Tim Suttle has a new post called Why Are Evangelicals Losing Influence?
Here's an excerpt,
"The evangelical church will have its impact on American culture not through political maneuvering, lawsuits, electing evangelical candidates, controlling the arts, or boycotting movies and products, but when evangelicals begin to embody the virtues derived from our faith. Kindness, generosity, peacefulness, hospitality, patience, self-control -- these are radical virtues that should define the people called evangelicals. Instead we are largely defined by what we are against (like yoga and evolution). Popular evangelical leader Rick Warren once noted the church was meant to be the body of Christ, but it seems "The hands and feet have been amputated and we're just a big mouth." He's right. The evangelical church will enjoy great influence on American culture when it once again becomes the hands and feet of Christ, when it begins to act like the church. How this works out is always different in every context, but Jesus taught it always involves two simple things: love God, love your neighbor."
Read whole post here.
Freakin amen! This really puts into words what I've been feeling lately. I'm a southern baptist, and many of my leaders tick me off with what they are "fighting for." I'm tired of being associated with my denomination because of how they act. How about we stay out of politics and go and make disciples? Geez... :)
Posted by: Heather Campbell | June 29, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Great thoughts. How do we move beyond what we are against to who we are for?
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Boer | June 30, 2011 at 01:36 PM
I'm sure the world will fall at the feet of Jesus now that they know we are against yoga. Whew!!! That was a close call.
Posted by: Jeff King | June 30, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Great Quote! I love yoga, and it really connects my mind body and soul to my maker. I read your book Presence Centered Youth Ministry. I'm recommending it to everyone I know! Definitely God is using it as a turning point in my life.... Hope all is well. -Brittany Lotito (Salvation Army)
Posted by: Brittany Lotito | June 30, 2011 at 02:59 PM
Thanks Brittany for you kind words. Blessings to you.
Posted by: Mike | June 30, 2011 at 03:03 PM
Hey Jeff,
Yep, it seems so ridiculous. I've never done Yoga so I guess I'm still "in".
Posted by: Mike | June 30, 2011 at 03:04 PM
I hear this all the time! I've taught yoga for years, practice it regularly and, hmmmm.....my soul seems healthier and closer to God. But, I've been called a heretic before. At least I'm in good company.
Posted by: Leslie | July 01, 2011 at 10:55 AM
At my college we call the yoga class "stretching and strengthening." :)
Posted by: Heather Campbell | July 01, 2011 at 02:57 PM
I think it should be mentioned that the original question in the pew forum survey did ask about "engaging in yoga as a spiritual practice" which is slightly different than going to a yoga class period. Not much difference, but with a question phrased in such a way, it's easy to see why so many evangelicals answered the way they did. (other questions on the survey were potentially misleading as well, such as the reading the bible literally question).
This does not discount the idea behind the post/original article but it's possible that using this yoga stat is slightly misleading
Posted by: paul | July 03, 2011 at 05:49 AM