Saturday, November 22, 2008

Yoga Deemed Inappropriate In Malaysia.

I found an interesting article about yoga today and thought it was very telling. The headline shouted the news:

Islamic Leaders in Malaysia Ban Yoga for Muslims

The article goes on to say this:

"Malaysia's top Islamic body on Saturday banned Muslims from practicing yoga, saying the Indian physical exercise contains elements of Hinduism and could corrupt Muslims."


Farther into the article is another very telling paragraph:


"We are of the view that yoga, which originates from Hinduism, combines physical exercise, religious elements, chanting and worshipping for the purpose of achieving inner peace and ultimately to be one with god," he said. "It is inappropriate. It can destroy the faith of a Muslim," he said."


Tell me again why a Christian would think this is "appropriate" to be involved in? That doesn't make sense at all, and yet, I know Christians who think it is "OK" to be involved in yoga. Feel free to share your thoughts.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm with you!
Our Pastor warned about yoga way back when it was just starting.
Seems like the more popular it gets the more Christians think it must be all right.

Kristi said...

Hi Anne~
I think most Christians involved in Yoga don't KNOW it is a religious element. Because it is marketed as simply exercise. If you watch most all yoga segments on TV or purchase most all yoga videos, there is nothing about religion in them. It's all stretching exercises. There is not enough education on the subject.

~Kristi

Tori Leslie said...

Wow, I'm not surprised and you're right. What a Christians doing practicing it?

Good post!