What Should Every Christian Know About Yoga?
Yoga is one of the latest fitness fads. Doctors, politicians and actors hail its health benefits, and yoga classes are offered in gyms, schools and even some churches. To learn more about yoga, Biola Connections interviewed Dr. George Alexander, who teaches World Religions at Biola. He grew up in India, where yoga originated. Here’s what he said.
What is yoga?
Most Westerners assume yoga is nothing more than an exotic way to maintain a beautiful body, but there is more to it than that. Yoga is a Hindu practice aimed at achieving liberation of the self and union with the Atman (Ultimate Reality) through intense concentration, deep meditation and prescribed postures. The word “yoga” means union with God. It’s very popular in the West today, along with other elements of the New Age. Most people do not know that
How do yoga’s teachings compare to the Bible?
One of the underlying principles of Hinduism is pantheism — that humanity is an extension of God. So, as you practice yoga, one day you will realize you are God. But according to the Bible, God is the Creator, and a human being is the creature. The glory of the Creator must not be given to the creature. Although the Bible says we can draw close to God, it does not say we can become God through practicing spiritual disciplines. Also, in the Hindu/yoga philosophy, there is no concept of sin, only ignorance. When you are ignorant, you don’t need salvation, but only the realization that you are God.
What are some of your concerns about yoga?
Yoga classes are very misleading. When you ask for information about the class, the yoga instructor (yogi) will say that it is good for blood circulation, reducing stress and other things. But usually the yogi knows much more than what he or she will teach you in the beginning. There are different levels in yoga. Level one is really basic. The yogi will ask you to sit in the standard posture (with your back straight and your hands resting on your thighs), breathe deeply and relax. In level two, they may ask you to empty your mind and chant the mantra(magical word), “Om.” This is a word of praise to the Hindu god. In levels three and four, they may ask you to assume various positions, such as a snake. Each level takes you deeper and deeper. True yogis have supernatural power they receive not from Jesus Christ, but from another source. I have seen them levitate, bury themselves alive for days, walk through fire and make things materialize. This is consistent with the Bible, which teaches that Satan can do miracles. But his ultimate goal is to destroy people and, as a result, yogis often lose their minds in their later years.
Is it OK for Christians to practice yoga if they don’t associate it with Hinduism?
First, I want to say that physical fitness is very important, and we glorify God by having healthy bodies. The Bible reminds us that our body is the temple of God. I like to stretch, breathe properly and go to the fitness center. As Christians, we can do any exercises we want. But why do we have to participate in yoga? In my opinion, people who practice yoga are opening the doors to demonic oppression, whether knowingly or unknowingly. I have had several Christians who practiced yoga tell me they’ve had bad dreams and demonic experiences of a very frightening nature. As Westerners and Western Christians, we are very naïve sometimes. Our fascination with yoga has grown faster than our knowledge of the dangers of it. My question for Christians who practice yoga is, “Why would you want to better your body by aligning with a religious philosophy that contradicts the Christian faith?”
Dr. George Alexander, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Missions and Cross-Cultural Ministries at Biola.
© Biola University 2005