Holy yoga – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Holy yoga, or Christian yoga, is essentially an attempt at Christianizing the Hindu practice of yoga. Several mainline liturgical and Protestant churches sponsor or host yoga, but holy yoga is a relatively recent development in evangelical churches. Yoga was developed as a Hindu spiritual practice to help followers realize a deep knowledge of Self in an effort to unite with the all-pervading Brahman. Though in the Western world yoga is presented as a physical exercise or form of stress management, holy yoga attempts to repurpose the spiritual aspects of yoga for Christian goals. Holy yoga talks about seeking knowledge of Self, but in Christ. During holy yoga sessions, Christian music is played and Bible verses are chanted. Holy yoga still comes from a spiritually dangerous practice and is likely best avoided.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Isaiah 42:8, God says, "I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols." Whereas yoga says we are god and its aim is to become one with nature, God makes clear that He alone is God and that we cannot become one with Him.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The focus of yoga is on self. The Bible calls us to die to self and live for Christ (Matthew 16:24).
• The aim of yoga is to become one with nature. Though God's creation is amazing, wonderful, beautiful, and sometimes spectacular, it is the Creator we are to focus upon, not the creation (Romans 1:25).
• Yoga teaches that all we need is within ourselves and that we are a god, or at least godly. This cannot be made to be Christian. God exists without anything else. Our connection with God is primarily through His initiation (1 John 4:10). It is not through our effort or willpower we are able to connect with God, but through Jesus Christ only (John 14:6). God provided us His Word to know Him and to equip us (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
• The Christian mysticism cloaked as Christian yoga devalues Bible study and prayer in favor of experience and effort. We do have experiences with God, and we are to put forth effort in godly living (Philippians 2:12–13). But breathe control and body position do not provide true spiritual and mental health. In fact, the Bible says we can be falling apart physically and yet undergo daily renewal: "Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16).
• Christians should care for their bodies as faithful stewards, but it does not prescribe a specific way to do so. First Timothy 4:7–8 says, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

While it may seem appealing to merge the physical benefits of yoga with our Christian faith, we must recognize that yoga's roots are spiritually dangerous and rooted in a worldview that contradicts biblical teachings. We should prioritize growing in Christ through prayer, Bible study, and genuine worship, as these practices nurture our spiritual health far more than any physical stretch or exercise could. By focusing on God as our Creator rather than the creation (Romans 1:25), we can ensure our spiritual growth remains grounded in biblical truth, avoiding the allure of practices that may distract us from our relationship with Him. As we navigate our wellness routines, let’s ask ourselves whether our activities genuinely honor God and align with His Word, ensuring that our pursuit of physical health does not come at the cost of our spiritual integrity.

UNDERSTAND

• Holy yoga seeks to Christianize yoga.
• Yoga is rooted in Hinduism, which is incompatible with biblical teachings.
• Holy yoga practices and emphases conflict with the biblical call to deny oneself and rely on Christ for connection with God.

REFLECT

• How can you ensure that your pursuit of physical activities aligns with biblical faith and values?
• Have you ever felt tempted to adopt practices from other belief systems? How did you navigate those situations?
• How do you view the relationship between your spiritual health and your physical health? In what ways are you currently investing in your spiritual growth?

ENGAGE

• Meditation, a cornerstone of New Age and Eastern mysticism, is also a foundation of yoga, along with visualization, controlled breathing, and chanting. Holy yoga applies Christian ideals to these themes. But even in applying thoughts of Jesus, the cross, or some other Christian focus, holy yoga still uses transcendental meditation and other New Age mind-altering techniques. Clearing our minds is not biblical. What other specific elements of holy yoga might conflict with biblical teachings?
• How does the concept of self in yoga compare to the biblical call to deny oneself and live for Christ?
• What alternatives to yoga can Christians consider that promote physical health without compromising spiritual beliefs?