Yoga dangerous, theologian says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — 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 late last month in 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 taught in many churches and which many people see as unrelated to its ancient roots in India.

Nicole Soteropoulos, a yoga teacher in Louisville, Ky., 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.

Yoga is a "mind-body practice ... with origins in ancient Indian philosophy," according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health.

It involves numerous lineages of teachings, but most popular forms in America stem from the "hatha" lineages and include various postures, breathing exercises and meditative techniques.

Dayna Gelinas, who teaches yoga from a Christian perspective at New Day Yoga in Kennesaw, Ga., said she shared Mohler's concerns about the Hindu roots of the practice. But she said that just as followers of other religions lift their arms, kneel and prostrate in worship, that shouldn't prevent Christians from using such physical practices.

"My yoga practice is a celebration of what I have through Jesus," she said. "As a Christian, I see practicing meditation as practicing quiet prayer. So I'm sitting in God's presence, resting in the work that Jesus has done."