Four Christian Disciplines?

[Prober]

There are four main paths of Yoga.

I was thinking about different ideas of Christianity I've heard here and wondering if we could apply these paths to Christianity. They would be called:

Karma Christianity - The Path of Action
Bhakti Christianity - The Path of Devotion or Divine Love
Jnana Christianity - The Path of Knowledge or Wisdom
Raja Christianity - The Path of Physical and Mental Control

For a description of the yogic path, you can reference this link:

Sivananda - The 4 Paths of Yoga

What do you think? What would your path be?

I'd be about 2/3 Bhakti and 1/3 Jnana...

[Silas]

No thanks. We're good with the Bible and what God has been pleased to reveal to us. We dont need to incorporate wordly philosophies and miss what God demands of us, namely, to "come out from the world and be seperate."

[wil]

Divine Love and Raja for me...

[Zagreus]

Jnana and Raja Yoga by choice, affinity, and appeal, Prober. Karma and bhakti yoga as per recommendations from mentors, and by my own admission of what might help give me a better, more balanced approach. Does that make sense?

As for separateness, my view is 180 degrees from yours, Silas. In my understanding, this is the *only sin* which will characterize transgressors in days to come. The times, they are a-changin'.

And yoga disciplines, in the context of Hinduism - in the very least - are by no means "worldly philosophies." They may not appeal to you, but please at least respect that for hundreds of millions of Hindus, to say such would be an insult ... and no different than saying that "Christian prayer is worldly and unspiritual." That doesn't feel very good, does it?

There is a valid point to be made, and it *has* already been made, regarding the distinct revelation and completeless of a spiritual path (and discipline) found in the world's various religions. This can be emphasized without speaking pejoratively of other traditions or their corresponding practices.

~Zag

[Prober]

oh, p.s.

I'm not talking about changing Christianity - just a light-hearted way to discuss different paths...

[pattimax]

Good. I prefer the path of eternal life.

[wil]

If this thread is to risque over here...one can always have this dance on the Liberal Christianity board, where discussions are open....

[China Cat Sunflower]

Originally Posted by Silas

No thanks. We're good with the Bible and what God has been pleased to reveal to us. We dont need to incorporate wordly philosophies and miss what God demands of us, namely, to "come out from the world and be seperate."

He's asking what your area of interest in Christianity is. You know...some Christians focus on the "love your neighbor" thing, some are vitally interested in the Law, others focus on righteous action, and still others find the idea of Grace most appealing. Not that any one those things exist without reference to the whole, but each person has unique interests. That is to say, each person has a unique entry point from which to consider the whole.

Chris

[Prober]

Originally Posted by China Cat Sunflower

He's asking what your area of interest in Christianity is. You know...some Christians focus on the "love your neighbor" thing, some are vitally interested in the Law, others focus on righteous action, and still others find the idea of Grace most appealing. Not that any one those things exist without reference to the whole, but each person has unique interests. That is to say, each person has a unique entry point from which to consider the whole.

Chris

That's true. There's so much discussion of faith vs works, the law vs grace, etc.

Yes, Christ is the only path. But there are many paths to Christ.

Some feel they only need faith. Some find faith hard, but doing good easy.
Some try to rigorously keep the law and some realize their human weaknesses and just accept God's grace.

I was looking for an analogy as a means of discussing the individual's path.

For example, I believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible. God said it...

I understand that this seems silly sometimes in the modern world, but I have faith that God will eventually show it to be correct. I don't need to involve myself in endless "what if" discussions. I just have faith.

But some might grow closer to God through extensive study and that would be great, too.

(This thread could be moved if not appropriate and I appologize if I have offended.)

[Silas]

Originally Posted by China Cat Sunflower

He's asking what your area of interest in Christianity is. You know...some Christians focus on the "love your neighbor" thing, some are vitally interested in the Law, others focus on righteous action, and still others find the idea of Grace most appealing. Not that any one those things exist without reference to the whole, but each person has unique interests. That is to say, each person has a unique entry point from which to consider the whole.

Chris

Oh, sorry! My interest is in both understanding and doing the will of the Father, i.e., being santified and everything that is entailed in that whole process, e.g., growing in holiness, fruits of the spirit, etc., etc.

[Saltmeister]

Originally Posted by Zagreus

Jnana and Raja Yoga by choice, affinity, and appeal, Prober. Karma and bhakti yoga as per recommendations from mentors, and by my own admission of what might help give me a better, more balanced approach. Does that make sense?

As for separateness, my view is 180 degrees from yours, Silas. In my understanding, this is the *only sin* which will characterize transgressors in days to come. The times, they are a-changin'.

And yoga disciplines, in the context of Hinduism - in the very least - are by no means "worldly philosophies." They may not appeal to you, but please at least respect that for hundreds of millions of Hindus, to say such would be an insult ... and no different than saying that "Christian prayer is worldly and unspiritual." That doesn't feel very good, does it?

There is a valid point to be made, and it *has* already been made, regarding the distinct revelation and completeless of a spiritual path (and discipline) found in the world's various religions. This can be emphasized without speaking pejoratively of other traditions or their corresponding practices.

~Zag

Well . . . I kind of look at it this way.

I have no knowledge of Yoga, nor do I express Christianity using Yoga.

But . . . what if I did know Yoga? Would I still express Christianity through Yoga?

But I guess that's the thing. It's an expression. A language. It's about method and meaning. Yoga, as far as I know, is about method.

Christianity, though, doesn't seem to have method. It seems to focus on meaning.

One must also not overlook the fact that because Christianity is driven by meaning, it might be regarded as sacred to a lot of "Christians." Introducing method, rather like clothing and decoration to Christianity, might seem like maltreatment of the faith to those who want to preserve its meaning. Those in pursuit of something pure in meaning and "consistent in itself" may not find it appealing.

Finding elements in other faiths to supplement Christianity might not be so bad if one believes that certain things are simply "poorly expressed" in Christianity, or simply not addressed. But others may regard this as a betrayal of what Christianity means to them.

But that's the thing. It's how you express your beliefs and experiences. I think one has to be "diplomatic" when talking about Christianity and it's relationship with other religions. You don't want one group to think you're a traitor and another to think you're a bigot. I think it really depends on what you value. To let the one who might think you're a traitor know you're not a traitor you have to tell him what's really important to you, because he may think that because of certain other beliefs you have that you are disloyal to the core concepts of the faith. But you simply have a different way of achieving the same goal. Likewise, you would have to tell the one who suspects you of being a bigot that you simply regard certain things as important. Perhaps by explaining yourself the cynicism will evaporate.

Finally, Christianity is about one's relationship with God. Actually, all religions have something to say about one's relationship with God, even those that reject the existence of God. The rejection is part of the relationship. Perhaps we could say the religion itself is the relationship. The question, then is, do you merge Christianity with other faiths in that relationship, or do you keep other faiths separate from that relationship?

One may practice Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism, while being a Christian, but not include that in one's relationship with God. In other words, they keep Christianity separate. Christianity goes into its own little box. Christianity may well be their relationship with God, the other faiths being merely a leisure activity or past-time. Their God-directed devotion is through Christianity. There is no syncretism involved. For some, even this may be blasphemous to Christianity, despite having one's unrivaled devotion being directed to Christianity. Different people perceive it as Ok, others as unacceptable, even though ultimately, they give the same, equal devotion to Christianity.

Most importantly, though, I think there's a dilemma here.

If Christianity is your primary devotion, then your involvement in other faiths wouldn't affect your relationship with God through Christianity, as the other faiths are more like petty interests that are of no or insignificant consequence. Moreover, Christianity, I believe, was always meant to be about being led by and connecting with God, with everything else just falling away. So if one's pursuit of Christianity is persistent, the other faiths just "fall away." That is, unless you feel like holding on to them . . .

Nevertheless, Christianity is also sacred. Christianity has sentimental value. Inclusion of other religions can also be thought of as a desecration and defilement of Christianity. It's like a marriage. You might say to your husband or wife that you are emotionally attached to him or her but then pursue sexual and sensual gratification with another man or woman. You love your spouse, as he/she meets your emotional needs, but the affair meets your physical needs, your biological urges. There's the paradox/dilemma/irony/conflict of interest. I think it's a question of what's important to you. If you can reason with your spouse that you love them, then your marriage may survive . . .

Ultimately, I think it's between you and God. Nobody can really say you can't have Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam in your life (like another man or woman), as well as Christianity. If Christianity takes first place in your life then only you and God know the truth . . . and it was said that God was a jealous God. Seriously . . . I think religion is a bit like a spouse.

Maybe one's spouse can find a reason to accept another's physical, biological needs. Who knows? A spouse to share emotions with and a another to cohabit and copulate with . . . Is it all wrong? Is it ok if it makes one happy?

I honestly don't have the answers. I can only state the possibilities. (I do have beliefs, though. Beliefs for me, not for anyone else.)

[InLove]

Hi Prober--

Very interesting question you have posed. I don't know enough about yoga to really comment much at this point. But I wouldn't mind discovering more.

If it really turns out that this thread has to be moved, then I am thinking that the Lib board could work, but it might also be great in Comparative Studies.

InPeace,
InLove

[Prober]

Originally Posted by InLove

Hi Prober--

Very interesting question you have posed. I don't know enough about yoga to really comment much at this point. But I wouldn't mind discovering more.

If it really turns out that this thread has to be moved, then I am thinking that the Lib board could work, but it might also be great in Comparative Studies.

InPeace,
InLove

Thanks, InLove!

I intended to be thought-provoking, but it looks like it may be more just provoking.

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by wil

If this thread is to risque over here...one can always have this dance on the Liberal Christianity board, where discussions are open....

I don't see anyone busting chops...do you?

[InLove]

Originally Posted by Quahom1

I don't see anyone busting chops...do you?

Hi Q.

No, no chop busting yet. But I think it is safe to say there is an undercurrent. You are a great moderator, but judging from similar threads and some of the responses already present on this one, I'd say this idea is not all that welcome on this board. And that's actually understandable, IMO. But it may be that if we continue this pursuit here, you might find your hands more than full in regard to mediation.

I suppose it all comes down to whether we want to see a heated debate or a serious study. There's a possibility that we could run into opposition on the other boards mentioned, as well. Its just one of those ideas that invites opposing views from many directions, but like I said, I am very interested in some productive dialogue on the subject.

Prober, I'm sorry if I am contributing to derailment here. I certainly don't mean to, but it honestly appears to me that we were headed that way already.

If you leave the thread here, I will do my best to participate in an appropriate manner. If it moves, or you start it somewhere else, give me a heads up, okay?

(Gotta get on the train today--catch you guys later).

InPeace,
InLove