yoga

[caggy]

was chatting with my minister wife (whom happens to be a good friend) and the subject of yoga came up. i have been doing yoga. she was saying that some religious groups see yoga as not being christen and should be avoided. has anyone heard of this?

[Buenchico]

Yoga is banned from many (possibly most?) church halls in England. This is because it's often seen as being associated with the Hindu faith.

However, 'Christian Yoga' now has a massive following in the USA..

Relevant links:
http://www.mikparekh.com/2007/09/03/christian- fear-over-yoga-in-the-uk/

http://www.worthingherald.co.uk/worthing-lette rs/Yoga-has-no-place-in.3235817.jp

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/129/story_12947 _1.html

http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-yoga.htm l

Chris

[jojojojoanne]

what of yoga as a 'trend'?

[brionon]

Your wife is a Minister AND a friend? Is she a cook in the kitchen ?

[caggy]

opps got question mixed up minister's wife!
hmm christian yoga thats great thanks will look into it and put the idea to minister, chat was about making the church more appealing

[beso]

Yoga is about increasing consciousness of the multiple aspects of the self. We are normally focussed on ourselves as an intellect. Alongside this aspect of self there is a fully autonomous body consciousness that is capable of implementing the will of intellect. Yoga cultivates the relationship between body and intellect and teaches us make it work well.

Christainity has historically been exactly the opposite in promoting the intellect while being in denial of the body. Christian Yoga is an oxymoron for those who follow this particular interpretation of "The Word".

[JockSporran]

Yoga is perfectly OK if you're a Christian. Yoga is a form of mind over body control, originating in India in a non-Christian culture, but it is by no means contrary to Christianity. Rather the reverse. Certain Christian saints like St Augstine of Hippo carried out a mental self-discipline similar to Yoga (though they wouldn't call it that). I think your friend is worried that you might be drawn to Hinduism. She is being afraid, ignorant and narrow minded (no offence to her). Do what is right for you, and do not worry about other people's talk about the wrath of God. God will reach you if you seek Him.