Should Christians practice yoga?

Yoga has become an incredibly popular practice worldwide, often valued for its physical benefits and stress-relieving qualities. However, within Christian communities, questions arise about whether yoga is compatible with Christian beliefs and practices. 

That is a fantastic question one I have asked myself. But when you “should” on someone you insinuate shame. This blog post is not an attempt to advocate for yoga, but rather offer an educational and insightful viewpoint to empower Christians to make informed decisions through prayer and discernment.

My Yoga Experience

Reflecting on five remarkable years of dedicated Yoga practice, I can’t believe how time has flown by. Initially, the idea of slowing down and sitting still seemed overwhelming, making me apprehensive about starting. However, after obtaining my 100-hour trauma-informed yoga instructor certification, I came to understand the underlying reasons for my inability and fear of stillness. Over the past five years, I’ve discovered the transformative power of integrating breath, prayer, and movement in healing the trauma that has resided in my body since childhood.

Before sharing my yoga practice on social media, I was unaware of the demonization it had faced. I received messages from various individuals, including a notable one from a woman who expressed:

“Christians SHOULDn’t practice yoga!”

Until recently, I was unaware that practicing yoga could be seen as a contradiction to certain beliefs. I had always practiced yoga online from the studio where I completed my 200hr training, and the yoga instructors there never discussed the spiritual implications of the practice. When I conducted a Google search, I came across opinions from Christians who claimed that yoga was a form of demonic worship. However, these opinions lacked any scriptural evidence.

My final paper for my 200hr Yoga Teacher training was a reflection on my own fear of yoga before experiencing the training through the Flow Collective in Nicaragua.

Demonizing the Yoga Philosophy in the Christian Church

Recently, I’ve received Direct Messages (DMs) questioning “how I can claim to be a Christian while practicing yoga?” The tone of these messages often seems accusatory rather than loving or inquisitive. This prompted me to engage in my own research to provide an honest response.

While I have not previously engaged in yoga as a spiritual experience, I recently had the opportunity to explore it in this way, which I believe will provide a better understanding of my perspective. I shared a comprehensive response on social media to address this topic further.

I am a Christian who is certified to teach yoga

To provide clarity, I’d like to delve deeper into my statement for several reasons. Firstly, my education and knowledge gained through my 200-hour Yoga Teaching Training Certification have shaped my understanding of yoga. Contrary to popular belief, what is commonly taught in Western studios is not the true essence of yoga. Yoga is a comprehensive philosophy, and the asana practice, often associated with yoga, is merely a small aspect of a broader philosophical framework. Unfortunately, many individuals who identify as “yoga teachers” are primarily teaching physical movements and utilizing asanas as a tool rather than encompassing the holistic philosophy of yoga.

“Should Christians practice yoga?”

The question of whether or not to practice something you don’t comprehend is a complex one that cannot be easily answered. It delves into issues such as cultural appropriation and the worship of false gods. The decision is a personal one that requires careful consideration, discernment, and a willingness to educate oneself about the topic.

I’ve also googled “Should Christians practice yoga?” and have read some pretty scary stories that don’t share Biblical truth or substantial explanation other than personal opinion and bias.  

My answer to if, “Christians should practice yoga?”

Here is my offering. Like all posts on my blog, I don’t solely share my opinion but I offer actual credible research and I want to do the same here.  Using Scripture from the Bible as well as sharing information from the Yoga Sutras.  

After completing my 200-hour Yoga Teaching Training Certification, I feel compelled to provide more clarity on the question of whether Christians should practice yoga. It’s a complex issue that goes beyond a simple yes or no answer.

I researched. Spoke with fellows Christians who practice yoga. Have you see my blog post

After months of prayerful reflection, I feel compelled to provide a comprehensive response to this question. My perspective is shaped by the belief that God has endowed us with free will, while as a believer, I also find guidance and discernment through the Holy Spirit. From both perspectives, there are some things we need to take into consideration. 

Disrespect of other beliefs

Just because someone has a different belief system doesn’t give us the right to condemn them. We’re called to love people like Jesus, and to live boldly, not in fear. Many times, demonization stems from a spirit of fear. The enemy will use anything, including yoga, to distance us from God, but yoga is not the only avenue.

Some Christians demonize yoga because of personal convictions, especially those who were once deeply involved in its spiritual aspects. Their conviction is valid and should be respected, just as I have a conviction to honor my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. I believe it’s important to care for my body, but not all Christians feel the same way. Some may lead unhealthy, sedentary lives. I don’t condemn them for that; it’s simply a difference in convictions.

As believers, we are called to uphold righteousness and guide others toward the kingdom, but you can’t shame or condemn someone into change. Fear often drives people’s actions and decisions. My own conviction and firm belief in Christ have only deepened my relationship with Him.

If someone chooses not to practice yoga due to their past involvement in false god worship, that’s a valid conviction that should be honored. But it’s equally important not to judge or demonize Christians who don’t share that same conviction. Our role as believers is not to condemn others for their differences.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”John 3:17

Should Christians practice yoga?

I want to explore the distinction between restorative stretching, somatic exercises, and integrative movements as separate practices from yoga. While they incorporate yoga-inspired poses, these modalities offer unique benefits for the body, such as reducing stress and promoting healing. By shedding light on the differences between these philosophies, I aim to provide a fresh perspective on the topic.

Understanding Yoga- “What is yoga?”

Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” means “to yoke” or “to unite.” It encompasses a variety of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines aimed at achieving inner peace, harmony, and union with the “divine”. Traditionally, yoga is rooted in Hinduism, with influences from Kemetics, Buddhism and Jainism. 

It involves various elements, including physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. The asana practice is in the Yoga Philosophy would probably be considered the minimal aspect of the yoga philosophy. Asanas are the postures that are practice in movement which western culture has culturally appropriated as all-encompassing yoga. But there is more to the philosophy than stretches. The “more” is what Christians don’t understand nor attempt to understand because of fear.

Romans 12:9-20 calls us to bless our enemies, know them, and surprise our enemy with generosity. Shaming people will not bring them closer to Jesus. We’re not called to love the sin but we are called to love the sinner and only through Jesus we can do that well.

Can yoga be practiced in a way that aligns with Christian beliefs, or does it inherently conflict with the Christian faith?

The Case for Practicing Yoga

Those in favor of Christians practicing yoga often cite the following points:

1. Physical Benefits: Yoga is renowned for its ability to improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall physical health. It can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle. You can practice flexibility, strength, balance and stretching without worshiping other gods.
   
2. Stress Reduction: Yoga and mindfulness practices can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mental clarity. These benefits can contribute to a sense of peace and calm, which aligns with Christian values.
   
   Ruach is the gift that God first gave us. Ruach (רוּחַ) is a Hebrew word that has multiple meanings, including “wind”, “breath”, “spirit”, “life”, and “essence”. It is often used in scripture to refer to God’s breath, or “Spirit of God”. For example, in Genesis 1:2, it is used to describe “a wind from God sweeping over the water”. In Isaiah 11:2, God uses the phrase “Ruach Yahweh” to promise that the Messiah will be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
   
   Ruach can also refer to a person’s emotional, intellectual, and volitional life. It is breath and its a gift that God has given us to give us life, peace and reduce our stress.
   
3. Adaptable Practice: Some argue that yoga can be practiced in a secular manner, focusing on the physical aspects without engaging in spiritual or religious components. This adaptation allows Christians to benefit from yoga’s positive effects without compromising their faith. Others argue that they are one in the same. If you stretch in yoga postures you will be overcome with demonic presence and will need deliverance. Which one is right? Both! We live in a spiritual war and there is a spiritual battle.
   
4. Christian Yoga: A growing number of Christians have embraced a concept called “Christian yoga,” where the practice is infused with Christian prayer, Scripture, and meditation. This approach seeks to retain the benefits of yoga while explicitly focusing on Christian themes. In my opinion, engaging in cultural appropriation occurs when we adopt practices from other cultures and rebrand them for our personal benefit. I have been in deep contemplation what this looks like in my own movement offering.

Christian Yoga Expo

In October 2024, I’ll be attending the Christian Yoga Expo, hosted by Christian Yoga Magazine. As a blogger, I’ve been invited and provided with complimentary tickets to explore how the Christian faith is reclaiming restorative movement and breath work from the enemy’s influence. The expo’s purpose and vision focus on integrating faith with movement, helping believers restore their bodies and minds while glorifying God through yoga practices.

“Our vision for the Christian Yoga Expo is to create a nurturing environment
where participants can deepen their relationship with God while nurturing
their bodies, minds, and spirits. Through various workshops, classes,
seminars, and discussions led by experienced instructors and spiritual
leaders, we aim to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their
divine identity and cultivate inner peace, strength, and resilience.”

I look forward to sharing my experience on Instagram and sharing another blog post as I gain more perspective on how practicing yoga or what I like to call integrative movement works in my everyday life.

If you continue to read you will see that my heart’s desire is to disciple in everyday life. Check out my blog post on discipleship. If anything takes me away from glorifying the kingdom I must die to myself for my Savior but as you will learn I have not seen anything that shows me in God’s word that my practice is demonic. 

The Case Against Practicing Yoga

On the other hand, those who caution against Christians practicing yoga point to the following concerns:

1. Spiritual Roots: Yoga’s origins in Hinduism and other Eastern religions mean that it is inherently spiritual. Some argue that engaging in yoga can unintentionally expose practitioners to spiritual beliefs and practices that conflict with Christianity. This may be true and as a more mature believer, I want to warn you against practicing at any yoga studio. There are Christian instructors online and studios in local gyms that may be a safer space for you to move through stretching, flexibility, strength and balance.
   
   1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV), which says: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”

2. Misalignment with Christian Doctrine: Certain aspects of yoga, such as the pursuit of self-realization and the idea of union with a universal spirit, can contradict Christian teachings about salvation, grace, and the nature of God. This misalignment can create confusion or lead Christians away from their faith. That is why it is critical you know your Word and not just what other people tell you. Know it for yourself so you can be armed with truth.
   
   Ephesians 6:17 (NIV) says, Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
   
3. Potential for Syncretism: Practicing yoga without a clear understanding of its spiritual roots can lead to syncretism—blending different religious beliefs. This blending can dilute or distort the unique message of Christianity. This thought may be referring to
   
   2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (NIV) which says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.”
   
   This passage emphasizes the importance of being mindful of practices that could blend Christian beliefs with those of other religions or spiritual systems, warning against syncretism. It speaks to the need to maintain the purity of Christian worship and faith without mixing it with other belief systems.
   
4. Alternative Practices: From my research critics of yoga suggest that Christians have alternative ways to achieve physical and mental wellness that are more closely aligned with Christian values. These could include prayer, meditation on Scripture, Christian-themed exercise classes, and other faith-based activities. They do. Yoga is not necessary in the Christian faith to embody the gospel of Jesus. It is also unnecessary to create physical and mental wellness. There are alternatives to achieve stress management tools.

Navigating the Debate

For Christians seeking guidance on this issue, a balanced approach may be helpful. I would advise them to take their concerns to God. To ask the Lord, to reveal what is right for them and to give them discernment. We need to take everything to the Lord not just our desire to practice yoga. He wants to be part of every aspect of our lives.

To answer a question, I’ve gotten many times, “Should Christians practice yoga?” Here are some things to consider when navigating the answers for your own walk in faith.

1. Discernment and Intentions: Assess your motives for practicing yoga. If your focus is purely on the physical benefits and you consciously avoid spiritual elements, you may find yoga compatible with your faith. Yoga is not necessary to stretch you can integrate stretching, flexibility, breathwork, mobility, strength, and balance in other movement modalities.
   
   If you are drawn to the spiritual aspects of yoga, exercise caution and seek guidance from trusted Christian leaders. When presenting their findings, people should rely on Scripture as their primary source and avoid relying solely on personal biases or secondhand information.
   
2. Explore Christian Alternatives: Consider exploring Christian alternatives to yoga, such as Christian-themed exercise classes, faith-based meditation, or prayer walks. I was trained by an organization Revelation Wellness. We have RevWell TV which has stretching classes.
   
   On the FaithFueled Life App, I have FaithFueled Flow which has integrative movement classes that integrate: stretching, flexibility, breath work, mobility, strength, and balance from a trauma-informed perspective which eliminates poses that may make you feel exposed or uncomfortable for example “happy baby” is not in my integrative movement practices.
   
   We meditate on a Scripture for each class and as we breathe in and out I invite the participants to Inhale “Yh” and exhale “Wh” It has been transformative on my healing journey. I offer free classes on Wednesday mornings in my Digital Studio.
   
   These practices can provide similar benefits without potential conflicts with Christian beliefs: restorative stretching, integrative movement, or even somatic exercise.
   
3. Community and Accountability: Engage in open conversations with other Christians and spiritual mentors. Seek guidance from your church or Christian community to ensure your practices align with your faith. Your church community is a place to support you and hold you accountable you navigate this issue. Again, make sure that their views align with God’s Word and not personal opinion.
   
4. Respect for Diversity: Remember that Christians hold diverse views on many issues, including yoga. Respecting differing opinions within the Christian community is essential. Ultimately, your relationship with God is personal, and your faith journey may differ from others’. 

I also dont believe as Christians we are called to live our lives with a Spirit of fear.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Celebrating Pagan Holidays is equivalent to practicing “yoga”

Christians find it acceptable to practice other pagan rituals and attach them to Christian celebrations but when they see someone in a downward dog panic ensues. I question the motives or the lack of education in these areas. There is hypocrisy when it comes to pagan holidays which are celebrations and worships of false gods. And movement practices. What pagan beliefs are acceptable to adopt and what are off limits? We can look to historical idol/nature worship practices that we now “practice” in Christianity and no one questions: 

• Do you have a Christmas trees? 
• Is the Easter bunnies/egg hunts part of your Easter celebration?
• Do you trick or treat?
• Do you live your days names of days of the week? 
• Dance?
• Play cards?
• Do you only listen to worship music?

I feel like the same Christians who demonize yoga in my DMs and Comments are the ones with the biggest Christmas tree and family Halloween costumes. Yet, there is no difference.

Matthew 7:5 says, You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 

What does the Bible say about yoga?

The Bible doesn’t mention yoga directly, some Christians point to certain Scriptures to argue against practices they believe might conflict with Christian faith or incorporate spiritual elements not aligned with biblical teachings. Below are some of these Scriptures and their interpretations, which some use to argue against yoga for Christians:

• Exodus 20:3-5: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them…” These verses, part of the Ten Commandments, highlight the centrality of worshiping God alone and avoiding practices that could be seen as idolatrous or tied to other religious beliefs.
  
• Deuteronomy 18:10-12: “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a medium, or a necromancer, or one who inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord…” While these practices seem distinct from yoga, some Christians view yoga’s spiritual or mystical elements as crossing into areas the Bible warns against.
  
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-17: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?… Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” This passage speaks to the separation between believers and practices associated with unbelief. Some use it to argue against adopting practices tied to other religions or belief systems.
  
• Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” This verse warns against being influenced by philosophies or traditions that aren’t centered on Christ, which some Christians believe could include yoga’s spiritual or philosophical components.
  
• 1 Corinthians 10:19-21: “Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” This passage is often cited to caution against practices with pagan or non-Christian religious associations.

These Scriptures are interpreted in various ways within the Christian community. Those who believe yoga conflicts with Christianity generally focus on the potential spiritual risks and the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between Christian and non-Christian practices. If you are concerned about the spiritual implications of yoga, consider exploring other forms of physical exercise and relaxation that don’t carry potential religious or spiritual connotations.

Is Christian Yoga a thing?

Many Christians adapt yoga for their own purposes, focusing solely on the physical and health-related aspects while avoiding spiritual practices that conflict with Christian doctrine. Others embrace “Christian yoga,” which incorporates Christian meditation, prayer, or Scripture alongside physical postures. Many organizations practice Christian yoga but I still would be discerning in any yoga practice you begin. October 11-12, I will be attending the first annual Christian Yoga Expo that will be hosting hundreds of Christian yogis. Yes, Christian yoga is a thing.

Should you learn about yoga?

If you’re a Christian exploring yoga, consider examining the core teachings of the “Yoga Sutras” alongside biblical principles to determine whether any practices or philosophies conflict with your faith. Consulting with trusted spiritual leaders, clergy, or Christian communities can provide additional guidance in navigating this complex issue. I do not recommend consulting with a non-believer of the comparison of yoga to Christianity. Learning what yoga is not worshipping or practicing yoga.

Yoga as a broader tradition embraces an inclusive approach, acknowledging that spiritual paths vary and that individuals might find different routes to spiritual fulfillment or personal growth. This inclusivity is reflected in several key aspects of yoga philosophy:

• Universalism: Traditional yoga philosophies often highlight the universality of spiritual truths, suggesting that different religious and spiritual paths can lead to similar outcomes, such as inner peace, self-realization, or a sense of unity with a higher power. This universalism allows yoga to be practiced by people of various religious backgrounds, including Christians.
• Focus on Experience: Yoga encourages experiential learning, emphasizing personal practice and meditation. This focus on personal experience rather than doctrinal rigidity permits practitioners to draw from their own spiritual or religious backgrounds while engaging in yoga practices.
• Adaptability: As yoga has spread globally, it has been adapted to fit various cultural contexts. In Western countries, for example, yoga is often practiced in secular settings with an emphasis on physical fitness and stress relief, without explicit spiritual or religious content. This adaptability allows Christians and others from different faith traditions to engage in yoga without conflicting with their religious beliefs.

Is yoga a different religion?

Despite this general openness, it’s worth noting that some traditional yoga practices contain elements that may be closely tied to Hindu spirituality, such as chanting mantras, meditation on Hindu deities, or concepts like karma and reincarnation. These elements can create tension for those who see them as incompatible with Christian doctrine. This potential for conflicting spiritual messages leads to differing views within the Christian community about yoga’s compatibility with Christian beliefs. Yoga is a philosophy and not a religion but many Hindu and Budhist practice yoga along with their spiritual practices.

Should a Christian go to a yoga studio?

This is what I wanted to clarify I do not recommend Christians going to a Yoga Studio. As Christians we have to have discernment and if you are unaware of the meaning behind what you are doing then you should not be doing it. If fear has prevented you from educating yourself then you should not participate in chanting, mantras, mudras, or meditation because there is potential for syncretism. During my 200 hr YTT, I did not participate in chanting, mantras and mudras.  I respectfully excused myself from the practices.

If you would like to stretch to gain flexibility please don’t be afraid that certain poses will cause you to worship gods that you do not know exist.  True worship is preceded by devotion. You are able to stretch your body without worshipping false gods. I would be protective of who is leading you in the stretching.  

As yoga continues to evolve and adapt, there is no uniform stance on Christianity within the yoga community. Yoga practitioners and teachers vary in their approach, with some focusing exclusively on the physical and mental benefits, while others include spiritual components. This diversity means that Christians considering yoga should exercise discernment and determine whether a particular style or setting aligns with their faith and spiritual values.

Should Christians practice yoga?

The question of whether Christians should practice yoga has no definitive answer. It depends on your beliefs, intentions, and the approach taken toward the practice. If you choose to engage in yoga, ensure it aligns with your Christian faith, avoiding spiritual elements that conflict with your beliefs. 

If you prefer to avoid yoga due to its spiritual roots, explore alternative practices that align with Christian teachings. The key is to maintain a strong connection with your faith and seek guidance from trusted Christian mentors. I hope this was helpful and dispel fears that you have surrounding yoga. Again, I am not here to point you to yoga but I do think you should take fear off the table because as a Child of God you have nothing to fear. I hope this post was helpful on your own education and pray that you take further action to see what the Lord reveals is right in your walk of faith.

 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 15:4“For the Lord is great and highly praised He is feared above all gods.” 1 Chronicles 16:25