There is No Such Thing as Christian Yoga
- Illuminate the Truth
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.
Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me… For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”— Matthew 11:29–30
“Yoke” in Scripture means union/attachment—who or what you bind yourself to. (Matthew 11:29–30)
Yoga’s roots are spiritual, not neutral, historically tied to Hindu worship; the very word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yug—“to yoke” or “join.”
Scripture forbids worshiping other gods or joining ourselves to idols, no matter our intentions. (Exodus 20:3–5; 1 Corinthians 10:20)
Our call is to be yoked to Jesus alone, finding rest in Him and keeping our worship undivided. (2 Corinthians 6:14–18)
What “Yoke” Means—and Why It Matters
A yoke is a wooden beam that joins two animals so they move as one. Biblically, it’s a picture of spiritual attachment—who we walk with, learn from, and submit to. Jesus invites us to yoke ourselves to Him: gentle, lowly in heart, the giver of rest (Matt 11:29–30).
Yoga Isn’t Spiritually Neutral - No Christian Yoga
While many approach yoga as “just stretching,” its origin and design are devotional. Historically, yoga’s aims and postures (asanas) were developed to unite practitioners with Hindu deities—a spiritual yoking. Renaming or reframing the practice doesn’t change its root purpose.
“You shall have no other gods before me… You shall not bow down to them or serve them.”— Exodus 20:3–5
The Bible is clear: worship—body included—belongs to God alone.
“But My Intentions Are Good…”
We hear this often: “I’m not worshiping; I play worship music while I stretch” or “I recite Scripture during class.”Scripture warns that sincerity can’t sanctify what God forbids. Paul writes that sacrifices to idols are offered to demons, urging believers not to participate (1 Cor 10:20). Our intent doesn’t redefine what an act is by design.
A helpful picture we heard: rebranding a spiritually devoted practice is like “putting Bible verses on a Ouija board and calling it ‘holy Ouija.’” Labels can’t make idolatry holy.
Deception Is Real—and Subtle
The enemy loves the appearance of light (2 Cor 11:14). Practices that feel calming or “healing” can carry a spiritual pull that opens doors we didn’t intend to open. One of us shared how dabbling in “harmless” spirituality began with yoga—and over time became a gateway to darker things. Not everyone’s story is the same, but Scripture’s warnings are for our protection.
What If I’ve Done Yoga?
This isn’t about shame—it’s about freedom.
Repent: Agree with God about sin and turn (Acts 3:19).
Renounce: In prayer, break agreement with any participation in idolatry (1 Cor 10:21).
Replace: Fill that space with Christ-centered practices—prayer, worship, Scripture, fellowship.
Receive: Welcome Jesus’ rest and cleansing (1 John 1:9). If you need support, ask a mature believer or pastor to pray with you.
Christ-Centered Alternatives
Want mobility, strength, and stress relief without the spiritual baggage?
Pilates or strength/mobility classes
Stretching routines (no Sanskrit terms or yoga branding)
Breathwork + prayer (e.g., meditate on a Psalm while you stretch)
Walk-and-pray rhythms with worship music or Scripture memory
Key Scriptures to Study
Exodus 20:3–5 — No other gods, no bowing to idols
1 Corinthians 10:20–21 — Participation with idols/demons prohibited
2 Corinthians 6:14–18 — Do not be unequally yoked; be separate
Matthew 11:29–30 — Jesus’ yoke is easy; His burden is light
Romans 12:2 — Be transformed; don’t be conformed
Hebrews 3:13 — Guard against sin’s deceitfulness
A Prayer You Can Use
Gentle Word to Our Readers
We love people who practice yoga—we’re not attacking people. We’re warning about a practice that Scripture leads us to avoid. Our aim is clarity with compassion, calling believers to undivided worship of Jesus.
🎧 Listen to Episode 9: "There is no such thing as Christian yoga." https://open.spotify.com/episode/3e8i9iZPuIPEHhSdJtjhKv?si=B1R9AdkaTuSAXvsmPor7xA
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