As Christians, we turn to the Bible as our source of guidance for our hearts and actions. It helps us to discern the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, self-centeredness versus living our lives for God. In a world with so much information coming at us from so many angles, sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference, particularly when they all claim to be Biblically-based opinions. Sometimes, the lines seem blurry, particularly when it comes to things that aren’t expressly discussed in the Bible, and yoga is one of those things. Let’s look at what the themes of the Bible have to say about Christians doing yoga to help shed some light on this issue.

There’s an ongoing heated debate about whether Christians should or should not participate in yoga. To gain clarity on this, we need to understand Biblical Theology, which is essentially a way of discussing God and His principles in light of the entire context of the Bible. It involves examining themes and how they connect across different books and authors. It includes an analysis of themes, a focus on Christ, exegesis (careful and analytical study of the text in its original context), and hermeneutics (principles of interpretation). It’s not about specific texts but the broader understanding of God’s will and redemptive work displayed throughout scripture.

The word yoga isn’t found anywhere in scripture, and there’s minimal discussion about exercise or self-care in general. So, let’s explore some of the Bible’s overarching principles that apply to yoga and the ideas that people use to condemn the practice.

Themes in Support

While these themes and scriptures do not directly reference yoga, they reflect the values and priorities that yoga can help us to embody.

Meditation and Contemplation

Meditation in the Bible is a recurring theme emphasizing the importance of contemplating God’s Word, His works, and His character. It involves deep, focused, and reflective engagement with Scripture, aiming to internalize and apply its truths. Biblical meditation is a tool for spiritual growth, wisdom, and intimacy with God.

Meditation in the Bible is a recurring theme emphasizing the importance of contemplating God’s Word, His works, and His character.

In Psalm 1:2, the righteous person is described as one who meditates on God’s law day and night, delighting in it. Similarly, Joshua 1:8 encourages meditating on the Book of the Law throughout the day and night so that we can be careful to abide by His law. Biblical meditation differs from secular mindfulness practices, focusing on God and His revealed truth. We seek to align our hearts and minds with His will through meditation.

There are multiple references to mediation through Scripture; here are a few of my favorites: Psalm 19:14, Psalm 49:3, Psalm 119:15, Proverbs 4:20-22, Romans 12:2, Colossians 3:2, Hebrews 4:12, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2, James 4:8

Physical Training and Discipline

Self-discipline and physical training are seen as aspects of a faithful life. There are multiple references to our bodies being the temple of the Holy Spirit and a living sacrifice to God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 10:3, 1 Corinthians 12:27). In light of this understanding, we are urged to care for our physical bodies as a way of glorifying God and honoring the Holy Spirit that resides in us. It’s a response to being made in the image of God. 

Godliness is always prioritized over physical health or training. 1 Timothy 4:8 and Proverbs 31:17 acknowledge that strength and physical training have value so that we can accomplish the tasks God has given us. The focus is not on the training itself but on what it allows us to do. These passages suggest that maintaining physical health through discipline and self-control benefits personal well-being and is a spiritual responsibility, reflecting respect for God’s creation and His indwelling presence.

Godliness is always prioritized over physical health or training.

Self-discipline, or self-control, is frequently mentioned as a vital virtue for believers. Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as one of the Fruits of the Spirit. Proverbs 25:28 compares a person without self-control to a city with broken walls, highlighting the vulnerability and chaos that lack of discipline can bring. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 uses the analogy of an athlete who exercises strict self-discipline to win a prize, encouraging Christians to practice self-control in all aspects of life for the sake of spiritual growth and eternal rewards.

These scriptures collectively underscore the importance of self-discipline and well-being as tools for achieving a righteous and purposeful life rooted in faith and obedience to God.

Breathing

In the Bible, the theme of breathing is deeply connected to the concept of the breath of God, which signifies life and creation. From the very beginning, in Genesis 2:7, God breathes life into Adam, illustrating that human life itself is a direct gift from God. Breathing life into humanity underscores the intimate and sustaining relationship between God and humans.

God breathes life into Adam, illustrating that human life itself is a direct gift from God.

Additionally, in Ezekiel 37:9-10, the breath of God brings life to dry bones, symbolizing restoration and renewal. In the New Testament, Jesus breathes on His disciples in John 20:22, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Thus, breathing in the Bible is a physical act and a profound metaphor for God’s life-giving and sustaining presence.

Concerns Often Raised About Christians Doing Yoga

Since the Bible doesn’t mention yoga, no specific verses instruct us to take up or avoid the practice. Here are a few common concerns I hear used to denounce the practice, along with how I navigate and respond to these.

Idolatry and Worship of Other Gods

Concern: Yoga has roots in Hinduism and can be associated with the worship of other deities; therefore, it is idolatry.

Refutation: This is a gross oversimplification of how and why yoga was developed. While it is true that yoga has origins in Hindu spiritual practices, modern yoga, especially in the Western context, has grown well outside of this and is often practiced as a form of physical exercise and mindfulness without any religious connotations. To say that Christians shouldn’t do yoga because of where it developed is akin to saying that they shouldn’t listen to music with Tabla hand drums because they are used in Hindu worship.

As Christians, we need to be deliberate about our choices and actions. Regarding yoga, not all classes may align with Christian beliefs, but some certainly do. It’s difficult to make broad assertions about yoga practices, as they vary widely depending on the instructor and their teachings. Therefore, it’s essential to research and understand each yoga teacher’s specific approaches, methods, and philosophies to ensure they align with Christian values. Opting for Christian yoga classes can alleviate these concerns.

When exploring this theme, two verses come to mind: Romans 14:13-23 and 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. These verses both address the issues of personal freedom and the impact of our actions on others within the Christian community. The topic is eating food that has been sacrificed to idols.

Paul states that this is fine for the believer, as we know that idols are worthless. However, an issue may arise if it causes others to stumble or fall if their hearts struggle with idolatry. I see a parallel here because the food was initially sacrificed to idols, similar to how some people view yoga as coming from idol worship. The principle taught here by Paul is to act out of love and avoid causing others to stumble in their faith.

That said, yoga isn’t something that we should press or force onto others. In certain situations, we may need to avoid it for a while if we are in a relationship with other Christians, and the practice becomes a stumbling block for them.

If you’re curious about the history of yoga, you can read more about it here.

Syncretism

Concern: Participating in yoga may involve engaging in spiritual practices inconsistent with Christianity or lead to syncretism (a fancy word meaning merging or amalgamation of different religions).

Refutation: Yoga is just a tool to help with conscientious living. It is not and has never been a religion, and people of varying faiths have used it since its inception. As Christians, we can use this tool within the framework of our Christian worldview, focusing on how it can aid us with breathing, moving, and meditating on God’s word. In light of scripture, yoga can become a form of worship by honoring God with our body, heart, and mind.

If you’re unsure how to approach yoga as a form of worship, please join me in one of my free Strength for the Weary yoga practices.

The Takeaway

The discussion on whether Christians should participate in yoga underscores the importance of seeking biblical guidance with an open heart and a discerning mind. By understanding the broader principles of biblical theology, we can navigate complex topics that honor God’s truth and principles.

While the word “yoga” may not appear in the Bible, the relevance of biblical themes such as meditation, contemplation, and self-discipline highlight its usefulness as a tool for honoring God. As Christians, we are called to pursue spiritual growth, wisdom, and intimacy with God, and this involves approaching contentious topics with humility, grace, and a deep reverence for God’s word and will. Our decision to do yoga should be based on what honors God, and everything we do should be for God’s glory.