This is a question I’ve asked—and been asked—umpteen times over the last decade.
Why? Because I love Jesus, and I love yoga. So it’s been really important to me to know:
Is yoga something God approves of—or could it even be a way we worship Him?
1. Worshiping God through physical movement is biblical and beautiful.
God created our bodies on purpose and for a purpose:
“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
— Genesis 1:27
He also created us to worship Him with every part of our being—heart, soul, mind, and strength:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.”
— Mark 12:30
Raising your hands in worship. Kneeling in prayer. Bowing in reverence. These are all physical expressions of spiritual posture.
So, when we intentionally move our bodies in ways that honor God—while meditating on His Word, worshiping, and listening—we are absolutely engaging in a form of worship.
2. No religion can “own” a posture. It’s all about the heart.
Let’s clear this up: simply moving your body into a certain shape doesn’t mean you’re participating in a different religion. If that were the case, sitting cross-legged or stretching your arms overhead could be considered sinful. But that’s not what Scripture teaches.
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
— Psalm 19:14
God looks at the intention of the heart.
And just as Christians have redeemed cultural practices (hello, Christmas and Easter—go ahead and Google their origins), we believe God is in the business of redeeming. He can use anything—even a yoga mat—as a place of transformation, healing, and worship.
After years of studying Scripture, seeking wise counsel, and personally experiencing the fruits of Holy Yoga, here are five conclusions I’ve come to:
3. The word “yoga” itself isn’t scary—or sinful.
For a long time, I tried to avoid the debate by calling my classes things like “Breathe.” But that led to even more confusion. So let’s just unpack the word.
The word yoga literally means “to yoke” or “to unite.” In historical terms, it means to be yoked like oxen—a connection, a discipline, a joining.
Does Holy Yoga yoke us to Christ? No more than worship music or prayer or reading the Bible does. But it’s a practice—a sacred space to intentionally slow down, meditate on Scripture, listen to God, and be still in His presence.
And if that’s not something God wants more of in our lives… I don’t know what is.
4. Holy Yoga is not syncretism—it’s a redeemed practice.
Syncretism means blending incompatible religious beliefs. That’s not what’s happening in Holy Yoga.
In Holy Yoga, we’re not borrowing Hinduism and slapping some Jesus on top. We’re not chasing enlightenment or emptying our minds to reach nirvana. We’re filling our minds with God’s truth, worshiping the Lord with every breath, and stretching in a way that brings health to the body and wholeness to the soul.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Even western yoga (as it’s often practiced in gyms and studios) is largely health-focused, not religious. But in Holy Yoga, the goal is crystal clear: to glorify God with our bodies.
5. Holy Yoga is for anyone who wants to worship God with their whole self.
It’s for the person who:
“All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:12b
And yes—some Christians have questioned or criticized my practice of Holy Yoga. Honestly? I’m grateful. Their concern led me deeper into Scripture, and into prayerful self-examination.
Like David, I asked:
“Search me, God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
— Psalm 139:23-24
What I found was peace. What I experienced was freedom. What I now teach is a practice rooted in the love of Christ, anchored in truth, and led by the Holy Spirit.
For a long time, I tried to avoid the debate by calling my classes things like “Breathe.” But that led to even more confusion. So let’s just unpack the word.
The word yoga literally means “to yoke” or “to unite.” In historical terms, it means to be yoked like oxen—a connection, a discipline, a joining.
Does Holy Yoga yoke us to Christ? No more than worship music or prayer or reading the Bible does. But it’s a practice—a sacred space to intentionally slow down, meditate on Scripture, listen to God, and be still in His presence.
And if that’s not something God wants more of in our lives… I don’t know what is.
4. Holy Yoga is not syncretism—it’s a redeemed practice.
Syncretism means blending incompatible religious beliefs. That’s not what’s happening in Holy Yoga.
In Holy Yoga, we’re not borrowing Hinduism and slapping some Jesus on top. We’re not chasing enlightenment or emptying our minds to reach nirvana. We’re filling our minds with God’s truth, worshiping the Lord with every breath, and stretching in a way that brings health to the body and wholeness to the soul.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Even western yoga (as it’s often practiced in gyms and studios) is largely health-focused, not religious. But in Holy Yoga, the goal is crystal clear: to glorify God with our bodies.
5. Holy Yoga is for anyone who wants to worship God with their whole self.
It’s for the person who:
- Loves Jesus and wants to worship with heart, soul, mind and strength
- Craves more Scripture, stillness, and Spirit-led space
- Feels disconnected from their body or stuck in shame around it
- Wants to move, breathe, and stretch in a way that’s healing and holy
- Just needs to slow down and be reminded of who they are and Whose they are
“All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:12b
And yes—some Christians have questioned or criticized my practice of Holy Yoga. Honestly? I’m grateful. Their concern led me deeper into Scripture, and into prayerful self-examination.
Like David, I asked:
“Search me, God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
— Psalm 139:23-24
What I found was peace. What I experienced was freedom. What I now teach is a practice rooted in the love of Christ, anchored in truth, and led by the Holy Spirit.
If you’ve been wondering whether Christians can do yoga, I hope this has given you a loving, thoughtful answer.
And if you’re curious what it’s like to practice Holy Yoga, I’d love to invite you to try a class or retreat and experience it for yourself.
You just might find rest for your soul… and a new way to worship with your whole being.
And if you’re curious what it’s like to practice Holy Yoga, I’d love to invite you to try a class or retreat and experience it for yourself.
You just might find rest for your soul… and a new way to worship with your whole being.
This is a question I’ve asked—and been asked—umpteen times over the last decade.
Why? Because I love Jesus, and I love yoga. So it’s been really important to me to know:
Is yoga something God approves of—or could it even be a way we worship Him?
1. Worshiping God through physical movement is biblical and beautiful.
God created our bodies on purpose and for a purpose:
“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
— Genesis 1:27
