Yoga - The Devils Stretch?

I saw a headline today that said and I quote: "Southern Baptist Seminary President Albert Mohler says the stretching and meditative discipline derived from Eastern religions is not a Christian pathway to God.
Mohler said he objects to "the idea that the body is a vehicle for reaching consciousness with the divine."
"That's just not Christianity," Mohler told The Associated Press"
 You can see the article here.

Nevertheless, this is what I see as a typical Baptist reaction. Let me clarify that my roots in growing up are Baptist. It's also the reason I quit going to church for better than half my life. I am saddened and somewhat angered by such statements.

Recently I thought I learned my lesson from challenging a Pastor for I certainly don't want to disturb the flow of God's work. In this case I can't help myself and I have to speak up. I feel God wants me to because this is just wrong. I contacted Mr. Mohler and below is my e-mail to him. 

Dr. Mohler -

I'm limited on time here so forgive me for being frank. Your recent stance on Yoga is disturbing to me as a Christian. Yoga in no way is a separation from Christ. It's origins may be from a different culture with another religion but what else will you exclude? Chinese food? Kosher Dills? Martial Arts? Any activity that derives from outside the Baptist culture? I grew up Baptist and this is exactly what drove me AWAY from Christ for many years.

Fortunately I am with a church now that focuses on a living relationship with Christ and the Holy Bible is our Scripture. It doesn't say anything about "Satan's Yoga", or wearing a coat and tie to church. It doesn't place man made rules and ideals above the ideals Jesus set for us.

Jesus went to the wicked and saved. As he parted he asked we do things as and greater than he did. If a Yoga class was filled with Buddhist or Hindu, or simply lost souls, going there would be an opportunity to tell them about Christ. Telling your followers to avoid this exercise, as if it were wicked, is not only incorrect but it robs Christians from the opportunity of following Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

How can we do this if we avoid exposing our self to the world. If I can "walk through the valley of the shadow of death", surely with Christ, I can attend a yoga class and walk out a better Christian.

Sincerely -

James Victor Webb

Christ Follower

If You agree with me I urge you to express yourself to Dr. Mohler as well. Be nice, expose your love for Christ, and let God do the rest. You can contact him here.

Side note - My UGA dawgs are in a bad way and face a pathetic UT that is playing above the talent level they possess.  If we lose to the lowly Vols at home after the season we've had so far, a turd of epic proportions is going to hit the proverbial fan.  Go Dawgs - please!