Yoga and Christianity a Conflict?

Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very fewnon-sectarian. Now, if Yoga were a religion, which
things in Yoga that conflict with Christianity. Somewould it be? The principles of Yoga are universal.
critics argue that Yoga and Christianity cannot co-exist,The Yamas and Niyamas are similar, in principle, to the
and yet we know that Yoga is not a religion.Ten Commandments, but as a Christian you have the
However, that depends on your opinion. Recently, Iright to pick and choose what you want from Yoga.
was reading about someone who claims Kundalini isYou also have the right to avoid sectarian ashrams.
"new age witchcraft."Yoga practice, and meditation, give many Christians,
Sorry to say, another person recently stated, "GoodJews, Buddhists, Hindus, and Moslems, a closer
Christians should avoid the devil's exercise," inconnection to God, but there will always be someone
reference to Yoga.who feels tempted to change their faith.
Are the Salem witch trials still so close to our hearts?Let's be honest, the people who worry about a sudden
These claims are interesting because ministers andchange of faith are, for the most part, rooted in two
priests have been practicing meditation for centuries,distinct camps of thought.
without any complaints.1. Someone who is on the fence about their own
I suppose, if someone devoted enough time toreligion and not quite sure where they really stand.
meditating on bad thoughts, meditation would be a bad2. Severe intolerance of any idea that is new or might
experience.result in opening the mind.
To be honest, it depends upon what you meditateLet's stop the intolerance now. When you are driving in
about; and in truth, within some schools of Yoga,your car, waiting in line, or come face-to-face with
Hinduism, or Buddhism is taught. For me, this hassomeone who is different from you, please set an
always been a conflict, as I love Yoga, but have noexample for your children and give the other person a
desire to change my faith.break.
The many teachings of Yoga and meditation, are