I find this quote from Mr. MacArthur rather disturbing. The “idea” of Christianity is not the bible, but to love God and to love others. We’ve made Christianity all about the bible, when it should be the other way around – the bible is about Christianity.

After reading your November 21, 2007 post, I was reminded of some of the letters I have received that accuse me of “attacking” Benny Hinn.

Although the information I and others provide presents solid documentation and appropriate Biblical references, I have even been accused of altering audio and video tapes, fabricating word-for-word transcripts, lying, name-calling, and slander, and even received a letter from Hinn’s attorney in the early 1990’s warning me to back off.

Well, one look at my website will demonstrate that I haven’t backed-off of exposing Benny Hinn as the world’s most prolific false prophet, false teacher, and false healer of our day. And there is solid, irrefutable documentation to back it up.

Sadly, many who follow and adore Benny Hinn fail to do two things: 1. Read the article(s) thoroughly. 2. Most importantly, Test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

To many of his followers, Benny Hinn can do no wrong. “He’s an anointed man of God!” they shout. “Stop attacking Benny Hinn!” they scream. “You’re a child of the devil!” they maintain.

But the truth behind their staunch support of Benny Hinn is that they have been slowly conditioned to believe in Hinn, regardless of what he says or does.

Nevertheless, when I receive letters filled with accusations, I generally respond with something like, “Please take the time and show me where I have made a false accusation, or a mistake in documentation, and I will gladly repent and correct the error.”

Although in most cases there is no reply from the accuser, some have even apologized for their non-Christian attitude and appreciate the information, of which is always written as “telling the truth in love.”

It is not necessary for me at this time to debate the “movements of the body” and stretches in so-called “Christian Yoga.” I and others on this blog have addressed the issues thoroughly, and have provided solid, irrefutable documentation to back it up. Most importantly, we have included what God says about participating in a pagan practice.

However, while you are certainly entitled to your own opinion, when the words “slanderous talk” are thrown into the mix, it makes my skin crawl.

From a legal standpoint, the word “slander” is defined, in part, as: “an untruthful oral (spoken) statement about a person that harms the person’s reputation or standing in the community.”

To accuse someone of “slander” is to call them a liar–one who purposely fabricates deception. A liar has no proof to stand on, and rests his words on the hope that people will agree with him. The lie survives until, that is, someone comes along and reveals the truth, in love, with solid documentation.

Thus, I would caution you on your useage of the word “slander” in future writings, unless, that is, you can cite the slanderous statement specifically.

Confronting a brother who is in error or sin is Scriptural. If the brother refuses to right the wrong and/or repent, it is Scriptural to expose the brother publicly. Refer to the articles at:

http://www.pfo.org/revisitg.htm
http://www.pfo.org/notjudge.htm

I love John MacArthur in Christ. However, during his public interview on Yoga, he stated that if Yoga is performed as “…just purely exercise, and you’re a strong Christian, it probably wouldn’t have any impact on your faith” (see above).

As of this writing, to my knowledge, John MacArthur has not exercised accountability to the body of Christ by righting the wrong of his statement. While his statement is disturbing in-and-of-itself, I wonder how many innocent, unwary Christians will be led into thinking that the pagan practice of Yoga can be Christianized?

Words are important, whether spoken or written. Unless care is taken, words will return to haunt the one they originated from.

Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
Jude 3

Are not all or most all of our Christian celebrations built on or attuned to the once pagan seasonal changes in the year? Are we not all called to meditate on these things as David did in the Psalms? I personally have suffered moments of sadness that were relieved only when I allowed myself to be “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) I have not sought the demonic serpent embodied as such in certain movements of the body, but rather have sought such movements as will stretch and release the tension of the day, all the while giving glory to God my Father and Creator who created me and knows my innermost being (Psalm 139).

Lastly I just want to say, concerning such strong quarrelsome name-calling and slanderous talk against one who is a preacher of the Gospel, Hebrews 12:14 & 15 says, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

Perhaps the discussion on Yoga needs to be put aside and our own actions and reactions repented of moreover as the more serious offense in this case? Just a thought from one who does not claim to be so intelligent that I cannot say what Jesus would have said about yoga, but I can say what He said about our relationships with one another.

Rather than take the time to write a detailed, line-by-line rebuttal to your comments, I offer the following for your consideration.

“Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed” (Proverbs 27:5)

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

While I love you in Christ, I am angry right now. Whether you realize it or not, in one fell swoop you under-minded the efforts of those of us who are battling against the epidemic infestation of Yoga and the New Age Movement within the body of Christ (which obviously includes Christian bookstores, churches, colleges, and universities).

Prior to your involvement with Yoga, had you spent time studying God’s word, placed Jesus Christ first in your life, followed the clear-cut commands of Scripture, and educated yourself on Yoga and the New Age Movement, you would not have become involved with Yoga in the first place.

And, whether it was shipped to the U.S. in a wooden crate, floated in from India in a bottle, or dropped from the sky by a migrating gooney bird, it doesn’t matter where Yoga came from. Yoga and its postures are occultic paganism, overshadowed by the prince of darkness.

For those on this blog who are interested in knowing what permeates Yoga and its postures–regardless of whether it has been “Christianized” or not–read the following articles:

“KUNDALINI ENERGY: Yoga’s Power, Influence, and Occult Phenomena in the Church” by Chris Lawson at http://tinyurl.com/3yhwue .

“KUNDALINI SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS” by El Collie
http://www.elcollie.com/st/symptoms.html .

Chris Lawson is a Christian apologist. El Collie, who died in 2002, was a long-time Yoga practitioner, who may have been demon-possessed.

To those who are practicing Yoga, I hope the above articles scare your socks off, and drive you away from Yoga and into the arms of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 5:20).

While Yoga is being billed as nothing more than innocent, simple exercises, keep in mind that some of the most beautiful and innocent looking flowers and plants contain some of the most deadliest poisons known to man (check out the chart at http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/publications/poison/poison.html ).

Yoga is dangerous to the mental, physical, and spiritual welfare of the believer, as well as those searching for a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ. Occultic, pagan practices, such as Yoga, poisons the minds of the unsaved and draws them further away from the One Who loves them the most.

Stephanie, write me at admin@christianresearchservice.com , include a mailing address, and I will send you some free books on the dangers of Yoga and the New Age Movement–from a Christian perspective.

In the meantime, I pray that God will be merciful and open your eyes to the truth.

Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
http://www.christianresearchservice.com
Jude 3

I would like to point out the inaccuracy in many of the statements above, including John MacArthur’s. First, I would like to say that yoga did not “derive from Hinduism”. Yoga PREDATES Hinduism and was adopted by Hinduism as well as other world religions. Yoga was developed in ancient times out of a desire for health and long life. The Indus-Sarasvati Civilization depicted figures of yoga as they observed movement of animals (flexibility, balance, endurance, strength, and suppleness). On that note, I will agree that yoga has been adopted and reformed by the Hindu culture…in which I would not take part in. So, I am in agreement with the argument that Christians should stay away from yoga, if you are practicing yoga as a form of the Hindu religion. However, that is taking yoga as an extremely general term.

When I teach and practice yoga, it is purely for exercise. Again, suggesting that ALL yoga has to connect the body with the mind, is not accurate. I have very popular yoga classes that only incorporate yoga as exercise. I would like to also make note that many common exercises have derived from or include yoga; such as pilates, many step and aerobic positions, and athletic stretches.

I would also like to say that I teach yoga as a class/outreach at my church. This has brought many unsaved women, including a Hindu woman, into our church that would have never entered. It has been a great way to reach women in our community. Would you suggest that God has not been glorified in this? I would never want to offend another brother and my ultimate goal in life is not to be a great yoga instructor, it is to be a servant of God and to honor Him. It is about being relevant in our culture, which is exactly what Paul did when he incorporated pagan terminology and gave it a new, Christian meaning. I have heard said that, “You can take the same brick and throw it through a window or you can use it to build a hospital.” It is not the object that is evil, it is man that is evil.

In closing, I would like to add that I am not really that interested in standing on a pedestal for yoga, it really doesn’t matter that much to me. I just wanted to clarify some of the misconceptions that have been made. I enjoy staying fit and doing many exercises, including yoga, to keep the body that God has given me healthy. I love the Lord and hope to continue to be an instrument in His hands by using the talents that he has given me for His glory.

“If men worship the stars, should they be plucked out of the sky?” Martin Luther

“I would have to say I would answer the same way, I want nothing to do with yoga, however if some mature brother who was of mine were to happen into some EXCERCISE CLASS that was using yoga stretching exercises I probably wouldn’t be worried that it would open him up to something SPIRITUALLY DANGEROUS (as the question implied).”

Mr. Coward, please take a moment and look at what you stated. In one breath you want “nothing to do with yoga” and that you would not recommend Yoga. But in another breath you state, “…however if some mature brother who was of mine were to happen into some EXCERCISE CLASS that was using yoga stretching exercises I probably wouldn’t be worried that it would open him up to something SPIRITUALLY DANGEROUS…”

That’s like saying, “I totally avoid poisonous snakes, but it’s okay if my friend fools around with them because he has done it for years.”

Experienced or not; mature or not, people are bitten by poisonous snakes every year. Therefore, the best way to avoid being bitten by poisonous snakes is to stay completely away from them.

What we, as Christians, should say is, “Yoga is an integral part of Hindu paganism. Yoga is DANGEROUS to the SPIRITUAL welfare of the believer. Stay completely away from Yoga, period!”

R. Coward wrote:

“And, I would add our God is a holy God, a consuming fire, false religions are not something we should see how close we can play next too without getting burned.”

Excellent point! False religions carry with them their own baggage of gimmicks, scams, tricks, deception, and man-made gods (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)–all of which is overshadowed by Satan and his minions:

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

So called “Christian Yoga” is in-your-face syncretism (an effort to blend Christianity with Hindu paganism). While many professing Christians say, “Uh, I don’t have a problem with it,” God commands Christians to leave it alone.

Telling Christians that as long as Yoga is used as “purely exercise, and you’re a strong Christian, it probably wouldn’t have any impact on your faith” (as John MacArthur clearly stated), is the same as telling a friend its okay to fool around with poisonous snakes.

The bite of the snake that overshadows Yoga poisons its victims with spiritual destruction. It is the same serpent that tempted Eve in Genesis chapter 3.

And to this day, thousands of years later, the serpent continues to slither into the hearts and minds of the unwary–laughingly hissing the praises of so called “Christian Yoga.”

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21)

Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press
Jude 3

Needs to be read in the context of the question that was asked him. Which was…”What am I opening myself up to spiritually that could go against my Christian faith?”

I would have to say I would answer the same way, I want nothing to do with yoga, however if some mature brother who was of mine were to happen into some EXCERCISE CLASS that was using yoga stretching exercises I probably wouldn’t be worried that it would open him up to something SPIRITUALLY DANGEROUS (as the question implied).

Would I recommend he do it? Should he do it, knowing it’s pagan roots? No, along with John MacArthur I would ask him, “Why borrow a term that has been part of a false religion for centuries”?

And, I would add our God is a holy God, a consuming fire, false religions are not something we should see how close we can play next too without getting burned.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. I do not receive glory from men; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:39-47).

And Who is Jesus Christ? The One Who appeared to Abraham (Genesis chapter 18); the One Who the Father called “God” (Hebrews 1:5-8); and the One Who will return:

“Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:7-8).

This same Jesus, Who is the greatest example of love and compassion, also said:

“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

We are saved by God’s grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

You must be born again (John chapter 3).

In Christian love,
Bud Press