Nothing seems to get a heated debate started faster than challenging a Christian who practices Yoga on this subject.

“But I only do the stretching part.” I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this. This article is written for the sake of clarification and education on the practice of Yoga.

WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga (/ˈjoʊɡə/; Sanskrit: योग, Listen) are the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind. The term denotes a variety of schools, practices and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism (including Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism and Jainism,[ the best-known being Hatha yoga and Raja yoga. The term yoga is derived from the literal meaning of “yoking together” a span of horses or oxes, but came to be applied to the “yoking” of mind and body.- source

Yoga:noun a mystic and ascetic Hindu discipline by which one seeks to achieve liberation of the self and union with the supreme spirit or universal soul through intense concentration, deep meditation, and practices involving prescribed postures, controlled breathing, etc. a system of exercising involving the postures, breathing, etc. practiced in this discipline [2] – source

A Christian who studies the Word of God, should instantly see red flags and discern that Yoga and Christianity are not compatible. We see in the definition “Yoga is the physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind.” What does God say about transforming our minds?

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Immediately we see a problem between transforming our minds in Yoga, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds according to the Word of God. As Christians, God wants our minds to be renewed, so we will be able to know His will for us. God wants us to be closer to Him. He speaks to us through His Word. He is our perfect Father.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3)

We know that the practice of Yoga is rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. As Christians, do we want to open up our minds to something that will transform us to be more like Hindus or Buddhists? Ok, when we see it in black and white, it seems unthinkable. But this is exactly what practicing Yoga is accomplishing in your life.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Next we see in the definition – The term yoga is derived from the literal meaning of “yoking together” a span of horses or oxes, but came to be applied to the “yoking”of mind and body.

Another red flag should easily be seen by a student of the Word. Let’s see what God says about being yoked together:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

The picture of oxen being yoked together is used by both Yoga and the Word. In Yoga, the goal is for mind and body to be yoked together. It’s a Hindu discipline to bring mind and body into submission – but to what end?

Were you aware that every Yoga pose is a posture of worship to various Hindu gods? In this way, the person is making offerings to millions of Hindu deities! Of course, these details are left off of the “Welcome pamphlet” in Yoga centers. People are coming there to stretch and relax and be energized, right?

THE KUNDALINI SPIRIT

In an interview with Dave Hunt of the Berean Call (Dave is now with our Lord) the subject of the Kundalini Spirit was addressed:

“In spite of the advertisements and talk about health and fitness yoga’s real goal is to awaken Kundalini power, coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine, ready to spring up to manifest itself through the alleged chakras, (centers of universal force) of the body.” Now, what exactly is Kundalini yoga, or Kundalini power, for that matter?”

Dave Hunt:

“Well, to put it bluntly, it’s demonic. There is no way you can explain it physically, it’s a non physical force. There certainly is nothing coiled at the base of the spine, three and one-half times coiled like a serpent that’s going to spring up when you get in the proper state of consciousness, supposedly. This is the same occult power that all the occultists are in touch with, or try to be in touch with.” – source

In yoga, the student is told to empty their minds to prepare for meditation. An empty mind is exactly what Satan likes! Look at what God says about meditation:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

We meditate on His Law and on His Word. We FILL our minds with the goodness of our Father’s perfect and Holy Words. Do you want an empty mind, or a mind filled with God’s Word?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

We have seen the videos of holy laughter and other aberrant behavior in churches. Do we have to wonder from where the spirits came who wreak such havoc with children of God? Could it be that so many Christians are practicing yoga and are bringing the Kundalini spirit into their services? I have read that Hindus who knowingly seek out the Kundalini spirit, behave in similar ways during their worship. With the uncontrollable laughter and rolling about on the floor, it would be hard to tell the difference between them and a charismatic Christian service!

Over thirty million people in America practice Yoga. In the 1960’s, Transcendental Meditation came on the American scene. It was a time of self realization and finding the meaning to life within oneself. Society pushed God aside, and replaced Him with Self. Secular humanism is the new religion, and it has caused the moral decline of our society. If there is no God, then there are no moral absolutes, right? Unfortunately, this ideology has crept into the Church as well.

CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT LOOK LIKE THE WORLD

How will we persuade a lost world that they need to repent and trust Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, if we look just like them? God wants us to come out from them and behave and live like His children. When the world looks at us, do they see Jesus? That should be the prayer of each of our hearts – daily.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1)

If we try to fit into this world, we not only ruin our testimony, but we put ourselves in jeopardy of falling away from God. Do you not know that the devil seeks to destroy you all day long? He is the accuser of the brethren. He is a liar and the father of lies. If we don’t cling to our Father and study His Word, we become prey for the enemy of our souls.

YOGA AND NEW AGE PRACTICES

I have heard Christians talk about the evil of New Age practices, and yet they practice yoga. Somehow our churches have placed a stamp of approval on yoga. A brother or sister in Christ would never think of attending a séance or play with a Ouija board, or see a spiritist for a reading. But these same people will go to their yoga classes and enthusiastically invite others. It’s time for the truth about yoga to be told to your family and friends!

Writing this article will certainly not win me new friends. As a matter of fact, some may choose to ignore the warnings and consider me a bit fanatical. But hopefully others who have wondered about yoga, will be glad that they now know the dangers of it.

Don’t forget that the Evil one – the father of lies – the author of confusion – Satan, wants to take you away from the Lord. Hold fast to what you know is right. Turn away from evil. Cling to Jesus and His Word.

1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

Maranatha!

My research on a Southern Baptist pastor who insists that our God and Allah are one and the same, made me curious as to what other errant teachings might also abound. Suddenly, I realized that I was seeing only the proverbial tip of the iceberg.

“Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:30 (KJV)

It seems that the Emergent Church which teaches Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism (CSM) has slithered its way into our Southern Baptist churches. The proper spirituality of the Christian, being sola Scriptura, is being replaced by spiritual mysticism, which can be traced back to the Roman Catholic church.

From Pastor Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries:

“Leaving this aside now the evangelical community is embarking upon a very dangerous spiritual game of Russian roulette embracing highly subjective Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism (CSM), such as that taught by Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster along with his spiritual twin and Southern Baptist minister Dallas Willard. Sadly this is yet another bad by-product of its welcoming in the sinfully ecumenical neo-liberal cult of the Emergent Church aka the Emerging Church, of which that dubious duo were key mentors.

You may know that CSM is merely repackaged Roman Catholic mysticism and was a core doctrine of the EC from its hatching in hell; in addition it plays a critical role as the neo-Gnostic foundation of its new postmodern version of Progressive Christian theology under their spiritual circus “big tent” Emergence Christianity. As spurious CSM now spreads as leaven throughout the entire lump of the church visible it’s become the cause of a growing syncretism; and without a doubt one of the biggest syncretists within evangelicalism is the religious chameleon Purpose Driven Pope Rick Warren.”  – source

When preachers lose sight of their need to depend on and teach from the Word of God alone, their lofty and contrived ideas land them on a slippery slope which eventually leads to total apostasy.

Rick Warren, of Saddleback Church and Purpose Driven Life/Church fame, has been on the slippery slope for most of his time as a pastor. He is not grounded in God’s Word, so he is vulnerable to being deceived and then deceiving others along the way. The people are loving what he’s selling. He keeps packing them into his “bigtop” and the circus keeps getting crazier.

Rick Warren has called the Pope “The Pope of all Christians.” I am a Christian, and I will tell you right now that the Pope is NOT my Pope — he has no significance to me in my walk with God. After Rick Warren’s PDL book came out and was on the NY Times best seller list for many months, he automatically assumed that the success of his book was proof that God was blessing his ministry. Perhaps it never dawned on him that Satan has been happy to help guide people away from the truth of the Word.

Then came the Purpose Driven Church, and I found out that Warren was emailing his propaganda to Southern Baptist pastors across the world on a weekly basis. Discernment is one of the greatest gifts from the Lord. But in order to discern spirits, one must go to the only source that is reliable, and that is God’s Holy Word. When one has the Word in their hearts and minds from reading the Bible, then discernment becomes second nature. But still we are admonished to compare what we hear or read against His holy Word.

God’s Word Must Reign Supreme in His Followers’ Hearts, Minds and Spirits

Rick Warren has now jumped on the CSM bandwagon, and in turn has given the green light to his pastor followers. Warrens’ love for the RCC has been spreading as well. The Southern Baptist Convention is, sorry to say, an ineffective corporate entity, which does not get involved in Baptist churches who are shifting away from Baptist doctrine into the New Age of CSM. I spoke with one of the SBC leaders, and he confirmed this to me. I felt like I was speaking to a politician.

Charismatic Churches

When I was saved in 1983, the couple who led me to Christ belonged to a Charismatic church. When I left that church (it was far to drive) I sought out a church similar to my first church. What did I know? I came from Judaism into to being a Jewish Christian. I knew virtually nothing about denominations and such.

I did know that the new charismatic church made me very uncomfortable. People stood up on Sunday mornings, and said “I have a word of knowledge” or “Thus saith God.” Sometimes, they would have visions and speak in tongues with no interpreter present. I read my Bible constantly, and something was very wrong — I could feel it. How did I know if these words spoken from people were Words from God? Couldn’t they be from the person? And in that case, why would I need to know these words?

Southern Baptist churches

I wound up in a SBC church. I felt safer there. I believed that the Southern Baptist churches were Biblically sound and trustworthy – well at least the one I was attending. I didn’t have to worry about people standing up and grabbing a microphone, to impart something from God. I believed that everything I would want to know from the Lord, was in His Word.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 2: 16-17 (KJV)

No church on this earth is perfect because they are all made up of people. But the Lord wants leadership to be looking to Him in prayer, and His Word for teaching. Unfortunately, many Southern Baptist churches are looking to Rick Warren for direction. VERY dangerous.

Contemplative Spirituality and Mysticism

What is Contemplative Spirituality? I took this straight from gotquestions.org:

Question: “What is contemplative spirituality?”

Answer: Contemplative spirituality is an extremely dangerous practice for any person who desires to live a biblical, God-centered life. It is most commonly associated with the emerging church movement, which is riddled with false teachings. It is also used by many different groups that have little, if any, connection with Christianity.

In practice, contemplative spirituality is primarily centered on meditation, although not meditation with a biblical perspective. Passages such as Joshua 1:8 actually exhort us to meditate: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Notice what the focus of meditation should be—the Word of God. Contemplative spirituality-driven meditation focuses on nothing, literally. A practitioner is exhorted to completely empty his/her mind, to just “be.” Supposedly, this helps one to open up to a greater spiritual experience. However, we are exhorted in Scripture to transform our minds to that of Christ’s, to have His mind. Emptying our minds is contrary to such active, conscious transformation.

Contemplative spirituality also encourages the pursuit of a mystical experience with God. Mysticism is the belief that knowledge of God, spiritual truth, and ultimate reality can be gained through subjective experience. This emphasis on experiential knowledge erodes the authority of Scripture. We know God according to His Word. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God’s Word is complete. There is no reason to believe that God adds additional teachings or truths to His Word through mystical experiences. Instead, our faith and what we know about God is based on fact.

The website for the Center for Contemplative Spirituality sums it up well: “We come from a variety of secular and religious backgrounds and we each seek to enrich our journey through spiritual practice and study of the world’s great spiritual traditions. We desire to draw closer to the loving Spirit which pervades all creation and which inspires our compassion for all beings.” There is absolutely nothing biblical about such goals. Studying the world’s “spiritual traditions” is an exercise in futility because any spiritual tradition other than that which exalts Christ is falsehood. The only way to draw closer to God is through the path He has ordained—Jesus Christ and the Word. – source

In my research of the Baptist pastor who believes that God and Allah are the same, I noticed that he was also bringing “Catholic” practices into his church. He has been talking to his congregation about Lent. He is also all about ecumenism and seems very willing to unite for unity’s sake, even seeing that choice diluting the message of Jesus Christ, and blurring the lines between the RCC and Evangelical Christians, and in his case, even Islam! I believe this is his intent.

From Way of Life Ministries

Everywhere we look “evangelicals” are turning to Roman Catholic styles of contemplative spirituality (which in many cases were borrowed from pagan sources), such as ritualistic rote prayers, chanting, meditation, centering prayer, the use of prayer beads, Stations of the Cross, lectio divina, labyrinths, and “the daily office.”

The cover story for the February 2008 issue of Christianity Today was “The Future Lies in the Past,” and it describes the “lost secrets of the ancient church” that are being rediscovered by evangelicals. The ancient church in question happens to be the Roman Catholic, beginning with the so-called “church fathers” of the early centuries.

The article observes that many young evangelicals dislike both “traditional Christianity” and the seeker sensitive churches. Traditional Christianity is described as too focused on “being right,” too much into “Bible studies” and “apologetics materials.” Instead, the young evangelicals are lusting after “a renewed encounter with a God” that goes beyond “doctrinal definitions.” This, of course, is a perfect definition of mysticism. It refers to experiencing God beyond the boundaries of Scripture.

Christianity Today recommends that evangelicals “stop debating” and just “embody Christianity.” Toward this end they should “embrace symbols and sacraments” and dialogue with “Catholicism and Orthodoxy”; they should “break out the candles and incense” and pray the “lectio divina” and learn the “Catholic ascetic disciplines” from “practicing monks and nuns.”

Christianity Today says that this “search for historic roots” will lead “to a deepening ecumenical conversation, and a recognition by evangelicals that the Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox are fellow Christians with much to teach us.”

This is a no-holds-barred invitation to Catholic mysticism, and it will not lead to light but to the same darkness that has characterized Rome throughout its history, and it will lead beyond Rome to the paganism from which Rome originally borrowed its “contemplative practices.” – source

I am not surprised at all by Christianity Today’s remarks. It seems that they have been an apostate outfit for a very long time.

I used to watch Dr. Ed Young on TV when the kids were small. I loved him. It grieves me to tell you that he has bought into the Emerging church practices, lock stock and barrel. Satan is deceiving these formerly sound teachers of God’s Word.

Brethren, this is just more proof that we must be in the end of the end times. Who would have ever thought that the Southern Baptist Church would be joyfully receiving these mystical, New Age practices into their sanctuaries? Who would have ever thought that the Evangelical churches would be cozying up to the Roman Catholic Church?

 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). 

MARANATHA!!

Wouldn’t it be great if there really was a “herescope” which could be brought into your local Christian Bookstore?  You could walk around and hold up the device; point it at a book or DVD, and if they contained heretical teaching, the herescope would beep beep beep.  Actually, that would not be so great.

What IS great is when a Christian has spiritual discernment.  This is God’s will for His children. When we are born again, we are indwelled with the Holy Spirit. He is part of the Triune Godhead. Imagine – the Holy Spirit actually lives inside of believers!  Then why do so many who claim to be born again, have no clue that something is false or evil?  I don’t know the answer to that question.

Buying my son a Bible

Today, hubby and I went to our local Christian bookstore.  I believe that if the Lord had not calmed me down, there was a good chance that I would have been physically removed from the store.

A worker (I believe she was the manager) attempted to help me pick out the right Bible for my son.  She immediately suggested an NIV Bible.  I told her that we didn’t use the NIV, and asked her if she had ever compared the verbiage in the NiV to the NASB or the NKJV or the KJV. She said that she knew it was a bit different, but that this Bible had cross references to other versions.  I was thinking “Why not just buy another version?”  But I didn’t say that to her.

Then she began to talk about Catholic Bibles. I looked at her and said “Why would I buy a Catholic Bible?”  She gave me the deer in the headlights look.  I told her that I was a Jewish Christian – another deer in the headlights look, and she said “Oh, that’s nice.”  At that point hubby and I just walked around the store. I had chosen a beautiful KJV Bible with the Crown of Thorns embossed into the leather cover.

At the cash register

We were standing in line to pay and I noticed that on the counter was a large glossy poster with several pastors and Bible teachers on it.  The woman began to rave about all of the pastors.  I saw Charles Stanley among the pictures, and I said that I always loved Dr. Stanley.  The manager began to name the pastors pictured and she raved over all of them. She said “And look – Andy Stanley.”

I told her that recently Andy Stanley had preached that we need to get away from the Bible and from saying “The Bible says.”  At this point the woman glared at me.  She said (with many customers listening) “I have NEVER heard Andy Stanley say such a thing!”  I told her that he really did and that she could go to Youtube to hear it for herself. We paid for the Bible and then walked around the store.

We passed these as we walked:

“The Message” – Bible translation by Eugene Peterson (New Age Mystic)

“The Shack”   by William P. Young  (New Age Mystic)

“Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young   (Mystical)

“Jesus Always” by Sarah Young  (Mystical)

“Whispers of Hope” (devotional by Beth Moore who recently came out for abortion)

Rick Warren  (A whole section devoted to this man’s heresies) Books on returning to Rome and Warren’s “Pope.”

Turning over tables

I chuckled to myself that if I began to overturn some tables, they would probably have called the police.  At the same time I thought “Jesus would have these tables flying in all directions!”  But of course, I didn’t want to spend the afternoon in a jail cell, so I left the tables alone. And after all – I wasn’t in a Church. But somehow I do not think that would  have mattered to Jesus.  He would have been angry at the devil’s lies scattered among the sound teaching.

A Genuine Believer

I overheard a man speaking with a lady about the “Alleluias” a singing group which I had been part of for a short time.  When they were finished talking, I asked the man when he sang in the group.  Hubby and I began to chat with this man. We could both see the love of Jesus shining from him.

In the course of the conversation, I told “Rick” that I was a Christian Jew. Well, you should have seen his face –  he got so excited!  He said “You are a fulfilled Jew!”  He was smiling and obviously so happy. He said to my husband “You really found yourself a special one!”  I thought that was so sweet.  I  love getting this reaction from a fellow Christian – instead of the deer in the headlights look!

I gave Rick the web address of my Word Press and he said he would like to read some of my writings.   Since 1983, when I was saved, anyone who found out that I grew up Jewish and was born again, and would get excited about that – well, they turned out to be deeply committed to the Lord and had a love for Israel too. I can’t tell you how much it means to me when people are happy that I am a Messianic Jew!

Brethren – Really pray for discernment

The evil one is doing everything in his power to confuse Christians and get them mixed up in mystical practices like Contemplative prayer. He is also trying to get Christians to return to Rome. He is telling them that it’s time we were reunited.  To that I say NO NO NO! We have nothing in common with the Catholic Church!  They are a works based cult. We know that the Lord saves us by His Grace through faith – not by works. There are many lovely born again people who (for whatever reason) have stayed in the Catholic Church. They will be with us in heaven.  But the institution of Catholicism is NOT Christianity.

Ask the Lord for the gift of discernment!  Check everything against the Word of God.  No matter who says something, if it goes against God’s Holy Word – it is wrong and you should not believe it.  God loves giving His children good gifts – so ask!!

Merry Christmas, brethren.  I pray that you have a joyous time with your families, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord for sending us Your only begotten Son so that we could be reconciled to You!

MARANATHA