LTRP Note: We received an e-mail from a woman who told us about an article she has written about her experience when she decided to visit a Yoga class (held in a “Christian-based facility”) because some of her Christian friends were now taking Yoga, and she wanted to observe a class. We think you will find her article most interesting. As Ray Yungen has pointed out, millions and millions of Americans (mostly women) are taking Yoga classes, and a growing number of those classes are taking place in churches.
“On Observing a Yoga Class”
by Phyllis
As I waited for the yoga class to begin, I watched people come and go from the large, well-equiped fitness facility that offers top notch weights, treadmills, stair-climbers, exercise classes, swimming and more. Most members entered looking fresh and clean; those leaving appeared red-faced, sweaty and “worked-out.”
Often, I’ve thought of how much I would like to join a gym such as this one, but my present financial situation dictates that I should refrain from doing so. I don’t really mind, however, and try to stick to my home-based workout plan of jumping rope, walking, exercise and stretching routines. But, I’ve not been as faithful to that commitment as I would like and I tend to blame the extreme heat we are experiencing here in Texas. There’s always an excuse, isn’t there?
But I sat there that day on a mission. My heart had been moved to discover why so many Christian friends of mine are partaking in something I feel should not be taken up by followers of Christ. The practice of yoga (the Hindi word for “yoke”) has come to popularity in our culture as more and more Westerners come to embrace Far Eastern ideas of health, mindfulness and spirituality. Yoga is universally accepted as part of the New Age movement, yet many Christians have determined that the physical routines of yoga might be beneficial and have expressed the idea that the poses (asanas) and breathing exercises can be performed without overtly delving into the spiritual aspects associated with this ancient practice. I’ve heard some say, “Well, to me the Wheel Pose is just a back bend, to me the Plank Pose is just a push up.” These professing Christians seem to strongly oppose the suggestion that, even if they are only doing yoga as an exercise, there are dangers lurking. Click here to continue reading.
Each yoga pose is done to honor and worship a Hindu god. Totally evil!