Yoga Unveiled: My Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light
Published by Sophia Institute Press
Also available as an ebook and audiobook on the Saintifi app (Try it free for 30 days)
Have you ever wondered if Catholics should participate in yoga? If you are even questioning the practice, take that as a sign to do some research and learn more about this not-so-innocent practice that can open anyone (including Catholics) up to some major darkness. Yoga Unveiled by Linda Carl (a former yoga instructor!) is a must read for all Christians even if you do not practice yoga (“Yoga” literally means “yoke!” The only yoke I want is Jesus’!). It is important to be able to articulate to others why Yoga is a dangerous door to opening yourself up to evil.
An Educational Testimony
Linda Carl uses her testimony as a warning to educate Christians about why we cannot participate in yoga. She explains that yoga has serious dark and demonic consequences for the participant. The book is split into 2 parts:
- Part 1: Yoga Unveiled
- Part 2: My Spiritual Journey from Darkness to Light
The first part of the book was extremely eye-opening for me. The author clearly lays out and explains the many spiritual dangers of yoga. In fact, some of them can even have dangerous – and even deadly – physical consequences. She explains in detail what yoga is, where it comes from, why “Christian” yoga is an oxymoron, and many more serious truths and consequences of the practice. I appreciated that she also included her explanation on the Church’s teaching on Reiki (spoiler alert: the Church forbids it), and why it causes such serious spiritual harm.
After reading in depth about the horrifing background of yoga, I was anxious and ready to hear Linda Carl’s personal testimony. I knew the story has a happy ending though, and thank God for His grace! I loved the section about growing in virtue and calling upon the Angels and Saints for protection for any kind of darkness or evil.
Alternatives to Yoga
Many Christians defend yoga saying it’s “just stretching” and that it isn’t spiritual for them. I think the main problem with getting into certain spiritual practices (which yoga certainly is) is that these practices are replacing fruitful and good (better!) practices such as prayer or time spent with the One True God. The Appendix of the book includes a wonderful list of alternatives to the physical and spiritual practices of yoga. For example, “runner’s stretch” is ok, but yoga’s “warrior series” is not. Spiritual alternatives to yoga include prayer, reading scripture, the rosary, Mass, Confession, and Adoration.
Final Thoughts: A Must Read for all Christians
I clearly understood the origins and dangers of yoga after reading Linda Carl’s excellent book. Yoga is rooted in the Hindu religion, and worshipping false Hindu gods absolutely occurs whether you are practicing yoga for spirituality (do not recommend!) or even “just” exercise. I have had heated discussions over yoga in the past with Catholic friends and acquaintances, and I wish this book existed to aid me in those discussions. I am happy it does now, and I highy recommend it!
You can find Yoga Unveiled by Linda Carl from Sophia Institute Press, and on the Saintifi app.
