First of all in response to Ankerberg's articles the accusations of the evils of "yoga" in relation to the lady that obviously was taking part in a class where there was focus on the Eastern Aspect. I highly caution any Christian not to attend such a class in the first place. I would have to question the foundation of faith of this Christian and ask if she was truly seeking Gods discernment if she should go to a second class or a third class if there was anything that went against the instruction and obedience of adhering to God's word from the very beginning. I agree that you cannot separate the physical aspect of yoga from the "spiritual" in a class instructed by a follower of yogic mentality and easternism/hinduism that is why you should not take such a class. Just like anything else there is going to be a wide range of instruction and guidance when you come under any one's teaching authority-such as the case in anything...preachers, teachers, counselors especially. There are those that are Godly and will lead you into a deeper understanding and conviction of God's word or there are those that are "false teachers" spoken of in 2 Peter that will lead you astray, it is up to those that are following to seek discernment. There are many things/choices in this world that we have to be wise and discerning in whether it will lead us to God and a life of holiness/separate from the world or a life separate from God and away from holiness.
I do not support Yoga as a whole and that is why the class I teach is not yoga/nor is it called yoga.. but 1 COR Word, Worship and Wellness. I may incorporate some of the poses that are known as yoga to someone who knows or has done yoga before because of the physical benefit of them along with them being a posture of either praise and/or submission to God. I also use traditional stretches and pilates, it is basically an exercise program that honors God. The physicalness of the class should not raise any concern because my teaching does not address or emphasize any of the things the "false teachers and deceivers" of eastern hinduism teach along with the poses as the poses themselves achieving anything--It is God only that heals but I believe He created the body and when we take care of it in a God honoring way He is honored and then we can be healed. This is why there is always an aspect of the class at the conclusion in which I instruct people to pray and ask God to search their hearts to see if there is any sin or any offensive way in them and to ask for cleansing and healing in whatever God reveals. From the very beginning the class's focus is that of knowing God's word and praising Him wholeheartedly. I do not teach self acceptance but rather self denial. I make a point of every class of dying to the desires of the flesh and asking God to examine you and empty you of the sinful nature and be renewed by the transforming of your mind by studying, memorizing and applying the scripture of focus for the class. I believe in this hectic world especially it is sometimes a challenge for people to truly "be still and know that He is God"(Ps 46:10) and the purpose of this class is that...that through doing a quiet contemplative in nature worship centered class women can come to a place of stillness before God to seek Him and His word and by applying it be renewed.
I do not see exercise as "the" means of knowing God more deeply. I see it as "a" means to which if we choose to do everything as if unto the Lord and not to men (Col 3:23) by worshiping Him through song and meditating on scripture rather than on things of the flesh it can be a pathway on the journey of growing deeper in love and awe of Him. Exercise in general is sometimes geared towards beauty, image, weight etc.. especially for women having those issues. Therefore I truly use any exercise we are doing as a posture of either praise or submission/surrender, which is something that would be more understood once taking part or observing the class. I believe as Christ said you will know them by the fruit they bear. I have never had anyone take a class of mine and have any question about whether or not Christ was exalted and the flesh submitted and I have had very solid bible believing and fearing women in my classes It is obvious to me after teaching this class for a few years now that the fruit is that of Godliness. If anything it has taught people who may have been wavering on weather to attend any outside yoga class instructed by anyone other than a Christian from a Christ centered approach to reconsider. I have seen nothing but positive from this class as women learn how to honor God and integrate scripture into their exercise routines and thus by doing so grow closer to God.
In closing I think it is important that we do not find ourselves in the same legalistic thinking and tendencies of the pharisees as in Luke 13 when they questioned Jesus' healing on the sabbath simply because of the laws. Always pray and seek discernment first most, but realize that somethings need to be looked into further before making judgement.
I love God and I love to worship him and thus I reflect this in my choice of exercise as a way to express both, there is nothing else to it than that!
