I've been asked before, "Can Christians do yoga?" Of course it's important to know what the Bible says, but let's remember God also gave us incredibly functioning brains and intuition through the Holy Spirit that can guide us toward uncovering the truth in this sometimes controversial topic.

In western culture, the practice of yoga has gained immense popularity as a means of physical exercise, stress relief, and spiritual growth. However, this ancient practice has also sparked debate within Christian communities (and specifically evangelical churches), with some questioning whether it aligns with Christian faith. As a Christian and a yoga teacher, I've spent considerable time reflecting on this question, studying God's word, and experiencing firsthand the benefits of yoga. In this blog post, we'll explore the relationship between Christianity and yoga, addressing common concerns and misconceptions, and discussing how Christians can engage in yoga as a powerful tool for physical and spiritual well-being.

Spoiler alert: I firmly believe Christians CAN (and probably should) practice yoga! Now let's get into it.

The Origins and Evolution of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice with roots in Indian philosophy, dating back thousands of years. The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means to yoke or unite. Traditionally, the goal of yoga was to unite the individual self with the divine.

However, it's crucial to understand that yoga has evolved significantly over time, especially as it has spread to Western cultures. Today, many people practice yoga primarily as a form of physical exercise and stress relief, without any religious or spiritual connotations. This evolution has led to various forms of yoga, including Hatha yoga, which focuses primarily on physical postures and breathing exercises.

The Bible and Physical Well-being

Before we delve into the specifics of yoga, let's consider what the Bible says about taking care of our physical bodies. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, "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; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." This verse clearly indicates that caring for our physical health is not just permissible but encouraged as part of our Christian faith. It is our responsibility to take care of our whole physical body, not just our spiritual selves.

Furthermore, in Romans 12:1, we are called to present our bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God." This suggests that maintaining our physical health can be a form of worship and a way to honor God. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of caring for our whole being - body, mind, and spirit.

Addressing Common Concerns

1. Yoga's Hindu Origins

One of the primary concerns Christians express about yoga is its origins in Hinduism. However, it's important to remember that many practices and celebrations we engage in were originally pagan practices, including Christmas and Easter. The key is not necessarily the origin of a practice, but how we engage with it and the intention behind our participation.

As Christians, we believe that God is the creator of all things, including our bodies and their capacity for movement. Satan is not a creator but a perverter of good things. Therefore, the physical postures and breathing exercises of yoga cannot be inherently evil. It's how we approach and use them that matters.

2. Emptying the Mind

Another concern is the idea of "emptying the mind" often associated with yoga meditation. Emptying your mind is just one type meditation. Other types of meditation include following the awareness of your senses or inviting your mind to rest on a specific phrase--much like biblical meditation where you're filling your mind with God's word. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man as one whose "delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."

If you want, of course you can meditate to focus on Scripture, pray, or reflect on God's goodness. But honestly I think a lot of us could use a lot more mental quiet, so we probably all need a larger dose of "emptying" the mind. (psst--sometimes that's the best way to listen for God, anyway!)

3. Chanting and Mantras

Some yoga classes involve chanting or repeating mantras, which can be concerning for Christians, especially if you don't know what the chant means or if you don't believe what it promotes. However, as a human (Christian or not) practicing yoga, you're free to modify or omit these elements. Maybe you choose to silently repeat a Bible verse or a short prayer. Just like poses are just poses, words are just words. Words do not inherently carry meaning of good or evil; it's the meaning we attach to them that makes us see them as good or bad. It's totally okay to just let the chanting around you just kind of bypass you as you make the most of your own meditative time.

How Christians Can Practice Yoga Faithfully

1. Set Your Intention

Before each yoga session, take a moment to dedicate your practice to God. Pray that your time on the mat would be a form of worship and a means of caring for the body He has given you. You might say something like, "Lord God, I offer this practice to you. May it honor you and draw me closer to your heart." Or maybe it's not as overtly religious as that. Maybe it's just "I'm thankful for my body and for making it to my mat today." If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives in you, and you know that all good things come from God above (James 1:17), so you can comfortably be thankful, knowing that whether or not you consciously name it, your thankfulness is toward God.

2. Modify as Needed

Feel free to modify or skip any parts of the class that don't align with your beliefs. This might include opting out of chants or replacing them with your own silent prayers. Remember, your practice is between you and your own body and self, all of which are gifts from God. 

3. Choose Classes Wisely

If you're really uncomfortable with the spiritual side of yoga, look for yoga classes that focus primarily on the physical aspects of yoga. Many gyms and fitness centers offer yoga classes that are purely exercise-oriented. Maybe you've heard of the 8 limbs of yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi)--only one of those (asana) refers to the actual physical postures of yoga, which is what most westerners practice.

Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with attending a more spiritually-focused class with lots of chanting (you're not putting yourself in spiritual danger IMO), but if that's not what you're looking for--don't do it! Simple as that. Think of it as attending a service for another religion. I could attend a service at my local synagogue. I'm not worried I'll be overcome by evil spirits by being there, but it isn't what I believe, so I won't be attending. (Unless of course I want to learn more about Judaism, in which case I think it's a great idea to visit a friend's congregation!)

The Benefits of Yoga for Christians

aka "The Benefits of Yoga." Because whether you're a Christian or not, yoga has benefits for everyone.

1. Physical Health

Yoga can improve flexibility, strength, and balance. As we care for our physical bodies, we honor God and become better equipped to serve Him and others. Regular yoga practice can help prevent injuries, improve posture, and enhance overall physical well-being.

2. Stress Relief

The combination of physical movement and focused breathing in yoga can significantly reduce stress. (Deep breathing stimulates your vagus nerve which activates your parasympathetic nervous system--this is a REAL thing that breathing = stress relief!!) By reducing stress, we may find ourselves more patient, kind, and able to respond to life's challenges in a way that honors God.

3. Mindfulness

Yoga encourages mindfulness, which can enhance our life in general. As we become more aware of our bodies and breath, we can also become more attuned to God's presence and the whispers of the Holy Spirit. This increased awareness can translate into a deeper, more focused life off the mat as well.

4. Community

Yoga classes can provide opportunities for community. Your unique perspective as a Christian practicing yoga can also open doors for meaningful conversations about faith and wellness.

Let's Talk About Christian Yoga

Some instructors offer "Christian yoga" or "Holy Yoga" sessions that incorporate biblical principles and Christian music into the practice. Some even have renamed the poses, turning something like camel pose into "David's harp" and things like that. Personally, I think this comes from a place of fear ("evil demons will overcome us if we practice these inherently evil yoga postures!") and is Example #625347494 of cultural appropriation in yoga. Yoga has a rich and robust cultural history, and for us to take the poses and give them new names is a slap in the face of actual historical yoga tradition.

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One more note about the evil demons overcoming us...I've heard this from Christians before--that if you open yourself up to meditation in a yoga class, evil spirits will attack you. But have we forgotten that as Christians we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us? Even if ​evil spirits were present in every non-Christian yoga class, is the Holy Spirit not strong enough to defend us??

Personal Reflections

As a Christian and a yoga teacher, I've experienced firsthand how yoga can be a powerful tool for physical, mental, and spiritual growth when approached with the right intention. I was first introduced to yoga in college through an exercise club that offered various fitness classes, including kickboxing, Zumba, and yoga. Initially drawn to the physical side of yoga (asana), I eventually discovered the deeper benefits of the practice.

I remember a particularly intense class led by an instructor named Tara at the local YMCA. She had us jumping back and forth between poses, pushing our physical limits. It was exhilarating and extremely challenging. I also thought she was insane (ha!). Later, I attended a restorative yoga class that was so calm and gentle, I initially thought something was wrong! These contrasting experiences taught me about the diversity within yoga practice and how it can meet different needs at different times.

I also used to attend hour-long hot yoga classes a few times a week. Going to a downtown yoga studio was basically my part-time job. And then I became a mom. Now I'm lucky to get in 5 minutes every day! Navigating these different seasons of life is tricky, but it's been really wonderful to see how my yoga practice has adapted and changed to support me at different times. (I can say the same too about my relationship with God and how I spend time reading my Bible, praying, fellowshipping with other believers--it looks different in different seasons. I'm so thankful God is bigger than my spiritual disciplines or the current season I'm in.)

Of course, my journey as a Christian practicing yoga hasn't been without obstacles. I've encountered fellow Christians who were wary of yoga's potential spiritual implications. When I was working at a Christian school, one mom even printed out an article about yoga's origins, cautioning me to be careful. Around that time, I was also leading a yoga club for middle school girls, and because of pushback from parents at the school, I had to change the name of my "yoga club" to "exercise and stretching club" to alleviate concerns.

Making that change was really frustrating to me because again, I don't believe there's anything inherently evil about yoga, but of course I had to succumb to what the school believed and the image they wanted to portray about themselves.

Probably my favorite story to tell (and the most frustrating of all) is when I was scheduled to teach a yoga class as a fund raiser for the women's retreat at my church. Somewhere along the way, a man (one of my peers) at the church told all the men not to "let" their wives attend the class. Because, as we all know, yoga is horrible terrible spiritually dangerous and will defile you as an unclean thing (*eye roll*). The worst part about this is that the man told everyone this but never once came directly to me to talk or ask about this. And we knew each other! He knew my character and had prayed with me and spent time with me and and and...And there's nothing like a Christian fearful of his (perceived) spiritual perfection. Long story short, only 3 women came to the class because everyone else was convinced I'd defile them, I suppose.

Despite these challenges, I've also seen baby steps of growing acceptance of yoga within Christian communities. Recently, a woman at my church who had torn her ACL reached out to me and other fitness professionals for advice, recognizing the value of our knowledge about anatomy and the body as a system. This experience reminded me that being a yoga teacher isn't just about knowing asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing techniques), but also understanding the body's complex structure and function.

Biblical Support for Mindful Movement and Meditation

While the Bible doesn't mention yoga specifically, it does provide support for many of the principles underlying mindful movement and meditation:

1. Meditation on God's Word: Psalm 119:15 says, "I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways." Biblical meditation involves filling our minds with God's truth, which we can incorporate into our yoga practice. Joshua 1:8 also encourages meditation on God's word for good success in life.

2. Caring for Our Bodies: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, encouraging us to honor God with our bodies. This aligns with the yoga philosophy of treating our bodies with respect and care.

3. Pursuing Peace: Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. If you want it to be, yoga can be a time of prayerful reflection and peace-seeking, aligning with this biblical principle.

4. Renewal of the Mind: Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Mindful movement and meditation can be part of this renewal process as we focus on truth (all truth is God's truth) and allow it to shape our thoughts and actions.

5. Stillness Before God: Psalm 46:10 instructs us to "Be still, and know that I am God." The deliberate stillness and focus cultivated in yoga can create space for us to experience God's presence more fully and in general to be well. Overall wellness and health requires a lot more slowing down than we generally offer ourselves.

Addressing Potential Pitfalls

While I believe Christians can practice yoga faithfully, it's important to be aware of potential pitfalls:

1. Substituting Yoga for Biblical Truth: Yoga should complement, not replace, our study of God's word and our relationship with Him. It's crucial to maintain a strong foundation in Scripture and not rely solely on physical practices for spiritual growth.

2. Pursuing Spiritual Enlightenment Outside of Christ: As Christians, we believe that true spiritual enlightenment comes through Christ alone (John 14:6). We should be cautious of any teaching that suggests we can achieve salvation or spiritual fulfillment through our own efforts or any practice other than faith in Christ.

3. Embracing New Age Philosophy: Be discerning about the philosophy behind certain yoga teachings, ensuring they align with biblical principles. Some yoga classes may incorporate elements of Eastern mysticism or New Age thinking that conflict with Christian beliefs.

4. Neglecting Community: While yoga can be a personal spiritual practice, it shouldn't replace corporate worship and fellowship with other believers. The Bible emphasizes the importance of gathering with other Christians for worship, encouragement, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).

5. Overemphasis on Physical Appearance: While yoga can improve physical health and appearance, we should guard against vanity or placing too much importance on our outward appearance. Remember that "the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

Yoga and the Female Body

As a woman and a yoga teacher, I've found that yoga has given me a deeper appreciation for how God has designed the female body. The practice has taught me about the incredible adaptability and strength of women's bodies, especially through different life stages like pregnancy and postpartum.

Pregnancy, in particular, is a time when yoga can be especially beneficial. It's a beautiful illustration of how our bodies are designed to create and nurture life, reflecting God's creative nature. Through prenatal yoga, women can prepare their bodies for the physical demands of childbirth while also cultivating a sense of peace and connection with their growing baby.

In my experience teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga, I've seen how it can be a powerful tool for women to connect with their changing bodies and find strength and peace during a time of significant transition. It's a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things, yet how incredibly fortunate we are to participate in the miracle of life.

Yoga and Mental Health

In recent years, there's been growing recognition of the mental health benefits of yoga. As Christians, we believe in caring for our whole selves - body, mind, and spirit. Yoga can be a valuable tool in maintaining mental health, reducing anxiety and depression, and promoting overall well-being.

The focus on breath and movement in yoga can help calm racing thoughts and bring a sense of peace. This aligns with Paul's instruction in Philippians 4:8 to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By intentionally directing our thoughts during yoga practice, we can cultivate a more positive mindset. I also love incorporating affirmations into my yoga classes; they're not Bible verses, but they are true, and they really encourage my students. Here are a few of my favorites:

• I am a good mother.
• My body knows what to do; my baby knows what to do. (regarding giving birth)
• What I'm doing is enough.
• It's okay to ask for help.

Conclusion: Yoga Brings Us Closer to God

In conclusion, I firmly believe that Christians can practice yoga, and when approached with the right heart and intention, it can be a powerful tool for physical health, stress relief, and even spiritual growth. The key is to approach yoga as we do any other activity in our lives - with discernment, intentionality, and a focus on glorifying God.

Remember, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). This includes our yoga practice. By setting our intentions on honoring God, filling our minds with His truth, and using the practice as a means of caring for the bodies He has given us, yoga (like anything else) can be an act of worship.

If you're a Christian considering yoga, I encourage you to do so with a heart fully devoted to God, using it as an opportunity to draw closer to Him and to care for the temple of the Holy Spirit - your body.

Ultimately, our goal as Christians is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). If practiced with this goal in mind, yoga can be one of many tools that help us live out this commandment, honoring God with our whole being - body, mind, and spirit.

As we navigate our spiritual journeys, let's remember that God is bigger than any single practice or tradition. He can use various means, including yoga, to draw us closer to Him and to help us better serve His kingdom. May your practice, whatever form it takes, be a testament to God's glory and goodness in your life. As you move and breathe, may you be ever mindful of the One who gave you life and breath, using every moment as an opportunity to draw closer to Him.

In the words of the Psalmist, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). May this be our prayer as we seek to honor God in all aspects of our lives, including our yoga practice.