“…in contrast to assumptions intrinsic to Yoga, Christianity teaches on the basis of the Holy Scriptures that salvation becomes the personal possession of an individual through faith alone in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ.”

The popular discipline of meditation and stretching is so interwoven with Eastern mysticism that it is “at odds with the Christian understanding,” Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler wrote on Monday on his blog.

“Christians are not called to empty the mind or to see the human body as a means of connecting to and coming to know the divine,” Mohler wrote.

“Believers are called to meditate upon the Word of God — an external Word that comes to us by divine revelation — not to meditate by means of incomprehensible syllables.”

Mohler’s posture has drawn a mix of bafflement and criticism from those who practice yoga, which is even taught in many churches and which many people see as unrelated to its ancient roots in India.

Nicole Soteropoulos, a Louisville yoga teacher, called Mohler’s stance “an ignorant statement, based on fear,” and invited him to one of her classes.

“Yoga is an exercise, health and wellness system,” said Soteropoulos, who describes herself as spiritual. “It’s so old that it belongs to humanity. It’s not based on a religion.”

While some people use it for spiritual practices, many practice it for its physical benefits, such as a reduction in stress, heart rate and blood pressure. Soteropoulos said she gave up smoking and lost 60 pounds as she began practicing yoga.

Read More: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100921/FEATURES10/309210079/1008/NEWS01/Yoga+can+be+dangerous+to+Christians++faith++says+Louisville+s+Southern+Baptist+Seminary+President

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