Resources/Biblical Perspective/Religion

By Summer Lane

Photo: Deposit

Growing up, it was normal for me to do yoga-based stretching with my mom. And when I was in my 20s, I sometimes participated in yoga sessions with my friends.

We would make fresh fruit bowls and bring our mats outside, stretching in the sunshine, and chatting about our lives. It was hardly religious or offensive, and we clearly didn’t understand anything about yoga practices, its cultural roots, or its link to Eastern spirituality and Hinduism.

Later, I was told multiple times by well-meaning, but inadvertently unhelpful church-goers, to “NOT DO YOGA BECAUSE IT’S FROM SATAN.” When I asked why, they couldn’t really explain it. It was different, therefore it must be bad. That logic didn’t make sense to me, and it came across as overly judgmental and self-righteous. Therefore, I didn’t heed their advice.

In all fairness, I’ve never practiced yoga again – I don’t have the time, patience, or interest. However, I know many people who practice it and swear by its stretching and calming effects. For this reason, it’s often been on my mind. After researching yoga for a bit, I gleaned a few key factors about yoga that do, indeed, jump into forbidden territory for Christians:

• The emptying of the mind: meditation on God’s Word is certainly not bad, but emptying your mind completely and becoming vulnerable to outside spiritual activity could certainly be dangerous, especially where Eastern spirituality is concerned,
• Yoga is often mingled with New Age teachings and mysticism. These teachings are not compatible with the Word of God. Period. Often, other practices are woven into the American version of yoga, like tarot, crystals, or light witchcraft.
• It can become an idol. Practicing yoga often becomes the only way the body begins to learn how to wind down and relax. Emptying your mind and going through ancient, pagan-based motions, instead of turning to the Word of God and praying, can certainly only cause trouble!

There’s nothing wrong with stretching. But don’t conflate YOGA with athleticism, stretching, and working out. Yoga itself is a religion, and this is often misunderstood (as I misunderstood it), because in America, it’s often wrapped up in a sanitized package that seems harmless. But it can lead into sin, if one does not stay on their guard.

To hash out this controversial topic and offer insight into the practices of yoga, ex-yoga teacher Michal Russo talks about how it corrupted her life. Raised Christian, she fell prey to its sinister influence and nearly lost herself to its darkness. But praise the Lord, she is now free from its influence! See her story below on The Counter Culture Mom Show.

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14)

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Ex Yogini Wars Yoga Deeply Rooted in Worship of False Gods, Divination – Michal Russo

Michal Russo was a pastor’s daughter and an athletic college swimmer when she discovered yoga. Squeaky clean and hardworking, she wasn’t the rebellious type, but yoga, she says, opened the door to dark and oppressive forces in her life. Today, Michal is the marketing director for TCT Network and the author of How Yoga Harms: A Love Letter for Understanding Yoga From a Christian Perspective. She explains key teachings and practices of yoga, which are deeply rooted in the worship of false gods and divination. Michal also highlights a startling but convicting truth: when you open up your mind to something in spirit and in truth, you’re worshiping it, whether you want to admit it or not! Don’t worship the false gods of yoga, look to Christ as your Savior.

Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and editor who is covering the White House and Trump administration. She owns Write Revolution News.

Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.

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