Yoga

This mystical and self-denying philosophy of the Hindu religion focuses on the physical body through special postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, which is alleged to be the path to spiritual growth and enlightenment. It encourages participants to focus on themselves and to seek the answers to life’s difficult questions within their own consciousness and it is claimed this abstract meditation to release the follower’s soul from the endless cycle of reincarnation. In contrast, Christian meditation is centred on God and godly values with the Bible’s advice: "Fix your thoughts on what is true, honourable, and right. Think about things that are pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Phil 4:8).

A Christian should not practice yoga as its root philosophy denies God, and devotees seek to enhance spiritual energy based on false (Hindu) teachings with are incompatible with genuine Christianity. Many of those who adhere to New Age beliefs practice yoga, as do those who are involved in the occult and martial arts.