Yoga is a practice that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Many people are drawn to its physical benefits, from increased flexibility to stress reduction. However, before integrating yoga into one’s lifestyle, it’s vital for Christians to understand its spiritual roots and implications. This article will delve into the origins of yoga, its spiritual foundations, and why Christians should abstain from it.
The Origins of Yoga
Yoga originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago. Rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it was initially a spiritual practice aimed at understanding the self, attaining enlightenment, and connecting with the divine. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, which means to yoke or bind. Historically, this was interpreted as a union between the individual’s consciousness and the universal consciousness.
Yoga’s Spiritual Undertones
At its core, traditional yoga seeks to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit. The Eight Limbs of Yoga, as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, provides a path for personal growth and spiritual development. These steps, which include disciplines, postures, breath control, sensory withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and ultimate union (samadhi) with the divine, showcase yoga’s inherent spiritual nature.
The Bible is replete with directives for Christians to be vigilant about influences that may divert their attention from God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This scripture reminds Christians to ensure that their actions align with glorifying God.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and not to be conformed to the patterns of this world. One such pattern of the world that does not align with Christian beliefs is the practice of yoga, particularly when considering its deeper spiritual implications.
Yoga poses are more than just physical exercises. As Dr. George Alexander, a former Professor of World Religions at Biola University, points out, yoga poses can be considered “offerings to the 330 million Hindu gods.” This perspective gains further weight from Acts 15:29, which advises believers to “abstain from THINGS offered to idols.”
Furthermore, yoga’s spiritual essence transcends the physical and goes into the psychic and metaphysical realms. This deep spiritual connection between yoga and Hinduism is why experts like Professor Subhas Tiwari of the Hindu University of America assert that “Yoga is Hinduism.” Professor Tiwari further emphasises this intertwining of yoga with its spiritual roots by saying, “Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual centre reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga” (Hinduism Today 9/09).
Deuteronomy 12:30-31 warns against being ensnared by the practices of those who do not worship God. Yoga with its spiritual undertones rooted in Eastern religions conflict with Christian doctrines.
Why Christians Should Abstain from Yoga
◆ Alternate Worldview:
Yoga’s philosophy is based on the belief in the interconnectedness of all creation and the universal spirit (Brahman). This contrasts with the Christian understanding of a personal God who reveals Himself to humanity.
◆ Potential for Syncretism:
There’s a risk of blending or conflating Christian beliefs with those of Eastern religions, leading to spiritual confusion.
◆ Spiritual Openness:
Engaging in practices designed to open oneself up to spiritual experiences might make one susceptible to spiritual influences that don’t align with Christian teachings.
◆ The Focus on Self:
Yoga’s emphasis on self-awareness and self-enlightenment can divert attention from God-centred worship and the acknowledgment of our reliance on Jesus Christ for salvation.
The deep-rooted spiritual underpinnings of yoga cannot be overlooked or separated from its practice. For Christians, the spiritual implications of yoga present a challenge to the core tenets of our faith. The Bible calls for believers to be vigilant and avoid actions that interfere with our relationship with Christ. Considering yoga’s ties to other spiritual traditions, it’s prudent for Christians to err on the side of caution. It’s vital to always place Christ at the centre of all our pursuits and abstain from practices that might blur or compromise our spiritual focus. As followers of Christ, let’s continue to seek Him in all we do and make choices that honour Him above all.
Yoga is a practice that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Many people are drawn to its physical benefits, from increased flexibility to stress reduction. However, before integrating yoga into one’s lifestyle, it’s vital for Christians to understand its spiritual roots and implications. This article will delve into the origins of yoga, its spiritual foundations, and why Christians should abstain from it.
The Origins of Yoga
Yoga originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago. Rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it was initially a spiritual practice aimed at understanding the self, attaining enlightenment, and connecting with the divine. The word ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, which means to yoke or bind. Historically, this was interpreted as a union between the individual’s consciousness and the universal consciousness.
Yoga’s Spiritual Undertones
At its core, traditional yoga seeks to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit. The Eight Limbs of Yoga, as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, provides a path for personal growth and spiritual development. These steps, which include disciplines, postures, breath control, sensory withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and ultimate union (samadhi) with the divine, showcase yoga’s inherent spiritual nature.
The Bible is replete with directives for Christians to be vigilant about influences that may divert their attention from God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This scripture reminds Christians to ensure that their actions align with glorifying God.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and not to be conformed to the patterns of this world. One such pattern of the world that does not align with Christian beliefs is the practice of yoga, particularly when considering its deeper spiritual implications.
Yoga poses are more than just physical exercises. As Dr. George Alexander, a former Professor of World Religions at Biola University, points out, yoga poses can be considered “offerings to the 330 million Hindu gods.” This perspective gains further weight from Acts 15:29, which advises believers to “abstain from THINGS offered to idols.”
Furthermore, yoga’s spiritual essence transcends the physical and goes into the psychic and metaphysical realms. This deep spiritual connection between yoga and Hinduism is why experts like Professor Subhas Tiwari of the Hindu University of America assert that “Yoga is Hinduism.” Professor Tiwari further emphasises this intertwining of yoga with its spiritual roots by saying, “Efforts to separate yoga from its spiritual centre reveal ignorance of the goal of yoga” (Hinduism Today 9/09).
Deuteronomy 12:30-31 warns against being ensnared by the practices of those who do not worship God. Yoga with its spiritual undertones rooted in Eastern religions conflict with Christian doctrines.
Why Christians Should Abstain from Yoga
◆ Alternate Worldview:
Yoga’s philosophy is based on the belief in the interconnectedness of all creation and the universal spirit (Brahman). This contrasts with the Christian understanding of a personal God who reveals Himself to humanity.
◆ Potential for Syncretism:
There’s a risk of blending or conflating Christian beliefs with those of Eastern religions, leading to spiritual confusion.
◆ Spiritual Openness:
Engaging in practices designed to open oneself up to spiritual experiences might make one susceptible to spiritual influences that don’t align with Christian teachings.
◆ The Focus on Self:
Yoga’s emphasis on self-awareness and self-enlightenment can divert attention from God-centred worship and the acknowledgment of our reliance on Jesus Christ for salvation.
The deep-rooted spiritual underpinnings of yoga cannot be overlooked or separated from its practice. For Christians, the spiritual implications of yoga present a challenge to the core tenets of our faith. The Bible calls for believers to be vigilant and avoid actions that interfere with our relationship with Christ. Considering yoga’s ties to other spiritual traditions, it’s prudent for Christians to err on the side of caution. It’s vital to always place Christ at the centre of all our pursuits and abstain from practices that might blur or compromise our spiritual focus. As followers of Christ, let’s continue to seek Him in all we do and make choices that honour Him above all.
