John MacArthur and Yoga-Hot Off The Press
Note before article-I just want to say I think John MacArthur is a wonderful man of God and strong defender of Gods Word. Of course there are certain Calvinist leanings I would disagree with John on but all and all I think he is a wonderful preacher. Reading Johns book "Charismatic Chaos" help prepare me for what I went through playing in many TBN and Word Faith churches.
That being said John was wrong to imply that a strong Christian could practice yoga. Even though John discouraged the practice in the next statement he made he still left the door open by his first statement which is misleading and wrong.
I called John out on this at the Pulpit Magazine blog and John needs to correct, clarify and repent of the statement that yoga is ok for a strong Christian (whatever that means).
John needs to do this publically if he does not want to confuse the Body Of Christ.
Which he has done by his misleading statement.
Tim Wirth
Letter to Dr. John MacArthur
Is it okay for a 'strong Christian' to practice Yoga?
by Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
September 20, 2007
Introduction: Dr. John MacArthur is the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, president of The Master's College and Seminary, host of the nationally syndicated radio show Grace to You, a prolific author, and the Editor-in-Chief of Pulpit Magazine which, according to its blog, is both magazine and blog ( http://www.sfpulpit.com/about/ ).
According to the Pulpit Magazine, on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, "John MacArthur was asked by CNN to participate in a live discussion on the topic of yoga and Christianity, for a segment of Prime News with Erica Hill. The other guest in the discussion was Doug Pagitt, a pastor in Minneapolis and a recognized leader in the emerging church movement" (the transcript and video may be reviewed at http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/09/13/john-macarthur-doug-pagitt-and-yoga/ ).
After a careful review of the transcript and video, Christian Research Service (CRS) wrote a letter to John MacArthur (below), and made numerous attempts to contact him afterwards. While CRS did receive replies from Nathan Busenitz, a member of MacArthur's staff, as of this writing there has been no reply from MacArthur.
In his correspondence with CRS, Busenitz stated that a quick reply could not be promised, although he would try to ask MacArthur before he leaves to travel out-of-state and overseas. According to Busenitz, MacArthur would not return until October 13.
CRS explained that while MacArthur's busy schedule was taken into account, time was of the essence, due to the fact that CRS has heard from fellow Christians, of whom were just as concerned or confused over MacArthur's statement during the CNN Prime News interview.
Indeed, had CRS's attempts to contact MacArthur revolved around a simple question or comment, waiting weeks or a month for a reply would be acceptable. However, because of the potentially high number of people who could watch the CNN Prime News segment, or read the Pulpit Magazine transcript in question, and because of the confusion certain statements may present, it is critical that this situation receives immediate attention.
It needs to be noted here that on the Pulpit Magazine website, it states that the magazine's Editor-in-Chief, John MacArthur, "is well aware of the articles that are posted here. And we also make sure to print out pertinent comments for him to read" (Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.sfpulpit.com/about/ ).
With that in mind, note that Pulpit Magazine has a Response section, where in his September 14 post, Tim Wirth, Director of The No Goofy Zone ministry, shared his concerns about MacArthur's statement.
Other ministries, such as Lighthouse Trails Research (September 13 post) and CRS's Bud Press (September 16 post), shared their concerns as well.
Finally, in no way should this information and letter be viewed as a public denouncement of John MacArthur, but rather an urgent call for correction and clarity regarding the serious matter of Yoga and the body of Christ. In the days where spiritual deception is at an all time high within Christianity, let us be reminded of what the word of God tells us:
These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates (Zechariah 8:16).
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another (Ephesians 4:25).
Letter to Dr. John MacArthur
September 14, 2007
Dr. John MacArthur, Pastor
Grace Community Church
13248 Roscoe Blvd.
Sun Valley CA 91352
P: (818) 909-5500
F: (818) 909-5712
http://www.gracechurch.org/
Dear John:
This letter is in regards to a particular statement you made during the live interview titled, "John MacArthur, Doug Pagitt, and Yoga" (Pulpit Magazine, September 13, 2007, http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/09/13/john-macarthur-doug-pagitt-and-yoga/ ).
During the interview, CNN Prime News anchor Mike Galanos asked you:
Alright, let’s say I do decide to try yoga, head to the local gym, give it a shot. What am I opening myself up to spiritually that could go against my Christian faith?
You replied with:
Well that would depend on how the yoga is conducted. If it’s just purely exercise, and you’re a strong Christian, it probably wouldn’t have any impact on your faith. But in the big picture, why would Christians want to borrow an expression from a false religion, from pantheism (god is everything, you’re god, everything is god), when we believe there’s only one true God (the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ). Why would we need to import that? If you want to exercise, exercise. But why borrow a term that has been part of a false religion for centuries?
Granted, your statement correctly termed Yoga as being a part of a "false religion" and "pantheism." However, my concern is with the first sentence of your statement:
Well that would depend on how the yoga is conducted. If it’s just purely exercise, and you’re a strong Christian, it probably wouldn’t have any impact on your faith.
John, as one among many who is battling against Yoga and the New Age within the body of Christ, your statement is not only disturbing, it has the potential to mislead gullible and innocent Christians into thinking that as long as they steer clear of the religious aspects of Hinduism, the use of Yoga postures as a method of exercise is acceptable.
Moreover, if your statement were true, then a "strong Christian" would have nothing to fear from participating in a Christian Wicca ritual, having their palms and stars read by a Christian Astrologist, or fellowshipping with Roman Catholics, atheists, and Buddhists in a Christian Zen Workshop.
But your statement isn't true, due to the fact that God warns the believer not to participate in or have anything to do with pagan practices:
But they mingled with the nations and learned their practices, and served their idols, which became a snare to them (Psalm 106:35-36).
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Colossians 2:8).
Nowhere in Scripture--from Genesis to Revelation--does God advocate, encourage, promote, or support the believer's involvement with Yoga or any other pagan religious practice. Yoga is a cult of self-worship, and self-worship is idolatry, of which God commands the believer to avoid (1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:21).
Although Yoga instructors here in the U.S. would like for Christians to think different, Yoga is not just a simple exercise. Yoga postures are designed for worship of Hindu gods (see Southern Baptist 'Kids' Bowing To Yoga for further information).
In his book, Yoga and The Body of Christ, Dave Hunt explains in no uncertain terms that,
Yoga is dangerous. Yoga is deceitful. The "correct" pursuit of yoga is designed to call upon demonic power and influence; it invites inside us the very separation from God and ultimate destruction it claims to forestall. Yoga is not good for anyone; clearly it is not acceptable for Christians (The Berean Call Pub., 2006, p. 159).
In his article, Dealing with the Demonic, Dr. Jimmy Draper (former President of the Southern Baptist Convention and LifeWay Christian Stores), warns that,
Our society is ripe for demonic activity. Our preoccupation and even "flirting" with the occult invites demonic oppression. Even the seemingly innocent and careless use of occult tools is tragic. Things like the use of a Ouija board, astrological horoscopes, witchcraft, and even yoga are dangerous and provide openings for the demonic into unsuspecting lives.
John, Yoga within the body of Christ is at epidemic proportions, and has infiltrated churches, bookstores, colleges, and universities across the nation. I pray you will prayerfully consider the above and set the record straight immediately and publicly.
Thank you, John. We are here to assist you. In the meantime, I look forward to your reply at your earliest possible convenience.
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
www.christianresearchservice.com
[phone number edited]
Jude 3
Bud Press is the Director of Christian Research Service and a Christian Investigative Researcher. Christian Research Service is a discernment ministry that provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to the body of Christ and the Christian news media worldwide.
That being said John was wrong to imply that a strong Christian could practice yoga. Even though John discouraged the practice in the next statement he made he still left the door open by his first statement which is misleading and wrong.
I called John out on this at the Pulpit Magazine blog and John needs to correct, clarify and repent of the statement that yoga is ok for a strong Christian (whatever that means).
John needs to do this publically if he does not want to confuse the Body Of Christ.
Which he has done by his misleading statement.
Tim Wirth
Letter to Dr. John MacArthur
Is it okay for a 'strong Christian' to practice Yoga?
by Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
September 20, 2007
Introduction: Dr. John MacArthur is the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, president of The Master's College and Seminary, host of the nationally syndicated radio show Grace to You, a prolific author, and the Editor-in-Chief of Pulpit Magazine which, according to its blog, is both magazine and blog ( http://www.sfpulpit.com/about/ ).
According to the Pulpit Magazine, on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, "John MacArthur was asked by CNN to participate in a live discussion on the topic of yoga and Christianity, for a segment of Prime News with Erica Hill. The other guest in the discussion was Doug Pagitt, a pastor in Minneapolis and a recognized leader in the emerging church movement" (the transcript and video may be reviewed at http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/09/13/john-macarthur-doug-pagitt-and-yoga/ ).
After a careful review of the transcript and video, Christian Research Service (CRS) wrote a letter to John MacArthur (below), and made numerous attempts to contact him afterwards. While CRS did receive replies from Nathan Busenitz, a member of MacArthur's staff, as of this writing there has been no reply from MacArthur.
In his correspondence with CRS, Busenitz stated that a quick reply could not be promised, although he would try to ask MacArthur before he leaves to travel out-of-state and overseas. According to Busenitz, MacArthur would not return until October 13.
CRS explained that while MacArthur's busy schedule was taken into account, time was of the essence, due to the fact that CRS has heard from fellow Christians, of whom were just as concerned or confused over MacArthur's statement during the CNN Prime News interview.
Indeed, had CRS's attempts to contact MacArthur revolved around a simple question or comment, waiting weeks or a month for a reply would be acceptable. However, because of the potentially high number of people who could watch the CNN Prime News segment, or read the Pulpit Magazine transcript in question, and because of the confusion certain statements may present, it is critical that this situation receives immediate attention.
It needs to be noted here that on the Pulpit Magazine website, it states that the magazine's Editor-in-Chief, John MacArthur, "is well aware of the articles that are posted here. And we also make sure to print out pertinent comments for him to read" (Frequently Asked Questions, http://www.sfpulpit.com/about/ ).
With that in mind, note that Pulpit Magazine has a Response section, where in his September 14 post, Tim Wirth, Director of The No Goofy Zone ministry, shared his concerns about MacArthur's statement.
Other ministries, such as Lighthouse Trails Research (September 13 post) and CRS's Bud Press (September 16 post), shared their concerns as well.
Finally, in no way should this information and letter be viewed as a public denouncement of John MacArthur, but rather an urgent call for correction and clarity regarding the serious matter of Yoga and the body of Christ. In the days where spiritual deception is at an all time high within Christianity, let us be reminded of what the word of God tells us:
These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates (Zechariah 8:16).
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another (Ephesians 4:25).
Letter to Dr. John MacArthur
September 14, 2007
Dr. John MacArthur, Pastor
Grace Community Church
13248 Roscoe Blvd.
Sun Valley CA 91352
P: (818) 909-5500
F: (818) 909-5712
http://www.gracechurch.org/
Dear John:
This letter is in regards to a particular statement you made during the live interview titled, "John MacArthur, Doug Pagitt, and Yoga" (Pulpit Magazine, September 13, 2007, http://www.sfpulpit.com/2007/09/13/john-macarthur-doug-pagitt-and-yoga/ ).
During the interview, CNN Prime News anchor Mike Galanos asked you:
Alright, let’s say I do decide to try yoga, head to the local gym, give it a shot. What am I opening myself up to spiritually that could go against my Christian faith?
You replied with:
Well that would depend on how the yoga is conducted. If it’s just purely exercise, and you’re a strong Christian, it probably wouldn’t have any impact on your faith. But in the big picture, why would Christians want to borrow an expression from a false religion, from pantheism (god is everything, you’re god, everything is god), when we believe there’s only one true God (the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ). Why would we need to import that? If you want to exercise, exercise. But why borrow a term that has been part of a false religion for centuries?
Granted, your statement correctly termed Yoga as being a part of a "false religion" and "pantheism." However, my concern is with the first sentence of your statement:
Well that would depend on how the yoga is conducted. If it’s just purely exercise, and you’re a strong Christian, it probably wouldn’t have any impact on your faith.
John, as one among many who is battling against Yoga and the New Age within the body of Christ, your statement is not only disturbing, it has the potential to mislead gullible and innocent Christians into thinking that as long as they steer clear of the religious aspects of Hinduism, the use of Yoga postures as a method of exercise is acceptable.
Moreover, if your statement were true, then a "strong Christian" would have nothing to fear from participating in a Christian Wicca ritual, having their palms and stars read by a Christian Astrologist, or fellowshipping with Roman Catholics, atheists, and Buddhists in a Christian Zen Workshop.
But your statement isn't true, due to the fact that God warns the believer not to participate in or have anything to do with pagan practices:
But they mingled with the nations and learned their practices, and served their idols, which became a snare to them (Psalm 106:35-36).
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ (Colossians 2:8).
Nowhere in Scripture--from Genesis to Revelation--does God advocate, encourage, promote, or support the believer's involvement with Yoga or any other pagan religious practice. Yoga is a cult of self-worship, and self-worship is idolatry, of which God commands the believer to avoid (1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:21).
Although Yoga instructors here in the U.S. would like for Christians to think different, Yoga is not just a simple exercise. Yoga postures are designed for worship of Hindu gods (see Southern Baptist 'Kids' Bowing To Yoga for further information).
In his book, Yoga and The Body of Christ, Dave Hunt explains in no uncertain terms that,
Yoga is dangerous. Yoga is deceitful. The "correct" pursuit of yoga is designed to call upon demonic power and influence; it invites inside us the very separation from God and ultimate destruction it claims to forestall. Yoga is not good for anyone; clearly it is not acceptable for Christians (The Berean Call Pub., 2006, p. 159).
In his article, Dealing with the Demonic, Dr. Jimmy Draper (former President of the Southern Baptist Convention and LifeWay Christian Stores), warns that,
Our society is ripe for demonic activity. Our preoccupation and even "flirting" with the occult invites demonic oppression. Even the seemingly innocent and careless use of occult tools is tragic. Things like the use of a Ouija board, astrological horoscopes, witchcraft, and even yoga are dangerous and provide openings for the demonic into unsuspecting lives.
John, Yoga within the body of Christ is at epidemic proportions, and has infiltrated churches, bookstores, colleges, and universities across the nation. I pray you will prayerfully consider the above and set the record straight immediately and publicly.
Thank you, John. We are here to assist you. In the meantime, I look forward to your reply at your earliest possible convenience.
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
www.christianresearchservice.com
[phone number edited]
Jude 3
Bud Press is the Director of Christian Research Service and a Christian Investigative Researcher. Christian Research Service is a discernment ministry that provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to the body of Christ and the Christian news media worldwide.
posted by Tim Wirth | 11:06 AM
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