Comments on: On Yoga and Following Jesus

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Tue, 05 May 2020 07:44:50 +0000

In reply to Sam. Thank you Sam. I guess I judge things partly by their fruits. It has been a blessing in my father's life. Personally, it keeps my body stronger and more flexible, and my mind calm and focused, and it is a blessing to me... though I confess I do not do yoga as often as I would like to.

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Tue, 05 May 2020 07:41:52 +0000

In reply to Beverley Murrill.

“God made our bodies to move in those ways, and the people who developed the exercises are created in his image, and I worship him alone, so I think it’s fine.”
Exactly. I think God showers his love on all cultures and Yoga is unique in that it is a synchronised movement of body and breath, relaxing the nervous system and strengthening the body, and can be done anywhere, at any time, in safety, taking just the space of a mat.
It’s like insurance for our bodies… helping us be flexible and strong in old age. I think the whole body flexibility it gives is probably greater than walking alone gives… and walking can’t be done any time, anywhere.
I find it clears the mind, and like you, often pray while doing it

By: Beverley Murrill

Beverley Murrill — Tue, 05 May 2020 05:00:48 +0000

Hi Anita,
I agree… yoga is tremendously beneficial and I do not believe there is a schism caused by doing yoga as a Christian. I normally do yoga on youtube but sometimes in a class. I mainly do not have teachers that are focused on the spiritual side of yoga, but whether I do or not, I always pray when I feel to in the class, asking God to bless the people around me and show himself to them.
I’m a church leader and have been for a few decades… it doesn’t cause any issue for me to do a yoga class… God made our bodies to move in those ways, and the people who developed the exercises are created in his image, and I worship him alone, so I think it’s fine … although I”m not as good as you… no side planks…

By: Sam

Sam — Sun, 03 May 2020 21:37:31 +0000

Dear Anita,

You may want to consider there is a heathen and pagan aspect to Yoga. As a fellow believer from India, we are aware of the demonic aspect of this. My goal is not to convince you but to ask you to prayerfully consider it. You can read the testimony of Jessica Smith a former Yogi from her website…

https://www.truthbehindyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkiNFjzJ6y4&feature=youtu.be

Blessings dear sister.

By: Anita Mathias

Anita Mathias — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 09:05:11 +0000

In reply to Gisela Goetz. I had started reading it a few years ago, but haven't finished. I would love to start a Christian book group, in addition to the Classics book group I run, and the first book I would love to read is actually the Divine Conspiracy. We would also read it at a slow pace. However, we have lockdown for another week!

By: Gisela Goetz

Gisela Goetz — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 03:19:08 +0000

Hi Anita, I enjoyed your honest column. I cannot read any of the suggested because I’m stuck on reading Dallas Willard’s wonderful book, Divine Conspiracy. I read about 2 or 3 pages as I fall into bed after a busy day caring for George. I’m going through the book a second time at this slow pace. It has wonderful treasures in it but my almost 83 year old mind needs to repeat it all.
Gisela