Introduction: The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word, oxymoron as "A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist." In the following article, "Christian Yoga-Oxymoron," former New Ager, Brian Flynn, explains why there is no such thing as "Christian" yoga. --Bud Press
Christian Yoga-Oxymoron
There is no such thing as 'Christian' Yoga
by Brian Flynn
Why is there such a thing as Christian Yoga? It certainly has no scriptural or biblical basis in support of it. I have repeated many times in my book, my writings and in radio interviews that Yoga is an eastern spiritual practice and has no place in the church. Do you think that Hindus who practice yoga are doing it to attain rock hard abs? The answer is clearly no. The purpose is spiritual. It is not just the meditations; it is the postures used, which are a form of Sun worship. Does that sound Christian to you? If you do not believe me, the article below* should prove it. I have highlighted some of the relevant quotes. After you have read the article, return here for further explanation.
The description of Yoga is contradictory with Christianity, "Its practice strives to unite the individual soul with the "greater soul" of the universe..." However, the response from Christians who practice it is, but we don't use the meditations employed with Yoga. The meditations are not the only problem. "It is a whole series of ritual appreciations to the sun, being thankful for that source of energy." To think of it as a mere physical movement is tantamount to "saying that baptism is just an underwater exercise..." Can you not find another form of exercise to use than one that is clearly connected to eastern religions? Even the Hindus in the article below are stating that it is a Hindu religious practice, and to stop pretending that it isn't a Hindu religious practice! They seem a bit upset don't they?
If I were to come to a Hindu sanctuary and introduce them to the following meditation technique, what would be their response? You simply get on your knees, clasp your hands together and repeat over and over again, "I accept Jesus Christ as my personal savior". Do you think they would embrace it? I doubt it. So why do we embrace their religious prayer, meditation or practice? It must be that the Hindus recognize a religious practice when they see it, and we simply cannot or will not.
So why is there Christian Yoga at all?
Many are simply ignorant that it is an eastern religious practice.
Many churches look it as a "hip" new way to attract people. Increasing the numbers coming into the church is more important than worrying about its eastern religious roots.
Few have the information to stand against it and fear being viewed as judgmental.
So many Christian women are already involved in Yoga, why upset them?
Rather than trying to persuade Christians that they are in error, (the hard way) we have chosen to accommodate their error and call it "Christian" Yoga to make them feel better. For once I can say that on a spiritual topic I agree with the Hindus: There is no such thing as "Christian" Yoga.
Here is my simple advice:
Pray and exercise separately. What a concept! Must we multi-task everything in life?
Try the Swiss ball exercise routines or other stretching techniques. I think that they are more effective and do not have any religious ties.
Keep churches a place to pray, preach and worship, and gyms a place to workout. Radical idea I know but I think it can work.
I hope that this explanation will give you the ammunition you need to persuade Christians to seek the Lord for "rest" and not eastern religious practices.
© Christian Research Service 2004