by Laurette Willis, Director of PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry
Yoga is extremely popular in the fitness world, and many wonder if it has a place in Christian Fitness. Is there such a thing as “Christian yoga” or a “Christian alternative to yoga?” While many know that yoga originated in India, few realize it is part of the Hindu religion.
Those who think yoga is little more than a series of stress-relieving stretching exercises may be surprised to learn about true foundation of the multi-billion dollar yoga craze in North America.
Comments
3 responses to “Christian Fitness: Should it include Yoga?”
I love doing yoga thanks for sharing this wonderful article
I just being came certified Yahweh Yoga instructor. I am 59 and was have alot of arthritis pain in my shoulder. A friend told me about practicing yoga and how it had
helped her pain. I went to a yoga class and could not believe how from one practice my pain was so much less. However, I am a christian and did not feel comfortable in the yoga atmosphere. I looked in to christian yoga found Yahweh Yoga and am teaching in my church. Each class starts with a Bible verse,with christian music through out the class and ends with prayer and our Bible verse of the day. I can not say enough positive things about Christian Yoga. It nurtures the Body, Soul and Spirit. I will be doing a work shop for women who want to start this ministry in their church. For more info call Marilyn at 503-516-5166.
I just hope that many Christians realize that traditional Yoga is a way of worship to a pagan god. Each pose means something that we would consider an act of worship. Also Christians are taught not to open themselves up spiritually to jjust any spirits–especially unclean ones.
I have been troubled by many Christians who partake in traditional Yoga and say they are not worshiping gods and Yoga doesn’t mean that any more. We have to be careful that we are not being fooled by all the NEW pacakaging of ungodly things. There is nothing new under the sun and many pagan practices are still going on today.