Should Christians Do Yoga? How To Combine Energy Medicine & Religion, Flat Earth Christianity, Transcendental Meditation, Anti-Aging & More With Pastor Toby Sumpter.

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Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.

It's absolutely no secret that I, of late, have taken a deep dive into what many would consider to be “woo-woo” forms of healing and enhancing the human body and brain, including the use of modalities such as acupuncture, biofeedback, yoga, homeopathic medicine, chiropractic medicine, energy medicine, acupuncture, ayurvedic “energy points” and traditional Chinese medicine…

…along with a developed growing interest in the concept of chi, Prana, chakra and life force.

Before the 1960s, most of these practices such as sound healing, yoga, chiropractic, acupuncture, Reiki, therapeutic touch, meditation, martial arts, homeopathy, alternative anticancer diets, etc. were dismissed as medically and religiously questionable. But now that these once-suspect health practices have gained approval and been re-categorized as somewhat non-religious and instead of falling under the auspices of healthcare, fitness, or scientific modalities, they seem to have gained a great deal of cultural legitimacy because people interpret them as science instead of religion. Therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback, and “Therapeutic Touch” (the laying on of hands to channel “Universal Life Energy” to the patient) are increasingly accepted and utilized by physicians, hospitals, and clinics across the country. The use of meditation and visualization are commonly prescribed to reduce stress. Chiropractic, long considered anathema by orthodox medicine, has recently acquired a new respectability, and spinal adjustments are not infrequently combined with more exotic forms of “energy balancing.”

And yet I've certainly been called out many times about the fact that I am a professing Christian who – despite having a strong belief in the power of prayer and the ability of God to spontaneously work miracles and heal – also embraces many of these so-called unconventional therapies that stem from non-Christian traditions.

Recently, I was listening to a sermon by pastor Toby Sumpter, in which Toby describes the link between spiritual health and physical ailments. It was a really great message, especially considering that while listening, I was attending a medical conference where there was a lot of chat among some of the world's top physicians about energy medicine and it's growing relevance and efficacy. So in an attempt to frame for myself (and you) how energy medicine and alternative healing modalities can best be presented from a Christian standpoint, I invited Toby onto the podcast.

Toby is the Pastor of Preaching at Trinity Reformed Church in Moscow, Idaho. He has an M.A. in Theological Studies from Erskine Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Culture from New St. Andrews College. He's the author of Job: A Son for Glory and Blood-Bought World and the host of the “CrossPolitic” show. He and his wife Jenny have four kids.

During our discussion, you'll discover:

-How Christians have been appropriating other religious traditions for centuries (such as Easter, which used to be a fertility ritual; you have bunny rabbits and eggs so that you'll get more babies) and the difference between yoga and Christmas…[11:45]

-What Scripture has to say about things like aromatherapy and essential oils…[29:05]

-If denial of energy medicine is a form of  “flat earth” Christianity…[35:30]

-The two most important questions you must ask yourself about any alternative health practice before you dive into them…[42:40]

-Whether transcendental meditation (and other forms of meditation) is a form of idol worship or a practice Christians shouldn't do…[44:05]

-Whether Jesus and the apostles were using some form of energy healing…[52:10]

-The amazing effects that prayer and positive emotions can have upon molecules and matter…[55:50]

-Why we need a case-by-case analysis of each therapy, rather than a blanket rejection, before accepting or rejecting them…[58:50]

-The idea that these forms of energy involved the breath of life that God breathed into man, and whether this vital energy needs to be manipulated in our bodies to promote health as the basis of energetic medicine is essentially a pantheistic view and cannot be conformed to biblical theology…[66:00]

-Whether invisible energy forces are the common denominator of creation is not scripturally heretical and it’s only offensive to our traditionally accepted worldview…[67:20]

-If Christians these days spend an unhealthy amount of time focusing on health and engaging in “health idolatry”…[68:40]

-And much more…

Resources from this episode:

Toby Sumpter's blog

Toby Sumpter's books on Amazon

Trinity Reformed Church podcast

Toby's new “CrossPolitic” podcast

-The specific podcast episode on healing/energy medicine that Toby and Ben discuss

-Podcast: Healing Your Body From The Inside-Out, Repairing Relationships, Eliminating Digital Addictions & More: Key Highlights From The 4 Most Life-Transforming Books I Recently Read.

-Podcast: What Is The Bible? How an Ancient Library of Poems, Letters, and Stories Can Transform the Way You Think and Feel About Everything.

Books by Monte Kline about how to combine energy medicine, health and Christianity

The Marma Points book Ben mentions about Ayurvedic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Joel Salatin's book the Pigness of Pigs

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-Organifi – Go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/Organifi and use discount code REDBEN for 20% off your Red Juice order.

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-Quip – Go to GetQuip.com/ben to get your first refill pack FREE with purchasing a Quip electric toothbrush.

Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Toby or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!

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36 thoughts on “Should Christians Do Yoga? How To Combine Energy Medicine & Religion, Flat Earth Christianity, Transcendental Meditation, Anti-Aging & More With Pastor Toby Sumpter.

  1. Katalin says:

    I live in Sweden and here yoga classes are organized by the Church and literally in the church.

  2. Anthony says:

    We are all in the persuit of truth. Whether it be about diet, training, lifestyle or gadgets, we subscribe because we are able to gain insight from Ben and his guest speakers about how to enrich our body and mind. This episode has made light of the fact that you can’t have a healthy body and mind without a healthy soul. As a Christian, Ben has found this through a relationship with Christ.

    Judging by some of the comments on this page, this subject is slightly more controversial than others. In spite of the predictable backlash, Ben has remained true to both his faith, and his/our pursuit of truth by asking a church pastor some pretty hard-hitting questions where science and religion might butt heads. Once again, this is all in the name of seeking truth. Regardless of your belief, isn’t this exactly what we want to hear?

    Personally, I found this episode answered many questions that have been on my mind while raising some others. But no matter what other questions remain, Ben’s integrity to himself and his faith can’t be one of them. Ben – this was admirable.

  3. wil says:

    I listened to the podcast for 5 minutes and had to stop it. Sorry Ben. Please no more of this kind.

  4. Holly says:

    Really great topic, one I’ve thought about a lot as well. Loved most of Toby’s thoughts, though I’d completely disagree on healing ending with the apostles. I’ve been physically healed supernaturally in the name of Jesus, and have seen MANY others healed as well. I would never connect it to “energy healing” or anything of that sort. It is purely Holy Spirit through the power and name of Jesus. I also think need to be super careful of getting too wrapped up in other things that could have demonic roots and could be affecting us in ways we can’t even see or recognize for quite some time, like the kundalini spirit. I do yoga, but stay far away from the spiritual aspects of it – pure stretching and release for me. I also think it’s important that, while some methods of healing may work, it’s always good to START with the Holy Spirit and go from there, rather than start with mystical practices and pills and things. I also thought Toby’s thoughts about promoting certain types of practices can lead people astray, and as Christians we need to be super careful of what we get into and tell people about since it can really throw some people off. I’ve been surprised by some of the things I’ve heard on the podcast that doesn’t seem to match up with Christianity. I still love it anyway, I just disregard those parts and hope people aren’t led astray. And it’s always fun to hear about what all is out there, and just keep the good and get rid of the rest.

  5. Perry says:

    Thanks Ben for tackling this issue. It’s a difficult one to work through.

    Toby presented an evangelical Christian perspective on the issue but lacked a broader Christian and philosophical view. The fly-in-the-face-of-all-evidence view of Genesis was advocated (along with supporting the paragon of anti-science Ken Ham). Are you comfortable with that view in light of your goal of trying to bring science to bear on aspects of health and fitness? Or are you going to uncritically accept a myth about magic gardens, talking snakes and global floods? Good luck straddling the fence between paleo/ancestral diets (2.6 million years ago origin) and literal Genesis (6000 years ago start of everything).

    Toby’s comments from 23’ about eastern cultures that don’t know God wreaks of ignorance and arrogance. He admits he doesn’t know too much about this but being true to form to his evangelicalism, he uncritically affirms the truth of his worldview without the slightest consideration of the deep and profound Vedic traditions for example.

  6. Santosh Kumar says:

    Love your podcasts , scientific , edgy and insightful. I am not a Christian but I listened to the podcast anyways and found the show dogmatic and almost fundamentalist in its view of other spiritual practices and religions. Am all for a pastor to talk of his expertise , but it needn’t be based on a competitive point of view like saying” Christ is the best God” thats almost juvenile in its approach.I am tempted to respond to many ill informed points made in the podcast against other faiths but will refrain from digressing .

  7. Perry says:

    Thanks Ben for tackling this issue. It’s a difficult one to work through.

    Toby presented an evangelical Christian perspective on the issue but lacked a broader Christian and philosophical view. The fly-in-the-face-of-all-evidence view of Genesis was advocated (along with supporting the paragon of anti-science Ken Ham). Are you comfortable with that view in light of your goal of trying to bring science to bear on aspects of health and fitness? Or are you going to uncritically accept a myth about magic gardens, talking snakes and global floods? Good luck straddling the fence between paleo/ancestral diets (2.6 million years ago origin) and literal Genesis (6000 years ago start of everything).

    Toby’s comments from 23’ about eastern cultures that don’t know God wreaks of ignorance and arrogance. He admits he doesn’t know too much about this but being true to form to his evangelicalism, he uncritically affirms the truth of his worldview without the slightest consideration of the deep and profound Vedic traditions for example.

    1. I think magic gardens, talking snakes and global floods are a pretty cool story actually. I'd love to live in that world.

      1. Chad says:

        And that is the opposite of skepticism, aka requiring evidence for belief claims. Liking something for its fictional/imaginative merits does not equate with it being true. I for one, believe my little corner of the world, and yours, would be a much better place if everyone valued believing in true things, and went to great lengths to determine the veracity of truth claims.

        We should each do our best to sort out truth from delusion. Sounds easy, but is actually quite challenging.

    2. Chad says:

      This is a sound comment stating something that needed to be said. I thank you for taking the time to post it.

  8. Tim says:

    Listening now. I wanted to remind Christians that both Christianity and Judaism are “Eastern” religions, both literally and philosophically. Western thinking is certainly influenced by both religions, however, is more rooted in…searching for the best word…objectivity. The foundation of Western thinking was built by the Greeks (imo) pulling away from supernatural thinking in favor of the natural alone. Think tangible, objective, the age of reason, the scientific method, etc.

    It could be time for Western Christians to take the positives from Western thinking and meld them with the supernatural roots of God’s good creation. It sounds like that’s what you guys are exploring here and I certainly appreciate it. I have a feeling that some type of spiritual awakening is on the horizon. Thanks Ben and Toby

  9. Deborah says:

    Just excellent, Ben! Toby adds clarity to a discussion that isn’t really all that complex in my view. I like how he keeps our focus on what’s edifying. The reference to Augustine’s ‘disordered love’ was masterfully done.

  10. Tom Becker says:

    Hey Ben, as a Christian Chiropractictor and fellow health/fitness devotee, I rarely miss a BGF podcast and always appreciate your broad spectrum of guests! Thank you for allowing an, occasional, Christian conversation and your willingness to not being “ashamed of the Gospel!” The knowledge we glean from the “tree of life”, always supersedes any knowledge leaned from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. As per usual, a great podcast, thoughtful discussion and pertinent questions! Happy, blessed and healthy New Year!

    Blessings, Tom

  11. Fran says:

    Some points: I studied Iyengar yoga for many years. While this form of yoga is taught in India with a prayer to Patanjali, I learned a thoroughly secularized version, and later historians have traced the bulk of hatha yoga practices to Victorian physical culture. Yoga is what you make of it, with or without any religious overlay.

    Transcendental Meditation was developed and taught by the Maharishi, who presented it as a non-religious practice, It has a hidden Hindu element, because the mantras are sacred terms, and the Maharishi evidently thought that if he got enough people saying those terms, it would have some magical effect. It didn’t have that effect. But the practice of meditation can be done with any mantra, and there are thoroughly non-religious meditation practices.

    I also experimented with various forms of energy medicine, and I thought at one time that they did some good, but I do not know of any real evidence for them. Therapeutic Touch has been debunked. Chris Kresser has written that the whole idea of meridians is based on a mistranslation, and acupuncture works by purely physical means compatible with western medicine.

    Lastly, I found the religious aspects here a bit disturbing. I was raised in a Christian culture and I do not consider myself a believer now, but I respect people who can follow an intelligent version of their faith. This does not include Ken Hamm or other fundamentalists who deny science and reality. You and the pastor seem to have a very superficial knowledge of Christian history and philosophy (eastern medicine and Ayurveda predate Christianity, and it is even possible that Buddhist missionaries influenced early Christians.) Pastor Sumpter said that Christians should follow the Bible because it is the clearest presentation of God’s word – but I wonder if he has actually read the Bible, or the volumes of theological debates over what it actually means, or has studied the history of Christians burning other Christians at the stake for differing interpretations of the Bible? The Bible was written by men who didn’t know where the sun went at night, and who had no idea of modern medicine. Whatever value you can derive from Christianity and Christian practices, you can’t read it literally for help with the realities of modern life.

  12. Lori Chilton says:

    Hey Ben love the show and all that but I have to say hats off to you for bringing a Christian perspective to your show ..I do hate the fact that it’s always seems to have to be done with disclaimers for fear that we would look like right-winger radical evangelicals.. yet any other guests can come on and talk about meditating in caves with shamans or Tibetan priest or most any kind of junk science and it is readily embraced as fact? And I’m speaking in general. Yet a book that the Christians believe in that has many scientific backings and has been around for thousands of years and referred back as a resource of information by the Believers and even non-believers has to be compared with Aesop’s Fables? I remember when your co-host I think his name is Brock who spoke of being an atheist and his faithless almost seemed proud of himself? Yet I feel sure he would never be challenged because that’s acceptable in our society. Yet to mock those that do carry some type of belief system can be immediately stereotyped as ignorant and Backwoods especially Christianity. I just would challenge you on whatever truth you have found to stand on it regardless of your counterparts . Because truth is a very narrow . most have to walk that path alone. I realize your show is not about to become the Old Time Gospel Hour but I just want to tell you how much I can appreciate you stepping out and sharing your beliefs regardless of the backlash you may or may not have. I’m an over-the-road truck driver who listens to every show you have had so far… My blue collar is now turning white from all this wonderful information your podcast has provided. keep up the good work you’re bringing positive change to a lot of us out here.

  13. Baiely says:

    Ben,

    I really enjoyed hearing Pastor Toby’s response to this important question. He made some great points. Especially in his illustration of the the difference between Gandolph and Sauron. He deffinitly is a smart man who was able to clearly articulate his answer in line with his theological background. I am in a slightly more charasmatic spectrum of Christianity then Pastor Toby yet arguably just as Biblical. I Was fascinated in how his despensational interpretation that the spiritual gifts used in the Bible, like tongues, prophesy. and healing are not for today but were deaignated specificaly for the dispensation of the apostolic age. I would disagree with that view but have not figured out how this difference would reshape the answer and got me thinking about how the response may be enlightened a bit if you included a few more pastors/Theologian experts from other conservative Christian traditions in a later podcast. It is a relevant, important question for all Christians to ponder Who truly care about being faithful to God’s Word but also want to take care of our temples the best way possible. I love how you are so honest in second guessing your own dive into the modalities you discuss. I would love to hear from a greek orthodox, methodist, pentecostal, catholic, or even a classical evangelical in addition to the Reformed Calvanist Fundamentalist that pastor Toby strikes me as being. I also am interested why you avoided the elephant in the room in the conversation. It would have been maybe a little more controversial if you would have brought up the use of mind altering drugs like ayawaska and of course THC but everyone i am sure was hoping to hear about this.

    Sincerely

    Bailey

  14. Remy says:

    The pastor is entitled to his beliefs, but I find them problematic, and indicative of greater ills in society, not of the love of God that fills my own heart.

    From just his most recent blog post (on why it is against God’s word to use gender inclusive pronouns):

    “Yes, Dr. West, the “gender inclusive” movement most certainly does have to do with the “gender neutral pronoun” movement. It has to do with whether Jesus is Lord or not. It has to do with whether the Bible is God’s authoritative word to us and the standard that we must love and the standard that we must teach the nations to love.”

    “Therefore, Dr. West, while it is true that both men and women can be doctors, and a gender-inclusive word is preferred when referring to doctors as a generic category, you are wrong to say that “man” and “he” are not inclusive terms. The Bible says that “man” is an inclusive term. You are disobeying and disregarding God’s clear word on this matter.”

    “It is a curse flung at Heaven and a middle finger pointed at every human being made male and female in the image of the Living God.”

    “So-called transgenders, sodomites, lesbians have been granted the power. Therefore everyone is worried about offending them. They are sacred and to hurt their feelings is to sin against them and blaspheme.”

    Seriously, Ben, is this the kind of Christianity you are using your podcast to promote? Hatred and exclusion? Last time I checked, JC was not so on board. Are you?

    For anyone who would like a real look at these important issues, I highly recommend Fr Thomas Ryan’s book, Prayer of Heart and Body: Meditation and Yoga as Christian Spiritual Practice https://amzn.to/2PEVNQJ

  15. Bill Montgomery says:

    Ben,

    Great podcast! As a Christian podcast listener it is encouraging to witness someone like yourself willing to put yourself out there. It is still true today that Christians will be persecuted so thanks for the courage.

    Bill

  16. Celee says:

    Great interview! I commend Toby for his careful treatment of Scripture and for giving the test of whether or not we are glorifying God and edifying one another. This is the Christian’s goal in all of life. Thank you, Ben for approaching this topic in an open way. And thank you again Toby for standing on the Word of God!

  17. Zach says:

    Ben,

    After listening to your “should Christians do yoga?” podcast, I wanted to share with you some thoughts to ponder on. I would enjoy hearing your response to these: At the start of talking about the Gospel you Mentioned it was a” Magical story” ( see Deu. 18:10, or Acts 19:19 burning magic books) God hated Magic, however it is a beautiful story. In Genesis talking about Adam and Eve, Do you thing they would still be living if they would have never ate the forbidden fruit? If so then God’s purpose was for humans to live forever on the Earth, which makes sense that Psalms 37:29 says ” the righteous will live forever on it” (earth). Also see Jesus words At Matthew 5:5 “The meek will inherit the earth”. If that was God’s original purpose, than nothing can thwart that purpose according to isa. 55:10,11 …..

    So why does everyone teach that we go only to heaven or hell? Also, speaking of hell, would you respect a Father that when his child rebelled he stuck his hand on a hot burner on the stove? No! Obviously not! Now look up the words that have been translated in some translation in to hell, see “sheol” and “hades”. For instance KJ bible uses ps 16:10 david is talking about how we wouldn’t be left in hell( substituted for this word sheol, that actually means Grave, which makes sense that David wouldn’t go to hell but would be resurrected from the Grave), yet in another verse in KJ in Ecc. 9:10,11 the word sheol is translated to mean Grave, so in one verse they use hell for sheol, and in another verse they use grave(it’s actual meaning). Deceitful? Now see Revelation 20:13,14 it says that the Sea gave up the Dead in them and Death and hell gave up the Dead in them. Let’s think about this, this is obviously the resurrection, now the question is why would some people be in the Sea or Grave, and some were already in hell? Seems unfair that they would be judged before judgment day, only to be resurrected only to be judged again. Now look at vs 14, Death and the Grave, or death and hell were cast into the lake of fire which means destroyed forever. How can you burn in Hell forever if it is destroyed in the lake of fire? It’s very clear that these words sheol and hades truly mean Grave to the fullest extent. And that john 3:16 says it best, whosoever does not believe in him will be destroyed(or perish), not to burn in Hellfire forever.

    Do you believe that God is controlling the world today????? Yes or no? See 1 john 5:19 for the Bible’s Answer. See also Luke 4:6, and John 12:31. Now that we know who is truly controlling the world, then it makes sense that Jesus would tell us to pray for God’s Kingdom to come in Matthew 6:9,10 because it is the only real solution to all mankind problems that we see today. So in regards to the topic at hand in the podcast, Satan wants us to practice Pagan traditions.

    The following is an Excerpt from JW.org that was very logical.

    The objective of yoga as a discipline is to lead a person to the spiritual experience of being “yoked” to or merged with a superhuman spirit. But which spirit would that be?

    In Hindu World, author Benjamin Walker says of yoga: “It may have been an early system of magical ritualism, and yoga still retains in its meaning an overtone of occultism and sorcery.” Hindu philosophers admit that the practice of yoga can give supernatural powers, even though they usually claim that this is not the ultimate goal of yoga.The image of a yogi sleeping on a bed of nails or walking on hot coals may appear to be a hoax to some and a joke to others. But these are common occurrences in India, as is the practice of standing on one leg while staring directly at the sun for hours and breath control that allows a person to be buried in sand for long periods of time. In June 1995, The Times of India reported that a three-and-a-half-year-old girl lay in a trance as a car weighing more than 1,600 pounds [750 kg] was allowed to run over her abdomen. To the amazement of the crowd, when she awoke she was totally unharmed. The report added: “It was sheer yogic power.”

    Without a doubt, no normal human is capable of performing any of these tasks. Hence, a Christian must ask: Of what are these feats an indication? Are they from Jehovah God, “the Most High over all the earth,” or are they from some other source? (Psalm 83:18) The Bible is clear on this point. When the Israelites were on the verge of entering the Promised Land, which was occupied by the Canaanites, Jehovah told the sons of Israel through Moses: “You must not learn to do according to the detestable things of those nations.” What “detestable things”? Moses warned against “anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer.” (Deuteronomy 18:9, 10) These things are detestable to God because they are works of the demons and of the fallen flesh.—Galatians 5:19-21.

    The strange sights were evidently what the gurus felt were proper results along the way to the true aim of yogic exercises. Yes, the ultimate goal of yoga is moksha, explained as the merging with some impersonal great spirit. It is described as “the (intentional) stopping of the spontaneous activity of the mind stuff.” This is clearly contrary to the goal set out for Christians, who are given the admonition: “Present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. And quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”—Romans 12:1, 2.

    If we Compromise to things of the world, things of spiritism( which in greek is derived from the word “pharmakia” which also means druggery), then our we compromising to Satan’s world? Not all medicinal practices have pagan routes to other cultures who serve different gods. So applying ourselves in study of God’s standards by deep Bible Study can give us the Answers.

    1. Wow. A lot of questions here! I'm not sure I'll be able to reply to all these but they are definitely good fodder for thought!

  18. Taylor says:

    Hi Ben! I’ve been a huge fan for a few years now. Your courage to be transparent and open with the things you’re wrestling with is refreshing and inspiring.

    As a Christian, yogi, fitness enthusiast I’ve been struggling with these issues as well, and I got a lot of my questions answered or paths to ponder in the podcast. However there was one thing I wanted to bring up and it’s the idea of “common grace”. Matt 5:45- “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous”.And Acts 14:17 says Yet “He has not left himself without testimony. He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy”. So what if this energy, chackras, healing, breathing techniques are a part of common grace for all to enjoy. In the past believers thought some medicine, doctors, and other inventions were a form of witchcraft and now it’s common practice. Love the show! Happy New Year

  19. Matt says:

    Ben, as always I really appreciate your approach to interviews as well as your ability to create interesting topics of conversation. To that end I found the podcast very interesting. That said, I have to at least mention the irony of someone (pastor Sumpter) so passionate about Christ, loving thy neighbor, and the like who also applauds a missionary willing to go to a foreign land and grotesquely disrespect another group of people by choppping down a tree central to their core beliefs. Imagine for a moment that a Viking tribe came to his town and burned down his church seeking the same outcome. I suspect the reaction wouldn’t be as tame as he stated in his story where they “realized that Thor didn’t come” and that they turned to Christianity once they realized that Christ was the “superior deity”.

    Quite frankly it is baffling how these two sentiments could exist in the same conversation let alone the same sentence. I am fully on board with people of any faith questioning their habits or actions through the lens of their chosen religious constructs, but when someone draws a line in the sand and suggests that a differing point of view is in any way less valid or valuable simply because they do not run in parallel with their own views, then I have to question how seriously I can take that person.

    I in no way wish to disrespect the pastor as his views are his own and he is entitled to that. For me though, it is a little disingenuous to tout religion and intolerance in the same breath. When I think of the things I have picked up from your show like the power of positive thinking, gratitude journals, meditation, and prayer, I think working in intolerance of those who don’t agree with me would be a disservice to these modes of thought and practice.

    I appreciate the insightful topic and it did in fact get me thinking but, in this case, this gentleman was a little off center for me and dare I say a little off center for people looking to replace negative energy with positive. Spreading this kind of message, in my humble opinion, encourages behavior not congruent with long-term growth and harmony (that is unless everyone suddenly converts to Christianity and then it would seem everything would be just fine in his eyes).

    Thank you though for continuing to keep me on my toes.

  20. spike humer says:

    Ben,

    Love your work and I respect your faith. Lots of holes in this one buddy. Nothing wrong with having a religion but like all beliefs an open mind helps affirm “our truth”. When asking the question of what impact the disciples of Christ had on the East when it comes to ancient medicines, consider the question what impact the East had on the disciples. Ayurveda, yoga, acupuncture, and herbal medicines of the ancient Greek and others predate Christianity. “Healing” has existed as long as there has been illness or injury. Fine line between seeking the truth and confirming a bias.

  21. Daniel Hearne says:

    God is a Science that’s a fact. Science as we know it, is the tool God used to create us and all we have on the earth. All rejection of any untraditional methods of healing, health or medicine is religion at work. Christ was anti religious and the Old Testament is filled with His Science at work. Something to think about “These practices are Gods creation and given to us freely but have been taken by evil and used to edify self. Using Gods science is edifying to God. It only matters where your heart is at while using it.”

  22. Jenny says:

    Great podcast, Ben. This came at a right time for me. Do you have specific Bible studies that you have done and highly recommend?

    1. No, but I do the Christian Gratitude Journal <a href="http:// (https://christiangratitude.com)” target=”_blank”> <a href="http://(https://christiangratitude.com)” target=”_blank”>(https://christiangratitude.com) and Our Daily Bread, along with a Bible reading, each morning.

  23. Kris says:

    This was so good I’m going to listen to it a second time. I wrestle with some of the same questions you asked, Ben. It was helpful to hear the principles and questions your guest posed in evaluating if something is honoring or dishonoring to God. Also, as your guest indicated, the key to making these choices is to regularly read the Word of God. How can we correctly evaluate these things with out knowing what the Creator of the world says about them? Thank you for this podcast. I’d like to hear more like this!

  24. Ames says:

    Oh wow. I have so many problems with this podcast. I have always felt that the world view of Christians like this are so narrow. I do not mean to offend anyone, but feel that this view is so arrogant. I guess I just don’t get it. I see God and the Divine in much broader strokes. I also had so many questions about the words used in the Bible and how things were expressed then and how we would use different language to express the same things now. So much of what Toby said didn’t make sense to me….just not my cup of tea.

  25. Elizabeth says:

    Whoop!!!!can you send me the air purifier!!! I have a snuff nose!!! Molekule.Com enter code Ben….send me one!!! Quip too….ok…thanks..I’m too poor to buy them…

    Lol…tesla of toothbrushes….

  26. Heather Wolcott says:

    Have you heard of Holy Yoga or other faith-based yoga classes? They focus on Christ, play contemporary Christian music, use scripture as the “meditation” or theme for each class, and there is prayer at the end (instead of Namaste or any other mantra). I loved the Holy Yoga classes I went to (free at our church) before my schedule changed and I can’t make the classes anymore. Holy Yoga is a certified yoga program just like secular yoga. I think it would meet Toby’s criteria as well as an eastern-based practice with the intention to worship and praise God.

  27. Jason says:

    Excellent podcast! As a Christian and integrative/Functional medicine practitioner, I am constantly evaluating modalities through my Christian worldview. My primary concern is honoring my God and my second is not opening up myself and my patients to harm. I absolutely don’t want to leave useful modalities on the table. I believe, based on current data, that there is scientific evidence backing up energy medicine, yoga, etc. I place it all before the God who knows my heart and ask for His wisdom and discernment. I understand your struggle, Ben, and I applaud your willingness to do this podcast. You might be interested in reading a book called the Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelson.

    Blessings,

    Jason

  28. Adam Pollard says:

    I thought you were going to talk about the flat earth in the bible :(

  29. Lia says:

    This podcast was so timely. Lately, I have been asking myself these same questions. These last few years I have been working hard to improve my health and recovery as an older masters athlete. I have been listening to your show for quite some time and have gleaned some beneficial helps in this journey. Ben, I am so grateful for the thoughtful and insightful questions you asked Pastor Sumpter. It has helped me become more peaceful in carefully looking to yoga and other alternative medicinal helps in a scriptural way. May God continue to richly bless you and your family. I also just subscribed to Tobys podcast. Thanks!

  30. Lavina says:

    What an awesome podcast! May God bless you for bringing truths we all need to hear!

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