Is Yoga Religious? How to Align Your Yoga Practice and Christian Faith
Is yoga religious? Should Christians practice yoga, or does it go against our faith?
Yoga is an ancient practice that has gained popularity across the globe due to its many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Despite growing popularity and research which proves its many benefits, some Christians are hesitant to practice yoga.
They wonder if yoga is inherently religious in nature and worry that it may conflict with their Christian faith. This blog explores the origins of yoga, addresses concerns about its religious affiliations, and offers ways to practice yoga as a follower of Christ.
The Religious History of Yoga
Yoga was “born” in Southeast Asia and grew up in a culture influenced by Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies and traditions.
The original practices of yoga (as defined by Patanjali) focused solely on breathwork and meditation practices with the intention of experiencing your true, spiritual nature.
Over time, yoga evolved through space and time, and postures were developed as a means of enhancing the capacity of the body. They also served to help yoga practitioners sit in meditation for long periods with as few distractions as possible.
Today, modern yoga is often a secular practice that emphasizes physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and relaxation techniques. Yoga as we know it today does not necessarily involve religious or spiritual elements.
Answering the question “Is Yoga Religious?”
The short answer to this question is no. Yoga is not religious nor is it its own religion. Yoga is a spiritual practice, a discipline, and a way of life.
In the ancient text, The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, yoga is defined and outlined as an eight limbed path. These practices were meant to help the student prepare their body and mind for meditation. The intention of the practice is to come home to your own true, spiritual nature.
Even though yoga is considered a spiritual practice, it can be practiced by people of any or no religious background. Today in the West, yoga is often practiced for its physical and mental health benefits alone, without any religious context.
Why is There Conflict Between Yoga and Christianity?
Much of the controversy that surrounds yoga and Christianity stems from the fact that the practice of yoga was birthed through a culture steeped in Eastern philosophies. Traditional yogic texts influenced by these philosophies describe the practice of yoga (and the fruit of the practice ) from Buddhist or Hindu worldviews.
For example, a Hindu or Buddhist practicing yoga will understand their “spiritual nature” differently than a Christian who practices yoga.
Much like other chanting, fasting, prayer, service, and the study of scripture, yoga is a spiritual discipline which can be practiced within varying belief systems and religions. It can even be practiced with no religion at all!
Christ-centered yoga can address a deep yearning within the modern Western Church. It invites the whole person—body, mind, soul, and spirit—into a loving relationship with its Creator.
When practiced from a Christian perspective, yoga can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth that helps believers live an abundant life connected to Christ.
Is Yoga a Sin?
How should Christians respond to the question, “Is yoga a sin?” This is a complex question, as yoga itself is neither inherently good or evil. A more helpful question might be, “How can God be glorified through the practice of yoga?” The answer to this question will differ for each of us, as God leads and convicts the heart of every believer individually.
For example:
- One Christian might attend a yoga class for stress relief and physical exercise, in an environment that is purely secular and focused on health. For them yoga is not a sin, but simply a way to care for their mind and body, which honors God and glorifies Him by stewarding their bodies and wellbeing.
- Another Christian might try a yoga class but feel uneasy if the instructor begins chanting about Hindu gods or teaching Eastern spiritual concepts from another worldview. They might feel a strong conviction to step away from the practice. For them yoga could be considered a sin because they believe that it could draw them into teaching and beliefs which contradict their Christian faith.
- Yet another Christian might attend a Christ-centered yoga class for physical, mental and spiritual benefits. For them yoga is not a sin but a way to steward their bodies through physical postures, refresh their minds by meditating on God’s word, and nourish their souls by communing with the Holy Spirit who dwells within them.
As you can see, “Is yoga a sin?” should be answered individually, as God convicts each of our hearts according to the unique path that He has prepared for us. Find more examples like this in my previous blog, Jesus and Yoga.
What Does the Bible Say About Yoga?
While you won’t find the word “yoga” in the Bible, you will find the concept of yoga woven throughout the Scriptures from Genesis to the New Testament.
Yoga is a Sanskrit word which translates to mean “to yoke” or “union.”
The Old Testament (written in Hebrew) teaches us that God desires to be with his people. In the garden, the Tabernacle, the Temple, and through Prophets and Theophanies, God’s presence was made known and accessible to his people.
In the New Testament, Jesus, as God in the flesh, draws near to us and invites us into a relationship with Him. He calls us to take His easy “yoke” and walk with Him, reminding us that we do not walk alone in this world but are instead invited to be yoked to Him.
The concept of yoga as “union,” points Christians to the inheritance we have received through Jesus Christ. Our union with Him allows us to have communion with God through the Holy Spirit.
How to Practice Christ-centered Yoga
Christ-centered yoga is a holistic spiritual practice that invites the whole person–body, mind, soul, and spirit–into the “abundant life” promised by Christ.
In practicing yoga from a Christian perspective, you can:
- Engage with Your Body: Recognize your body as God’s artistic creation and the temple of the Holy Spirit.
- Purify Your Mind: Set aside distractions and refresh your mind with the Word of God.
- Nourish Your Spirit: Rest in God’s embrace and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your soul.
Yoga teaches us the art of abiding, helping us navigate both the Spirit and the flesh while acknowledging our dual citizenship in heaven and on earth. For Christians, yoga—or yoking—helps us let go of the burdens of this world and instead co-labor with Jesus, taking on his easy yoke of Christ.
At the end of a yoga practice, as we lie on our mats, we are reminded to surrender our own efforts and find rest in God. If we listen closely, we can feel God’s life-giving breath within and through us, knowing that we are held and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
We recall Jesus’ invitation and, as we step off our mats, we take His easy yoke, confident that we do not walk through this world alone.
Practice Christ-Centered Yoga With Me
While the answer to “Is yoga religious” is no, you can practice yoga from a Christian perspective. I’d love to invite you to practice Christ-centered yoga with me inside my online yoga membership, The Yoga Abbey. Getting Still readers can get one week free with the code 1week. Check out The Yoga Abbey today!
