Can Christians Practice Yoga?

Yoga is a staple of private studios, fitness and rec centers, and now schools. But many Christians have wondered whether doing yoga is a righteous activity to be involved in.

Their concern rises over the eastern spiritual component that is usually incorporated into practices, in either an open or a more subtle way. But other believers have decided to ignore the spiritual side of yoga, to make it a purely physical workout.

It can be confusing, but as Christians, we do have a higher Source for guidance. So, while it can be helpful to consider the advice of others, it’s God who provides us with true wisdom.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Does the Bible Mention Yoga?

The first and most basic question to ask is whether Scripture directly talks about yoga. The short answer is no. But just because we can’t look up verses specifically about a subject doesn’t mean that God doesn’t care. It means He has left it for us to decide.

The Apostle Paul wrote a passage which reminds us to be thoughtful when we use our free will to choose activities. For those choices affect us, and can even set an example for others.

“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say — but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ — but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).

Paul also knew that being thoughtful about what we choose to do is a way to show honor to God.

How Should We Approach These Kinds of Issues?

Even when God’s Word doesn’t tell us if a particular thing is right or wrong, it does give us a compass to follow. The Bible provides basic principles that will help us to make personal decisions that will give us peace rather than anxiety.

It may sound like overthinking, but every choice we make is really an opportunity to put God at the center of our life, and to share His values with others. Here is how we can approach this sort of area:

With spiritual awareness

Does this activity include any elements that might go against my beliefs?

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).

With alertness of mind

Am I hearing or seeing anything in this activity that makes me uncomfortable?

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…” (Philippians 1:9-10).

With fixed eyes

Am I able to keep my focus on God as I do this activity?

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).

With a worshipful heart

Am I able to glorify God through this activity?

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

How to Apply These Principles to Yoga

We can start by taking a look at the concerns some Christians have had with the practice of yoga. And before we attend a class, or even as we’re going through one, we can ask ourselves some questions.

1. Am I Seeing or Hearing Eastern Religious Influences During This Practice?

Yoga is considered a school of philosophy of the Hindu religion. Many feel that the amount of eastern worldview present in yoga today is minimal. But some of the words and ideas taught in certain styles do reflect those doctrines. So it’s important to be aware of how they differ from Christianity. 

• Naming “the universe” as the source of life and love rather than God.
• Replacing acknowledgment of the Lord's sovereignty with worship of other gods. 
• Believing people are all inherently good, and their inner guide has all the answers they need. 
• Saying that everyone is born perfect discounts any admission of sinfulness or need of a Savior.

Our part in practicing yoga wisely is to be aware of terms or language we hear that relates to eastern religion. Then we have the choice to filter those out or replace them with words from our faith. The Apostle John gave this caution:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

We can ask: Can I be comfortable with hearing about other perspectives while staying firm in my own beliefs?

2. Am I Able to Stay Connected to and Even Glorify God As I Do Yoga?

Some Christians are convinced that the spiritual influences will always be entwined with the exercise and could affect our thinking. Conversely, other Christians say that in their experience, yoga is merely a discipline for the body. In this view, yoga can be a way to bring the whole person, body, mind and spirit, into alignment specifically with God, rather than a more general higher power or source.

Being thoughtful about the way we partake of yoga may lead us to find sessions that don’t include any Sanskrit words or teachings of eastern worldview. We can think of Scriptures during the meditation time, or as we do the poses, give Him thanks for the ability to move our bodies.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Bottom line, we can ask: Can I accept the references to eastern religion while using my yoga practice to bring me closer to God?

In the end, God has left it to us to choose whether to do yoga or not. He has given us free will. But as The Lord’s followers, we need to decide responsibly, and righteously. Thankfully, He is waiting to show each of us the way to honor Him in all that we do.

These are just a few more Scriptures to study when we need to navigate our way in regards to activities:

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Philippians 4:8).

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own…” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Proverbs 4:8).

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd

Heather Adams is an author, speaker, and singer living in Connecticut. Heather’s passion is to equip and encourage believers to seek more of God’s truth and to experience more of His joy each day. Her book, Bow Down: The Heart of a True Worshipper is a practical, 30-day devotional about worship based on the writings of King David. Heather's blog, Worship Walk Ministries, offers weekly Scripture passages and insights to ponder. A native New Englander, Heather is settling into her home in the South, trying out local foods and watching for the alligators that live nearby!