The practice of yoga has become increasingly popular in Western culture over the past few decades. With its origins in the East, yoga's spiritual roots can often be overlooked in favor of the physical and mental health benefits it seems to offer. However, Christians must be cautious when considering yoga, as its roots lie in a multi-deity religion that directly opposes biblical teachings. In this blog post, we will look at the controversial subject of yoga within the Christian community and explore the spiritual dangers it may pose.
The Spiritual Battle Behind Yoga
In a recent Out of the Darkness with Ruth Hovsepian podcast episode titled "The Hidden Dangers of Yoga for Christians: A Spiritual Battle Unveiled," Bible teacher Stephanie Pavlantos shared her insights into the spiritual aspects of yoga. She explains that the roots of yoga lie in a multi-deity religion, with each yoga position being a form of worship to a specific deity.
The name "yoga" itself means union or to yoke with the universe, which goes against biblical teachings. As Christians, we are called to be set apart and not to yoke ourselves with practices that originated in pagan religions (2 Corinthians 6:14).
The Dangers of Pagan Practices
Christians need to be discerning when incorporating practices such as yoga, Halloween, or even crystals into their lives. We must examine the roots of these practices and ensure they align with our faith and biblical teachings.
The Apostle Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:21, "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and the table of demons." This scripture emphasizes the importance of avoiding any practices that may have roots in pagan or demonic beliefs.
The Reality of Demonic Spirits
In her podcast interview, Pavlantos shares a powerful testimony of how ignoring the Holy Spirit's guidance led to a spiritual attack and pain due to her involvement in yoga. This experience opened her eyes to the reality of demonic spirits and the importance of listening to the Lord's guidance.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." As Christians, we must be vigilant in questioning new practices introduced into our lives, as Satan actively seeks to harm those who let their guard down.
Finding Joy in Holiness
Instead of seeking fulfillment in worldly practices such as yoga, Christians are called to find joy in holiness and a deep relationship with God. Immersing ourselves in the Bible, digging deeper into the Word, and hungering for a relationship with God are essential aspects of our spiritual growth. As Jesus said in John 15:4, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."
Christians must be cautious when considering the practice of yoga, as its spiritual roots are in direct opposition to biblical teachings. Instead, we should focus on deepening our relationship with God and seeking fulfillment in His Word and presence. By doing so, we can experience true joy and peace from abiding in Christ and walking in holiness.