Should Christians do yoga?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “Should Christians do yoga?” addresses whether practicing yoga, even in its most secular forms, aligns with Christian beliefs and values. While some argue that yoga can be stripped of its spiritual and religious roots to focus purely on physical fitness and relaxation, others contend that even the physical poses and practices are inherently tied to non-Christian philosophies. This answer will explore the biblical and theological concerns about engaging in yoga, even in seemingly secular settings, and why Christians may be better served by seeking alternatives that align more closely with biblical principles.

2. Context and Background

Historical Context: Yoga originated in ancient India and has deep roots in Hinduism, later influencing other Eastern religions such as Buddhism and Jainism. In its original context, yoga was designed as a spiritual discipline to unite the practitioner with the divine or higher consciousness. The poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditations were not mere physical exercises but were intended to be a pathway to spiritual enlightenment.

Cultural Context: In modern Western culture, yoga is often marketed as a neutral form of exercise for physical fitness, relaxation, and mental health. However, the origins of yoga are not merely incidental to the practice. The physical poses are often designed to mimic animals, deities, or natural elements to embody certain spiritual realities and foster a deeper connection with nature. For example, poses like the “cobra,” “downward-facing dog,” and “lotus” carry spiritual symbolism that reflects Eastern concepts of enlightenment, balance, and unity with nature.

Literary Context: The challenge for Christians is discerning whether engaging in these practices, even without chanting or overt spiritual elements, still compromises their faith. The biblical mandate to honor God in all things, including the use of one’s body, requires careful consideration of the spiritual implications and origins of any practice.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

The Bible provides several guiding principles for discerning whether Christians should participate in practices like yoga:

• 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 (NASB 2020): “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?”
  This passage warns against blending practices that are incompatible with Christian worship. Yoga, with its roots in Eastern spirituality and its intention of achieving enlightenment, may conflict with the worship of the One True God, even if practiced in a seemingly secular way.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB 2020): “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
  This verse underscores that every action, including physical exercise, should be done to glorify God. If yoga involves poses or practices that originated as acts of worship or spiritual enlightenment in other religions, it could be argued that such practices may not glorify God as He desires.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NASB 2020): “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? … ‘Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you.’”
  Christians are called to be set apart and distinct in their worship and practices. Yoga, even in its more secularized forms, may still carry associations and practices incompatible with biblical teachings.
• Romans 12:1-2 (NASB 2020): “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
  The Bible calls Christians to offer their bodies in worship to God and not to be conformed to the patterns of this world. If yoga’s purpose, even in a secular context, is to imitate animalistic behaviors or seek enlightenment through connection with nature, it can conflict with the biblical call to transformation through Christ.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

1. Redemption Perspective: Some Christians believe that yoga can be redeemed by removing spiritual elements and focusing solely on physical benefits. They may see it as simply another form of exercise.
2. Spiritual Compromise Perspective: Others argue that even when stripped of overtly spiritual elements, the physical postures themselves are rooted in practices meant to achieve enlightenment or spiritual awakening. They believe that Christians engaging in yoga are, perhaps unknowingly, participating in spiritual practices incompatible with their faith.
3. Replacement Perspective: There is also a growing perspective within the Christian community that suggests believers should seek out alternative practices, such as “PraiseMoves” or “Holy Yoga,” which aim to provide the benefits of yoga (stretching, balance, and relaxation) while focusing on biblical meditation, prayer, and worship.

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that yoga is merely physical exercise and, therefore, harmless. However, it is important to recognize that yoga’s poses and practices were developed for specific spiritual purposes in Hinduism, such as attaining enlightenment or mimicking the attributes of deities or animals to connect with nature. Even without chanting or meditation, engaging in these poses can still be seen as participating in practices intended to honor something other than the God of the Bible.

Another misunderstanding is that rejecting yoga is narrow-minded or legalistic. The decision to avoid yoga is not about fear or legalism but rather about a conscious effort to align every aspect of life, including health and wellness practices, with a biblical worldview.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

Instead of engaging in yoga, Christians can explore alternatives that align more closely with their faith and values:

• Seek Christ-Centered Alternatives: Consider fitness programs or stretching exercises that focus on physical health without involving elements from non-Christian spiritual systems. Programs like “PraiseMoves” or stretching routines combined with prayer and worship can offer similar benefits to yoga without the conflicting spiritual baggage.
• Be Discerning in All Practices: Just as Christians are called to discern what they read, watch, and participate in, the same applies to exercise and wellness practices. Ask questions about the origins, purposes, and spiritual implications of any activity, including yoga.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Equip yourself with knowledge about yoga’s spiritual origins and its potential conflicts with Christian beliefs. Share these insights compassionately with fellow believers who may be unaware of these aspects.

Practical reflections for Christians include:

• Replace Yoga with Biblically Aligned Practices: Engage in physical activities that foster health and well-being without conflicting spiritual practices.
• Honor God in Your Body: Remember that every part of our lives, including physical exercise, is an opportunity to glorify God.
• Remain Sensitive to the Holy Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in discerning which practices are edifying and which might lead to spiritual compromise.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

The question of whether Christians should do yoga ultimately comes down to a desire to honor God in all things, including how we care for our bodies. While yoga is popular in contemporary culture and often marketed as a neutral or purely physical practice, its roots and inherent spiritual components raise valid concerns for Christians seeking to live a life set apart for God. Even when stripped of chanting and overt spiritual elements, the poses themselves have specific meanings and purposes tied to non-Christian spiritual beliefs.

Believers are encouraged to seek practices that align fully with their faith, remembering that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, meant to glorify God in every action (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). By choosing alternatives that promote health and fitness without the potential for spiritual compromise, Christians can stay true to their convictions, honor God with their bodies, and provide a clear and distinct witness in a world filled with many conflicting spiritual practices.