Give me your Idols: What Christians should know about Yoga + Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness

I  began writing this post to share my experience with professing JESUS CHRIST AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR but still choosing to try yoga. I went against the warnings of my mother and other Church members stating yoga, reiki, chakras and other eastern Asia wellness practices are Demonic. I will define this word later.

At the time, Demonic sounds like a fictitious word used to scare young Christians into following orders. I thought it was all about control. So, I did it. It was apart of my undergrad curriculum and I embraced this ‘gentle’ exercise as a substitute forTrack and Field and Softball as I am accustomed. Surely, this would give me peace like it advertised and assist with my meditation. I reasoned in my mind that it was okay because I’m not actively operating in another religion, doing chants, or cursing anyone. In fact, a lot of Christians were doing it. There are even instructors and organizations who believe that Christians can make it Holy! But what is all the fuss about? Why go to great lengths to do this? I asked none of these questions - it wasn’t a big deal to me. I would say, ‘God knows my heart‘ and he knows I’m his.
But does he really?

Fast forward to now, I realize how ignorant I still am to my own bible, although I read it. Let me clarify when someone says they believe in god, a follow up question should be what ‘GOD’ do you believe in. Even in the bible, there were many. It’s the equviantly to going on a date and the person says, “ Yes, I am a spiritual person.” So, what spirit are you of?  If I am unable to articulate the roots of certain practices and cultures, I need more understanding. It’s embarrassing to have a conversation with someone from a different culture and they know more about your religion than you do. Or, you are unable to answer the hard questions because you never found interest enough to learn. It’s not our fault though. Our society is riddled with confusion in our communication. In the American language, we have defined and re-defined words to fit our moods or pop-culture that have nothing to do with the original intent for the word alone. For that reason, I’m going to use vocabulary words based on the Hebrew definition. I’ll explain why as we  move forward.

Back to the Yoga piece. I can say I began a journey with yoga off and on. I never fully committed to it but I also never gave it up. I used it as a way of socializing with others, fulfill my class assignments and make cool instagram photos and talking points. It was trending; therefore I felt posh. Unfortunately, I was never able to find the “peace” that is advertised. I thought maybe it was because I did not practice enough or performed the incorrect postures. I saw others achieve the facebook fame and flexibility that I desired from Yoga. I even tried to incorporate it into my liturgical practice. Nothing. 

There is a scripture that says, ‘People perish for a lack of Knowledge’ and Beloved, I don’t want this to happen to you.
Let’s Start with a simple geography Lesson and vocabulary so I can build the foundation of my argument.

Christianity is a Jewish Religion who’s people are decedents of the state of Israel. This is why as I’m defining words, I define them with the Hebrew dictionary so we all can receive better understanding of the scenarios in the Bible. Israel is on the continent of Asia and considered apart of the Middle East. Israel borders Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. There are currently 48 Countries in Asia and 54 Countries in Africa. To me, Israel is the country connecting Africa to Asia. While there are many different religions influencing the bordering countries, Israel has her own God. Yahweh. (Gen 2: 4-5) Foundational beliefs of Christians are: 1. Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God (Yahweh), 2. The Holy Spirit as apart of the Trinity.
There is some debate between denominations on how all this operates in unity; however, essentially these are the core believes. The most important take away is Yahweh’ is the God of Israel. Not Egypt. Not Lebanon. Not Jordan. We as Christians share a unique Covenant with the Holy Spirit. Unlike a promise, a covenant means there will be consequences if you separate. 

Idolatry.

By now, you may have some questions.

Can Christians share their gospel to people outside their religion?
Well, Paul believed so. Although the Holy Spirit prevented him and his team from entering Asia, They were directed and received to share the gospel in Macedonia. (Which is modern day Europe.) 

Asia and Paul just didn’t agree. (Acts 16:8)

Can Christians participate in worship of other gods and goddesses? (Judge 11:24, 1 Kings 11:33) The Bible calls this Idolatry.

So why did the Holy Spirit block Paul from entering Asia?

Honestly, I can’t say for sure but I find this a very strategic move which a believe blocked foul play from Paul’s mission. Allow me to paint a picture of what Idolatry is so you can get a better picture of how crucial of a move this was.

Idolatry is the worship of Demons or Devils. Also known as shedim  (Deu 32:17) which can also be interpreted as God or Goddesses.

Demons are disembodies spirits. They do not have physical bodies in the natural realm but operate in the spirit realm.
There are two realms, the Spirit Realm and the Natural realm. If you watched Anime, SCI-FI or major Hollywood movies like Black Panther or Avengers - you are aware of this. However, you may not be aware that the bible talks about these two realms a lot. 

So let’s transition back to what Ancient Hebrews think Idols are.

Myth: Idols are not lifeless figures carves out of wood, clay or stone.

“ What Ancient idol worshippers believed was that the object they made were inhabited by their gods. This is why they performed ceremonies to ‘open the mouth’ of the statue, the mouth (and nostrils) had to be ritually opened for the spirit of the deity to move in and occupy, an idea that one needs to breath to live. The idol first had to be animated with the very real spiritual presence of the deity. Once that was done, the entity was localized for worship and bargaining.” ( John H. Walton, “Demons in Mesopotamia and Israel: Exploring the Category of Non-Divine but supernatural Beings,” in Widows to the Ancient World of the Hebrew Bible: Eassays in Honor of Samuel Greengus [ Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2014], 229-46).

Paul clarifies that sacrifices to idols are sacrifices to demons. (1Cor:10 Deu 32:17; Psalm 106:37.)

Again, the spiritual beings, deities, god or goddess are known as the shedim. They do not have physical bodies but always desiring a body. The shedim  were suppose to be spirit beings guarding foreign territory. They were often cast as guardians or protective entities who must “NOT” be worshipped. The shedim became corrupt and again, illegal for Israelite worship. (Deu 4:19-20, 17:3, 29:25, 23:17)

As previously stated, Israel is suppose to worship her own GOD. Yahweh. The God of gods. The LORD of Lords. The living God. (Deu 29:25) Yahweh is meant to be worshiped alone. No other god stands before Yahweh.

Now that we have our history lesson, let’s analyze some trending wellness practices with philosophical background has made it’s way to the group fitness studio or inner healing circles. I’m constantly running into people either on instagram or in person whom Yoga, Reiki, Chakras, energy, or Sound Bowls have entered their Christian homes. The allure is that they assist with relaxing, healing and fitness. Considering my background, I curious to know if they ever received what they originally intended. My solution for my Christian Brothers and Sisters is to do your own research, read the bible and seek wise council. You will not be able to live a Holy Life Alone. We need people to lift us up when we are weak, encourage us when we feel defeated and celebrate with us  during our victories.

Unpacking Yoga 

Yoga is apart of the Ancient Hindu religion. It was practice by Buddhists, Jainas and Ajuikas. It was first mentioned in the Indian holy text, Rig Veda, as a dedication to the Rising sun goddess in the morning.That goddess’s name was Savitri.

Essentially, Savitri is the Goddess of the sun who rides through the sky each day granting long live to humans and immortality to the gods.

Yoga also means to yoke. My understanding, you yoke yourself to whatever it is you are dedicating your ‘worship’ too. I found it difficult to navigate the founders of each type of yoga and their philosophies; however, the most popular ones were performed by the Brahmanical. The Brahmans were a class in Hinduism specializing as priests, teachers, and protectors of sacred learning. Sound familiar? A quick google search will assist with some of the different types of yoga and their affliction to the Vedas. 

It’s interesting to note that Sun worship is nothing new. Sun worship is found is Indian, Greek, Mayan, Incan, Babylonian and Egyptian culture.

So why is it bad?

Sun worship is Idolatry and Israel has her own God. Yahweh warns repetitively he will destroy the sun images (Lev 26:35) and it’s worshippers (Deu 4:14.)

 Lets look at Israel again. Israel has a history of Kings worshipping the Sun. Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, built alters to the host of heaven and worshipped them even in the house of the Lord. (22 KINGS 21:3-5) Some kings of Judah dedicated horses and chariots to worship the Sun and burn incense (2 King 23:5, 11.) Side note: Burning Incense are also a form of worship. It may be good practice to acknowledge who you are worshiping at that moment and how you can tell you worshiping who you think you are. I can’t tell you what the consequences will be if you declare Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior but outwardly participate in the worship of the shedim. I understand Yahweh operates in Grace and Mercy. But I can tell you, worship is sacred. It invites the spirit into your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Worshiping the shedim is a violation of our covenant with Yahweh, threatens our connection with the Holy Spirit, and weakens our consecration. The Holy Spirit is what Jesus Christ gave up to us when he died on the cross and rose 3 days later. The Holy Spirit is what should guide us in prayer. The Holy Spirit is our outward declaration to the natural realm and the spirit realm that we are joint heirs with Christ. It declares we are adopted into a royal priesthood. It denotes that we are the Sons of God and that we have authority over the earth. In addition, gives us the authority to cast out demons and devils  from our atmospheres and people. Now, I don’t know about you - maybe you like to walk the line and play with God/Yahweh.
But for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Questions to consider:

1. Do you have the Holy Spirit?

2. Consider the person who introduced yoga, chakras, sound bowls and Reiki to you and their lifestyle. Is their lifestyle what you desire?

3. Why have you decided to include these practices inside your Christian Practices?

4. Do you have Christian support around you that you can pray and hold one another accountable with? Are you a power player in that group?

Let’s join together and Pray for Wisdom and Direction:

Abba,

Thank you for being a master builder. Thank you for being a God of Unity and Order. Thank you for a mind to Glorify you today. Thank you for a peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for all the seen and unseen obstacles you protected us from. Thank you for being there. Thank you for loving on us. Thank you adopting us into your family. Thank you for your correction. You are the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. You are a way making God. You are a POWERFUL GOD. You are God over the heavens and earth. You are our Rock. You are our Foundation. You are our Father in heaven. Forgive us. Lord Forgive us for disregarding your instructions. We are sorry! We repent from our ‘independent’ thought. We repent for thinking we can do life in our own strength, in our own power and in our own strategies. Forgive us Lord.  We repent from our disobedience and rejection. We repent for our lack of consecration. You said in your word that we present our bodies as living sacrifices. You said in your word that our bodies our temples of the Holy Spirit. Lord, Forgive us. We say, YES, to your will. We say YES to your ways. You said in your word, Wisdom is the principal thing Grant us wisdom for in our entrepreneurial pursuits and business models that will glorify you in the Market place. Give us the ears to hear your word, the strength to walk in your obedience and the submission to obey. Forgive us for disregarding your instructions. Do not give us up to our sinful lust and desires. Speak to us Lord. Do not turn from us. We will listen and Obey.
I surrender this plan I made for myself without consulting you.
Speak Lord.
I invite you into my exercise practice. From my music selection, to my movement, to how I communicate to my class and fellow instructors.

I’m sorry.
Save us.

In the name of Jesus Christ, I break every invisible yoke that’s complicating our purpose in life. In the name of Jesus Christ, we close the backdoor to the demonic. Lead us to a fitness and wellness program that allows us the freedom to represent you. Guide us to a way where we can whole heartedly honor you with our Bodies, minds, soul and spirit.

I give you all the Honor, all the Glory and all the Praise.

By Faith, it is so.

Journal:

After this prayer, Journal any thoughts you have, movies that play in your mind, images you see, songs you have heard, visions that pop in your head as you are going through this process. Be raw about it. Write how you feel.
Afterwards, invite the Holy Spirit to show you scriptures of the truth. Try to find the root as to why you feel the way you feel.