Christian Forums

Though our home gym keeps me fit including doing 200 push-ups a day, I've considered starting Yoga with a qualified instructor. Knowing Yoga has roots in Hinduism, is this form of exercise acceptable to Christians?

Friends who practice Yoga say it's a great way to exercise, keep fit and take meditation and relaxation to a higher level, but being a dedicated Christian I would shun being lead into the mysticism that encompasses this spiritual and ascetic discipline. Thoughts, anyone?



* Edited for a typo

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 05:06:52
Though our home gym keeps me fit including doing 200 push-ups a day, I've considered starting Yoga with a qualified instructor. Knowing Yoga has roots in Hinduism, is this form of exercise acceptable to Christians?

Friends who practice Yoga say it's a great way to exercise, keep fit and take meditation and relaxation to a higher level, but being a dedicated Christian I would shun being lead into the mysticism that encompasses this spiritual and ascetic discipline. Thoughts, anyone?



* Edited for a typo

I'm not going to get into comments on Hinduism.

What I would say is that we should be skeptical of anything that suggests we should just empty our minds and then supposedly we will be filled with beautiful and intriguing thoughts.

What Scripture tells us is: "Gird up the loins of your mind" (1 Peter 1.13); in other words, be careful how you think. Meditating positively on Scripture is far more constructive than emptying one's mind.

I refused to let my kids participate in yoga in school.

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 05:06:52
Though our home gym keeps me fit including doing 200 push-ups a day, I've considered starting Yoga with a qualified instructor. Knowing Yoga has roots in Hinduism, is this form of exercise acceptable to Christians?

Friends who practice Yoga say it's a great way to exercise, keep fit and take meditation and relaxation to a higher level, but being a dedicated Christian I would shun being lead into the mysticism that encompasses this spiritual and ascetic discipline. Thoughts, anyone?

Why should a girl do push up? God created women to have a certain amount of fatted tissues, and in certain parts of their female body it looks great and every true man would testify to that. Push up are more for men than women.

Yoga seems to be for those who have very little thoughts toward God. Besides, bodily excise profited very little, godliness much more a worthy thing to give oneself to, having not ONLY a promise of a long life, ALSO, that which is to come.

Quote from: Paul1st Timothy 4:8~"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

Exercise does not translate into living longer, even healthier, GODLINESS DOES! The world has it all backwards like they do everything else. But what's new under the sun...nothing.  I believe God not the gurus. 

Quote from: faroukfarouk on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 07:20:35
I'm not going to get into comments on Hinduism.

What I would say is that we should be skeptical of anything that suggests we should just empty our minds and then supposedly we will be filled with beautiful and intriguing thoughts.

What Scripture tells us is: "Gird up the loins of your mind" (1 Peter 1.13); in other words, be careful how you think. Meditating positively on Scripture is far more constructive than emptying one's mind.

Okay this is good and what I wanted to know because I also found 1 Peter 1:13. Thank you.   

Quote from: RB on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 08:14:52
Why should a girl do push up? God created women to have a certain amount of fatted tissues, and in certain parts of their female body it looks great and every true man would testify to that. Push up are more for men than women.

Yoga seems to be for those who have very little thoughts toward God. Besides, bodily excise profited very little, godliness much more a worthy thing to give oneself to, having not ONLY a promise of a long life, ALSO, that which is to come.Exercise does not translate into living longer, even healthier, GODLINESS DOES! The world has it all backwards like they do everything else. But what's new under the sun...nothing.  I believe God not the gurus.

Hello RB, thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I do hard exercise to protect myself from being attacked ever again. Working out is for that feel-good factor. I'm the kind of woman who loves a healthy lifestyle, eating well (though I enjoy the occasional whisky).

I do push-ups or "press-ups" as all part of my daily fitness routine which I've been doing since giving birth to Peggy. Having been attacked (and subsequently raped = later giving birth to Peggy), I vowed that learning self-defence alongside being fit would give me enough to floor a 300 pound man. I belt the living daylights out of a punchball, too, and I believe that exercise in gym should be for men and women. Though I fear no-one, I don't have the butch look that many women have, I look lovely and feminine, but have an edge about me.

'certain amount of fatted tissues' - ah yes, that's what sports bras are for, my dear brother in Christ. 

Thank you also for the Scripture and your thoughts against Yoga. It was good I asked, I needed to know.

Thank you also, @Faithbuilders

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 08:44:57
Okay this is good and what I wanted to know because I also found 1 Peter 1:13. Thank you.   

YW; this is the verse that came to mind.

Quote from: RB on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 08:14:52
Why should a girl do push up? God created women to have a certain amount of fatted tissues, and in certain parts of their female body it looks great and every true man would testify to that. Push up are more for men than women.

you're kidding right... Women should exercise, a fit woman not only looks hot, but can do more, for God first, then for there family, and also even for themselves.

QuoteYoga seems to be for those who have very little thoughts toward God.

I agree

Quote

Quotebodily excise profited very little

, godliness much more a worthy thing to give oneself to, having not ONLY a promise of a long life, ALSO, that which is to come.Exercise does not translate into living longer, even healthier, GODLINESS DOES! The world has it all backwards like they do everything else. But what's new under the sun...nothing.  I believe God not the gurus.

The scripture that you quoted does say that the body profits little..... But it DOES profit! Yes exercise WILL lengthen your physical life, and make you far healthier than those that don't exercise! I do agree that you need godliness more than exercise, for without that then all your have is little profit, or non at all: but for a godly person exercise will do you good!

P.S.  Dulcie; I am proud of you... doing 200 pushup a day keep it up. I would just be very careful with that yoga stuff.

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 10:51:04
you're kidding right... Women should exercise, a fit woman not only looks hot, but can do more, for God first, then for there family, and also even for themselves.

I agree
, godliness much more a worthy thing to give oneself to, having not ONLY a promise of a long life, ALSO, that which is to come.Exercise does not translate into living longer, even healthier, GODLINESS DOES! The world has it all backwards like they do everything else. But what's new under the sun...nothing.  I believe God not the gurus.


The scripture that you quoted does say that the body profits little..... But it DOES profit! Yes exercise WILL lengthen your physical life, and make you far healthier than those that don't exercise! I do agree that you need godliness more than exercise, for without that then all your have is little profit, or non at all: but for a godly person exercise will do you good!

P.S.  Dulcie; I am proud of you... doing 200 pushup a day keep it up. I would just be very careful with that yoga stuff.

Well, I am Godly! I've put my faith into my life, my business practice, my home and being a great mother to Peggy. We read our Bibles together and pray. Last year when I told her she was born from my being raped, she hugged me with so much love that I realised what a tremendous job our dear Lord has done in her life. Peg uses our home gym though not as powerfully as I drive myself; we live healthy lives and enjoy even a run along the beach. It also was on that same beach a few years ago that I gave testimony to a crowd of tourists that had gathered at my baptism.

Rather than in church and witnessing to the converted, I got baptised in the sea and after my dunking in the water by my pastor, I spoke of Jesus Christ changing my life and the reason I wanted to be baptised in the sea. But before my public baptism though, I grabbed a garden fork and with my pastor, pushed it into the ground to claim the area for our Lord.

I'm known in our town for being a devout Christian. I was interested in taking up Yoga only for a different branch of exercise, but Yoga is not going to happen after my having asked on the forum and receiving some excellent replies. Anything I'm unsure of, brings me here to ask. Thank you!   

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 11:08:58
Well, I am Godly! I've put my faith into my life, my business practice, my home and being a great mother to Peggy. We read our Bibles together and pray. Last year when I told her she was born from my being raped, she hugged me with so much love that I realised what a tremendous job our dear Lord has done in her life. Peg uses our home gym though not as powerfully as I drive myself; we live healthy lives and enjoy even a run along the beach. It also was on that same beach a few years ago that I gave testimony to a crowd of tourists that had gathered at my baptism.

Rather than in church and witnessing to the converted, I got baptised in the sea and after my dunking in the water by my pastor, I spoke of Jesus Christ changing my life and the reason I wanted to be baptised in the sea. But before my public baptism though, I grabbed a garden fork and with my pastor, pushed it into the ground to claim the area for our Lord.

I'm known in our town for being a devout Christian. I was interested in taking up Yoga only for a different branch of exercise, but Yoga is not going to happen after my having asked on the forum and receiving some excellent replies. Anything I'm unsure of, brings me here to ask. Thank you!   

WOW! You are quite a woman  keep up the good work, and spirit of excellence. 

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 11:31:34
WOW! You are quite a woman  keep up the good work, and spirit of excellence. 

Thank you @Faithbuilders, but I feel pretty ordinary really. What I would like in my church are some more single people like me, but almost all are married couples and after church, nothing happening for singles. That is a terrible shame, even though as music leader I've asked the pastor and elders enough times. The church could be fantastic for singles.

Another reason why I've always been super fit was because our island is craggy and I've a 'muscle' vehicle to get us through flash floods from the island's often violent weather. Recently I found us a house live high up overlooking Port de Sóller only because last July 16 very early when we were leaving Alcúdia's open air market, we got caught in that freak tsunami that also rounded on Menorca. Had we an ordinary car like a Fiat, I'm sure the engine would have flooded, but my truck has a periscope for deep water wading, and a winch. After the surge receded, I used the winch to drag a car back out of the sand. 

It was unsettling enough as it was, but I've trained in off roading and belong to a club. So being an outdoorsy, it's fun being with our buddies and also Peggy simply loves trucking around with me! As I said, I'm ordinary, but like to keep fit.

What do you enjoy doing, Fathbuilders? What's your hobby?

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 11:49:59
What do you enjoy doing, Fathbuilders? What's your hobby?

Looks like quite the excitement at you're end: As for being single, trust God, He will bring your perfect man, (at least perfect for you). I enjoy simple programing, I am working on designing some family-friendly computer games. Also I am writing some childrens books; (I don't have much talent in the graphics department yet, so I am looking at some options.) I did start a workout program, not nearly as advanced as you yet, but I'll get there. I love praising God with the dance, that is the "cardio" part of my workout.

I also wanted to say, after what you have been through, you did not take it laying down, you got right back up, kicked the devil in the teeth... you are defiantly NOT ordinary, you have s strength that God will use to help encourage others. The man that gets you will be one blessed man! God bless you greatly.

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 12:07:31
Looks like quite the excitement at you're end: As for being single, trust God, He will bring your perfect man, (at least perfect for you). I enjoy simple programing, I am working on designing some family-friendly computer games. Also I am writing some childrens books; (I don't have much talent in the graphics department yet, so I am looking at some options.) I did start a workout program, not nearly as advanced as you yet, but I'll get there. I love praising God with the dance, that is the "cardio" part of my workout.

You're writing children's books? How wonderful!  You could easily get a graphics artist from an art college, and the students wouldn't charge a fortune.

Have you considered writing ebooks with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing? I can pm you their website. You can earn 70% royalties almost across the globe. Getting 70% is far better than going through a publisher and you'd have to fish around for an agent. Literary agent's fees can rack up to 20% whereas if you can format HTML with your computer programming knowledge, it would be a doddle. Publishers take a lot more percentage than Amazon do. Also, when logged on to Amazon Kindle you can easily do edits in real time and your customers would download ebooks with immediate edits. Whereas with a book publisher you'd have reprocess all your documents. One of my aunts is a writer for Amazon Kindle. For her privacy I won't tell you her name, but she's hugely popular.

'Praising God with the dance'. Ahh, how I'd love to dance in church worship! Just not with a guitar! 

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 12:26:00
I also wanted to say, after what you have been through, you did not take it laying down, you got right back up, kicked the devil in the teeth... you are defiantly NOT ordinary, you have s strength that God will use to help encourage others. The man that gets you will be one blessed man! God bless you greatly.

That is so kind of you to say so! Our Lord has been so good to me, faithful and patient and loving. No, it hasn't been easy. But then, the Christian life isn't easy because it's about being obedient in ouir lives to God, and reading our Bibles and learning and yes, I love encouraging others. But isn't it great that all of us each have a gift we can use for our Lord's glory? Be it in church or out on the street witnessing? Though if our walk with the Lord is good, then everyday we live our lives in the power of the Holy Spirit. And that is testament in itself.

I guess one day I'll find a man strong in the Lord. How about Indiana Jones type? 

I've got to go and fill up my little gas guzzler, then take Peg out to pig out. We've got no food in the larder yet. Talk about being disorganised!

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 13:10:40
You're writing children's books? How wonderful!  You could easily get a graphics artist from an art college, and the students wouldn't charge a fortune.

When my children were in private school, I did look at asking the school to do it as an art project, then receive a percentage. But never did.

QuoteHave you considered writing ebooks with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?

Yes, I bought a program for helping with that; perhaps talking with you is the confirmation I need to do just that. Thank you!

QuoteI guess one day I'll find a man strong in the Lord.

You deserve it.

QuoteHow about Indiana Jones type? 

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 13:42:37

Yes, I bought a program for helping with that; perhaps talking with you is the confirmation I need to do just that. Thank you!

I told aunty and she said you should go for it. Ebooks are very popular now and Kindle have a marvellous selection of children's books. Just try KDP and see how you chug along with it.

And this is what I chug along with, "Your little boy" Peggy laughs. He's two year's old now, a bit dented and scraped and never ever washed. http://www.tweakedautomotive.com/listings/land-rover-defender-90-110-tweaked-spectre-edition/ I've got the '90, it goes like a tank. No wonder drivers steer clear! 

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 14:01:58
And this is what I chug along with, "Your little boy" Peggy laughs. He's two year's old now, a bit dented and scraped and never ever washed. http://www.tweakedautomotive.com/listings/land-rover-defender-90-110-tweaked-spectre-edition/ I've got the '90, it goes like a tank. No wonder drivers steer clear! 

Nice. 

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 14:10:46
Nice. 

Thank you! And please pm me if you take up with KDP. From an economics view it's got to be a win. Later once your children's books start selling, then they will pique a publisher's interest. That was the route aunty went through and I'm so proud of her. 

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 14:17:42
Later once your children's books start selling, then they will pique a publisher's interest. That was the route aunty went through and I'm so proud of her. 

Thank you, I'll re-look into that option. but first, graphics; I don't have a lot of money right now, so I am avoiding paying someone outright for my first book; until I know how well they will do.

P.S. I wish your Aunt could give some personal advice from someone whos done it.

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 14:36:10
Thank you, I'll re-look into that option. but first, graphics; I don't have a lot of money right now, so I am avoiding paying someone outright for my first book; until I know how well they will do.

P.S. I wish your Aunt could give some personal advice from someone whos done it.

I'll ask aunty when I see her at the weekend, she's gone home now having eaten with us when we decided to get a takeaway. If you like, could you pm me one of your children's books to appraise? You don't have to, but I'd be most interested. When evening falls, I'm a bookwormy

Quote from: Dulcie on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 14:55:33
If you like, could you pm me one of your children's books to appraise? You don't have to, but I'd be most interested. When evening falls, I'm a bookwormy

Thank you, I could do that, if I ever get one done... it seems to be taking forever. I do have the text of a pile of short stories done that I had planed to compile together in a multi-story childrens book complete with games and puzzles. I am just working on the graphics now, and since I don't really know what I am doing in that area, it is taking a very long time.

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Thu Sep 20, 2018 - 23:38:46
Thank you, I could do that, if I ever get one done... it seems to be taking forever. I do have the text of a pile of short stories done that I had planed to compile together in a multi-story childrens book complete with games and puzzles. I am just working on the graphics now, and since I don't really know what I am doing in that area, it is taking a very long time.

Good morning Faithbuilders!

Please excuse me if I sould jumbled, but had a bad night (the usual nightmares of memories past) and despite my fitness I'm not a morning person.

Writing will take over your life; story making reels our whole being in. I'm written some short stories (nearly typed shirt, haha!) and the character building and plotting completely takes over!

I assume you've already plotted the story, built the protagonist and now you need a graphics guy/gal?

As a hobby I bought a writer's course with writers bureau.com and was assisgned a professional writer to work with over a time to suit me. It was excellent and through successfully publishing, managed to get the cost of my course back. I did it when age 15 and that was back in 2009. The cost of the course was about £300.

Scuse me a mo. Need a cuppa tea

Quote from: Dulcie on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 00:23:36
Good morning Faithbuilders!

Good morning to you; good night to me, I just got off work, now I am on my way to bed.

QuotePlease excuse me if I sould jumbled, but had a bad night (the usual nightmares of memories past)

I will pray for you: Ps 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
and you ARE His beloved!

QuoteWriting will take over your life; story making reels our whole being in. I'm written some short stories (nearly typed shirt, haha!) and the character building and plotting completely takes over!

I assume you've already plotted the story, built the protagonist and now you need a graphics guy/gal?

Yes, but I am looking it some 3d art programs for doing that, I have also been looking at the idea of taking pictures of real people, then cartooning them; I think that would be different for a book.

QuoteScuse me a mo. Need a cuppa tea

I hope you have a wonderful day, I'm off to bed. g'night

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 00:43:57
Good morning to you; good night to me, I just got off work, now I am on my way to bed.

I will pray for you: Ps 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
and you ARE His beloved!

Yes, but I am looking it some 3d art programs for doing that, I have also been looking at the idea of taking pictures of real people, then cartooning them; I think that would be different for a book.

I hope you have a wonderful day, I'm off to bed. g'night

Taking pictures of real people and cartooning them could lead you into unwelcome litigation so don't do it! When fiction is being written, to prevent libel you must state at the beginning of the book: "This story is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are a work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons. living or dead, events or localities, is entirely coincidental" .

Thank you for that verse. Unfortunately I had to stay up late because of a family incident, and waking early  for something else. I do like my bed, but thank you for the gentle admonishment. 

Sleep well and sweet dreams!

Quote from: Dulcie on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 01:02:17
Taking pictures of real people and cartooning them could lead you into unwelcome litigation so don't do it!

I would of course get there permission, (starting with friends and family), most likely signed permission before I took there picture. And I would also give them a little money. Nothing illegal, or wrong. They would sign a waver so they would know exactly what the pictures were used for.

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 07:38:55
I would of course get there permission, (starting with friends and family), most likely signed permission before I took there picture. And I would also give them a little money. Nothing illegal, or wrong. They would sign a waver so they would know exactly what the pictures were used for.

I do apologise. Just felt concerned. 

Aunty has arrived with our shopping so I grabbed her. She said she would be delighted to offer you help, so over the weekend she will dictate me a letter which I will pm to you. She's a sweet soul only too glad to help. One thing she warned you must never do is waste your money 'Vanity Publishing' and continues,

"It's a sure way of throwing money down the drain," she said. "Also you must avoid publishers claiming in advertisements that they can get you out there and selling in no time at all, and also you must resist any emails from similar remarking that they like your style and want your work. Another, and this is noteworthy is that bone fide publishers would never approach you that way, or advertise in that style."

Quote from: Dulcie on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 07:52:46
I do apologise. Just felt concerned. 

No prob, I understand, thanks for being concerned.

QuoteAunty has arrived with our shopping so I grabbed her. She said she would be delighted to offer you help, so over the weekend she will dictate me a letter which I will pm to you. She's a sweet soul only too glad to help. One thing she warned you must never do is waste your money 'Vanity Publishing' and continues,

"It's a sure way of throwing money down the drain," she said. "Also you must avoid publishers claiming in advertisements that they can get you out there and selling in no time at all, and also you must resist any emails from similar remarking that they like your style and want your work. Another, and this is noteworthy is that bone fide publishers would never approach you that way, or advertise in that style."

Thank you ever so much. And say thank you to your aunt also.

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 08:03:05
No prob, I understand, thanks for being concerned.

Thank you ever so much. And say thank you to your aunt also.

Aunty had to return to Deià, but will be back on Sunday since I'll be working tomorrow. Better get my pencil sharpened. 

Quote from: Dulcie on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 07:52:46
I do apologise. Just felt concerned. 

Aunty has arrived with our shopping so I grabbed her. She said she would be delighted to offer you help, so over the weekend she will dictate me a letter which I will pm to you. She's a sweet soul only too glad to help. One thing she warned you must never do is waste your money 'Vanity Publishing' and continues,

"It's a sure way of throwing money down the drain," she said. "Also you must avoid publishers claiming in advertisements that they can get you out there and selling in no time at all, and also you must resist any emails from similar remarking that they like your style and want your work. Another, and this is noteworthy is that bone fide publishers would never approach you that way, or advertise in that style."

I've seen that disclaimer in a book. 

Quote from: faroukfarouk on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 08:25:15
I've seen that disclaimer in a book. 

I took it out of a splendid paperback I'm reading. (Notes from an exhibition by Patrick Gale).   

Some time ago when I was playing around with cartooning picture, Created this....


 
     

The horse is a real horse that I cartooned and colored in, I removed the back ground and created my own background from a kids drawing program.

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 12:21:15
Some time ago when I was playing around with cartooning picture, Created this....


 
     

The horse is a real horse that I cartooned and colored in, I removed the back ground and created my own background from a kids drawing program.

Interesting...

Also I was wondering if you knew the law on using copyright pictures? Mainly, if I change high  percentage of the picture, can I then use it as my own? For example the cartooned picture is from the follow picture I got off Google....


 
     
As you can see, I changed so much of it, you can hardly notice the original picture in it.

Quote from: Faithbuilders on Fri Sep 21, 2018 - 12:29:31
Also I was wondering if you knew the law on using copyright pictures? Mainly, if I change high  percentage of the picture, can I then use it as my own? For example the cartooned picture is from the follow picture I got off Google....


 
     
As you can see, I changed so much of it, you can hardly notice the original picture in it.

@Faithbuilders I don't know about copyright law regarding images except being obliged to reference a link if allowed to publish, say, on a forum. Also Hotlinking would be tantamount to bandwidth theft, so therefore copywrite applies to Internet images so
you'd have to trace the horse picture on Google, locate the artist, then write asking permission to reproduce it in your publication.

Regarding Hotlinkin g, you may find this interesting:  http://altlab.com/hotlinking.html