppressed by a sense of frustration. My mind is unable to determine what is right. I am requesting you to tell me definitely what is for my good. I am your pupil. Teach me. I have surrendered myself to you."
Krishna's Answer
But, Lord Krishna does not answer Arjuna's request until Chapter 18, Shloks (verses) 65-66 where He says, "Let your mind be constantly directed towards me; be devoted to me; dedicate all your actions to me; prostrate yourself before me; over and above the claims of all Dharmas (duties) is complete surrender to me and me alone".
However, Lord Krishna does partially answer Arjuna in Chapter 11, Shloks (verses) 53-55 after exhibiting His cosmic form, "It is not possible to see me as you have done through the study of the Vedas or by austerities or gifts or by sacrifice; it is only by one-pointed devotion (Bhakti) to me and me alone that you thus see and know me as I am in reality and ultimately reach me. It is he alone who dedicates all his notions and actions to me with a knowledge of my superiority, my devotee with no attachment and who has no enmity to any living being that can reach me". Bhakti therefore, is the only way to the true knowledge of God and the surest way to reach Him.
Bhakti: Unwavering Devotion & Love for God
Bhakti, according to the Gita, is the love for God and love reinforced by a true knowledge of the glory of God. It surpasses the love for all things worldly. This love is constant and is centered in God and God alone, and cannot be shaken under any circumstances whether in prosperity or in adversity.
Bhakti is Strictly Not for Non-believers
It is not for everyone. All human beings fall into two categories, the devotees (Bhaktas) and the non-devotees (Abhaktas). Lord Krishna says specifically that the Gita is not for the 'Abhaktas'.
In Chapter 18, Shlok 67 Krishna says, "This (Gita) is not to be communicated to one who is not disciplined, or who is not a devotee, or who has not served the learned or to one who hates me". He also says in Chapter 7, Shloks 15 and 16: "The lowest among men, those of wicked deeds, and the foolish ones, do not resort to me; for their mind is overcome by Maya (illusion) and their nature is 'Asuri' (demonic), inclined to worldly pleasures. Four kinds of people of good deeds turn to me-those who are in distress, or who search for knowledge, or who desire worldly goods, or the truly wise". The Lord further elaborates in the 28th Shlok of the same chapter "It is only those of good deeds whose sins are ended, and who are freed from the spell of opposites that run to me with firm determination".
Who is an Ideal Devotee?
Even those with Bhakti must have certain qualities to gain the grace of God. This is explained in detail in Chapter 12, Shloks (verses) 13-20 of the Gita. The ideal devotee (Bhakta) should…
not hate any living being
cultivate friendship and compassion
give up the feeling of "I and Mine"
be unmoved by happiness or misery
be forgiving
strive for self-control
always be content with what he/she has
have a strong determination
surrender his/her mind and intellect to God.
not be afraid of anyone; and none in the world should fear him/her
desire nothing
be pure and efficient
be free from elation, anger, fear and turbulence of mind
be indifferent to what befalls him/her
be free from weakness of mind
free from the feeling that he/she is an independent agent
have no feeling of elation and enmity or desire
develop an attitude of mind which rejects good as well as bad things
have no attachments and should accept pain and pleasure, honor and disgrace, heat and cold equally as his/her portion
look upon friends and foes alike
not indulge in idle talk
not attached to any fixed abode
be steadfast in mind.
It is such a 'Bhakta' that is dear to Sri Krishna. And most important of all, those Bhaktas are most dear to God who love him with full faith in his supremacy.
http://yoga.about.com/od/theyogasutras/p/eightlimbs.htm0 -
I actually spoke to my pastor's wife about this and she is of the same opinion as I am.
If you're doing it as a religion- chanting, praying to another God, than it is NOT okay (as a Christian)
But if youre doing the stretches and the exercise- it has no religious feel to it.
There IS a good yoga DVD called, "Yoga with God in mind" (can't remember who it is by) but the book club I belong to sells it for $15..I think that might be worth checking in to. =o)
edit// Just want to also mention that things like "fluffing your aura" and all that (that some yoga stuff does!) is not something I'd want to mix with...that's the new age 'energy stuff' that most Christians are very wary of.
When I was doing the yoga/booty/ballet DVD they had some sort of thing like that and I just didn't particiate in that part because my gut tells ME that it is wrong..and not something I should be doing.
Also, be careful of *totally clearing your mind*....meditation on the word of God, is good..but when you clear your mind you open yourself up to so many bad things...
I'm in agreement with mamapants. You asked for Christians to reply so you will get my Christian answer . I'm seeing alot of responses from people whom have not claimed any affiliation with Christianity or God for that matter???? Anyway, I too tend to stay away from Yoga because it is derived from easten philosophy and Buddism which has absolutely no place in a Christians life, whatsoever. I think the second class you mentioned, is merely playing on the strengh and stretching aspects of it. Sounds innocent enough IMO. There's something within all true Christians that instinctivly tells us what is right and what is wrong biblically. If your conscience is telling you it is wrong, then it IS wrong. My suggestion would be to consult your pastor and spend some time in prayer about it if you are having a hard time deciding a morality issue. I'm wishing you luck in whatever you choose and I'm sorry that your friend is giving you such a hard time. She obviously feels very strong about it. Again, good luck and best wishes to you.
0 -
And yes I am a Christian of several years and understand what she is feeling. I was saved through the grace and blood of Jesus who died for all of our sins. Whom I love with heart , body , mind and soul, everyday .I don't know anything about Yoga, but if I felt I was not sure and uncomfortable with it I would go to an exercise class that's not labeled Yoga. I truly do not believe you are breaking any commandments or follow some kind of cult. Not in the second class anyway. The first one would of made me uncomfortable as well. I watched on tv one time about 12 people that stood on the shore of the ocean when it was dawn, and they moved together in these stretching positions at the same time and held them and change again, and I was amazed with it. They seemed to have their minds blocking out the world, which is hard to do. And something Jesus tells us to do is to not look of the things in this world but to keep our eyes on the Lord. So I would say pray about it and as you know you will be guided to do the right thing. While your doing your stretching keep the peace of God in your heart. :flowerforyou: I wouldn't mention it any more to your friend, I think she meant well but as long as there is not chanting or worshiping idols, I can't see the harm. If I could possibly get into those positions I think I might try it.:happy: 0 -
Thanks for all the honest replies. I have had no bad feelings about going up until this chick laid into me yesterday. Even the class I attended at the yoga studio, while koo koo for my liking, I didn't feel guilty b/c I prayed to the only God I know not to who or what the yoga chick was.
We each have different convictions. Some of my friends from church are convicted to not watch TV...I don't share that same conviction...I am a TV junkie. Some choose not to drink alcohol, or eat meat. Some choose things that I don't agree with but that is just me. After some prayer and some discussion with other friends, I have decided to get over the comments that were made to me yesterday and continue going to the class b/c I can tell great difference in my body strength and balance since I started and it is easy on my bad knee. so that for the input. I feel good about my decision and next time someone attacks me for something I do that they disagree with I am going to take it with a grain of salt!!0 -
I'm a christian as well, and the way I see it is that to you if yoga is just stretches, and calming for you then that's all it needs to be! Just like when I was growing up we weren't allowed to take part in Halloween, but now that I have kids, I do let them go trick or treating. This does not have to mean that I am doing something bad, I just like watching the kids dress up and have a ton of fun!! It's only and exactly what you make it!0
-
Trust the Spirit of God in you. He gives us discernment and, as other have said, if something doesn't feel right, it may be God telling you not to be involved w/ it. On the other hand, I have done yoga videos that are strictly stretching and I haven't felt anything strange or uncomfortable.0
-
Eastern philosophy and Buddhism have no place in a Christian's life? Interesting that you should say that since Buddha and his teachings have been around about 500 years longer than Christ's, and that the most basic of the Buddha's teachings is the "Golden Rule" of "Do unto others..." Also, I should think that there would be "something" within any and all human beings, not just Christians, that would tell us what is right and wrong morally and ethically, not just biblically.0
-
Eastern philosophy and Buddhism have no place in a Christian's life? Interesting that you should say that since Buddha and his teachings have been around about 500 years longer than Christ's, and that the most basic of the Buddha's teachings is the "Golden Rule" of "Do unto others..." Also, I should think that there would be "something" within any and all human beings, not just Christians, that would tell us what is right and wrong morally and ethically, not just biblically.
I am certainly not going to turn this into a "which religion is right" thread. This is simply a Christian facing a spiritual dilema who sought out the advice of others who believe as she does, henceforth the topic name and we should not deviate from the topic at hand. If the tables were turned and you posted a thread regarding Buddhism I more than likely would not click on it because it did not interest me and I certainly would not start interjecting my beliefs into your conversation. I, at no time, use MFP as a forum to persuade others into Christianity, this is not the appropriate place to do that. I do not agree with some posts or opinions, but those people have a right to them just as you and I do. If I don't like a particular subject, I click off and move on.I am sorry you feel this way, but please don't make this thread out to be a religion war. Good luck to you and you have my sincerest best wishes.0 -
No point in making it a religion war...nobody would win.0
-
Fellow Christian here - pissed-off Catholic, actually. I think a lot of what my religion has to say is total crap. But I'm a big fan of the J-man (who, incidentally, was not a Catholic . . .).
From an antrhopoligical perspective, religion evolved as a way for humans to understand the world and their place in it. I believe that God (a power beyond our understanding) created the universe, but he didn't create religion. That's us humans. And humans have a lot of good ideas, and a lot of bad ones, too, and they never, ever get along.
A common tactic in this secular age is to ignore variances in "sect" and focus on the common ideals you'll find in all faiths: love, tolerance, respect for others, trust, forgiveness, standing up for what you believe in.
That said, I would prefer that my yoga instructors leave time for silent meditation, rather than chanting. If praying to other deities seriously concerns you, consider that your fellow yoga-goers are each paying a fee to be in that class; it is a capitalist enterprise, not a religious experience.
I try not to bring things back to the commandments, because generally those are useless arguments; one person will always interpret something different, and we have no way of knowing which interpretation is right . . .I just think of it as, "Is this hurting anyone else? Is this hurting me?" If you must bring it back to the commandments, "You shall have no other gods before me." And clearly, you're totally devoted to your God, so I don't see how you could possibly have anything to feel guilty about.
Watch out for people who try to cast doubt on what's in your heart. They're bad news.0 -
I completely agree with mehughes... I grew up as a christian... and I tried to be strong in the religion... but I have since realized that being strong in a religion is not what I think that God intended... I am now strong in faith, devotion, and love to God who is great and wonderful and mighty... that being said I no longer attend church... I mean no offense to anyone here but too often the people I would meet at church where proclaiming the faith on sunday but by monday morning they where gossiping and beating their wife and children and drinking and fighting and doing all manner of things that the day before they condemned other people for doing... now I know that not everyone is this way and I am not meaning to pass judgement on them... which brings me to my point of God is the only one that is qualified to judge... not you or me or your friend at church... God alone knows your heart and your intentions... and God alone is the one you will have to answer to in the end... so until that time comes that I stand in his presence to be judged I intend to do what I feel is right in my heart and pray to God to lead my feet down the path that he chose for me... I would suggest that this is a good plan for most people to follow and keep this in mind when faced with future dillemas such as this
Fellow Child Of God,
Jenn
P.S. I would also get some literature on yoga both history and how it's used now... never go into something blind... I am not saying to quit yoga which I love... I am saying to learn what it is about and understand that it refers to God... knowledge is the only way to defend yourself against people who speak without knowledge... another big problem in churches... but I digress0 -
To go back to the original thread subject... heres a little twist to it...
I am an atheist. i do not being in any god (hope i am not going to get trown out of mfp !!) and i would not attend any church, synagog, mosque or anything else but i have visited countless amount of them and always have admire the architecture of medieval/baroque churches. that doesnt make me a believer. therefor i would have no problems attending any yoga class no matter what the meaning of it. yoga wont make you a believer or that religion, just as my visiting churches wont make me a catholic or christian either.
As an atheist i had to go though tons of criticism from a lot of people, be proud of what you believe in. even though i felt in minority, i still though that i would say out loud what i believe in (or rather not believe in .llol) if your views are different then your aquintance from church .. it does not mean that what you believe in is wrong, its different.. thats all. she should have respected it. now .. isnt repect part of what you believe in anyways ?
good luck,
may0 -
God loves for you to do Yoga because it is something that calms the mind, body and soul, better equiping you to do good will towards others. This works with Christianity and/or any other religion out there that's purpose is to make people be the best they can be, beleive in moral values, see the good in others, and all in all, strive to make others feel good too.
Anyone who tells you that for some reason yoga is a sin, obviously does not have an open mind.
And remember God's grace 0 -
Bamboo,
Good for you that your are thinking this through so carefully. I don't do yoga, but here's a thought for you. Many sacred hymns are Christian lyrics put to "bar tunes" of long ago. It was a way to help those who knew the bar tunes to focus on Christ instead.
It seems to me that you have found a modern version. I have avoided taking yoga for the reasons you explain. I know the stretching aspect would be good for me. (I see what it has done for my mother.) Now I know what to ask about if I decide to join a class.
You still have the dilemma of what to do about the "weaker sister". Keep praying about it.0 -
Ok, I have always been thought....best not to discuss religion and politics. It gets too personal
I talked to a lady that I work for. She used to be a nun. She is very strong in her belief in god. I asked her about this and she sad that.....
A lot of yoga is breathing and very little chanting. But, the belief in your heart is all you need. You are around people who believe differently than you everyday of the week and you don't leave them. She has been to classes that chant and she says her own prayers during that time. She does not chant with them. She is not sure what they are chanting for sure, but she said alot of time they are chanting quotes, Famous Quotes from budda. She said also that yoga is great for the mind body and the spirit that you give it.
By all means if you are not comfortable don't go...but if you enjoyed it add the way it made you feel, you say your prayers and follow your beliefs.
I am a catholic and I have been to mormon, christian, baptist events, and I know in my heart what I believe, and I do not let that keep me from it. If I don't like what they are saying, I listen and wait until it is over. It does not bother me. Each person has the right to believe in what they want.
may_marie-your not going to get kicked out. It is a free world and we have the right to believe how we want.0 -
I'm with "ican" in that that was my upbringing never, never "religion and politics". But, since you asked for advice from other people who consider themselves Christians, here goes.
I go to yoga, and do videos that have chanting in them. While meditating, I chose a bible verse (my favorite is "Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me") and use it as my "mantra". I think God wants us to be strong, flexible and well relaxed. Yoga does those things.
Be blessed.:flowerforyou:0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 424 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions