Trish Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Anyway...I thought religious intolerance was against the law. Indeed it is but shouldn't religious sensitivity be more important? If anyboby finds any of my actions, faith based or not, offensive then once aware of it I would think strongly about doing such actions, especially on those peoples property. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Anyway...I thought religious intolerance was against the law. i personally do not have any problem with yoga - I can't do it, I don't bend in the places i should - but I don't object to it even if it has Hindu and Buddhist associations - they disagree as to what it is about - but its origin is not about becoming more bendy - as it is seen over here. If a group isn't yoga - then it should not be called yoga. it is basically a meditation/contemplation technique (which has always been part of Christianity) - and is variously about.. meditation, contemplation, abstaining from sin, purity, focusing on God, aligning your consciousness with the object of meditation - none of which things are alien to Christianity. however... It is not the job or duty of the church to provide and maintain space and facilities for any group that wants it. If it were not for churches then (certainly around here) 90% of local community groups would be homeless. A church has no obligation to offer accommodation to anyone - why would they? if those churches have a problem with yoga - then that is their right to - and there is no earthly reason i can think of why anyone should think they can insist that they accommodate a particular group. (as Helen said - it was unfortunate that they said yes - then no - and that is unfortunate - but then I doubt we know the full story) as regards religious intolerance and the law - no, it is not illegal for a church to deny accommodation to a yoga group - any church has a right to decide its own hiring policy. people may moan at the church all they like - but i don't see many other organizations breaking any sweat to provide accommodation for community groups my own church in upminster has a yoga group - and a karate group - i have no objection to either - i don't believe for a moment that you can accidentally engage in worship - worship has to be a deliberate, intentional activity - otherwise it is meaningless.. but - I would defend the right of any church to operate their hiring policy according to their own beliefs (it's called integrity) - even if i totally disagree... Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gooner.girl Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 imy own church in upminster has a yoga group - and a karate group - i have no objection to either - i don't believe for a moment that you can accidentally engage in worship - worship has to be a deliberate, intentional activity - otherwise it is meaningless.. Of course you can't worship 'accidentally' Phil, thats not the issue the pastor has here, its the opening of your mind to things that as a christian may not be good for you - to quote one of the ministers in the article: "Any alternative philosophies or beliefs are offering a sham - and at St James we want people to have the real thing. The philosophy of yoga cannot be separated from the practice of it, and any teacher of yoga (even to toddlers) must subscribe to the philosophy. As Christians we believe that this philosophy is false and not something we wish to encourage. Yoga may appear harmless or even beneficial, but it is encouraging people to think that there is a way to wholeness of body and mind through human techniques - whereas the only true way to wholeness is by faith in God through Jesus Christ." As christians we should believe we are fighting a spiritual war and opening yourself up in this way is not healthy - it may not have any obvious outward effect on your faith but i believe it has all sorts of effects we probably don't realise.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 Crikey, its all too complicated for me Glad to be on the fence religion wise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 "Any alternative philosophies or beliefs are offering a sham - and at St James we want people to have the real thing. I rest my case. Funny innit.....another Christian religion also reckons it is the only one true holy and apostolic faith too.....they can't all be. I'm going to venture to suggest that religion is a matter of geographical chance anyway for most people...... apart from those who seek out a meaningful way of developing a relationship with their god, whoever he or she might be, instead of simply following the beliefs/habits of their parents/community. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 I'm going to venture to suggest that religion is a matter of geographical chance anyway for most people...... apart from those who seek out a meaningful way of developing a relationship with their god, whoever he or she might be, instead of simply following the beliefs/habits of their parents/community. Totally agree there, hence the difference for me between "religion" and "Faith" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
