Reiki is a practice with roots in Eastern spirituality, and the Bible cautions against engaging in practices that draw from non-Christian religious systems. Scripture encourages believers to seek healing through God and to be discerning about spiritual practices. We’ll look at biblical principles that can guide Christians when considering practices like Reiki.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Rejecting Gifts
What Does The Bible Say About Reiki
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.”
This verse emphasizes the prohibition against engaging in practices such as sorcery, witchcraft, and divination that are not aligned with God’s commands and principles. It serves as a reminder to avoid seeking guidance or power from sources outside of God.
Reiki is founded on the belief in the existence and manipulation of a universal life force energy, which is inconsistent with the biblical teaching of seeking guidance and healing solely from God. Therefore, as Christians, it is important to understand and align our practices with the teachings and principles of the Bible.
Isaiah 8:19
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
In this verse, Isaiah challenges the people to seek guidance directly from God rather than consulting mediums or spiritists. It highlights the importance of trusting in God as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance.
Reiki involves the channeling of energy from external sources, which contradicts the biblical teaching of seeking God’s guidance and relying on His power. As Christians, our focus should be on developing a deep relationship with God, trusting in His providence, and seeking His guidance through prayer and study of His Word.
Leviticus 20:6
“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.”
This verse emphasizes God’s strong stance against engaging with mediums and spiritists. It warns of the consequences that come with seeking guidance or power from these sources.
Reiki, with its reliance on external energies and forces, goes against the biblical teaching of relying solely on God. As Christians, we should heed this warning and stay faithful to God’s commandments, trusting in His power and seeking His guidance alone.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
This verse warns against being deceived by false teachings that are not rooted in Christ. It cautions believers to guard against ideologies that rely on human tradition and worldly spiritual forces.
Reiki is built upon metaphysical beliefs and practices that do not align with the teachings of Christ. As Christians, we are called to be discerning and to ensure that our beliefs and practices are firmly rooted in the truth of God’s Word.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse encourages believers to exercise discernment and test the spirits to determine if they are from God. It acknowledges the presence of false prophets and the need to evaluate teachings and practices against God’s Word.
When it comes to practices like Reiki, it is essential for Christians to test them against the teachings of the Bible. By scrutinizing their beliefs and ensuring they are aligned with God’s truth, we can avoid being led astray by false teachings.
Isaiah 44:25
“I foiled the signs of false prophets and made fools of diviners; I overruled the wise and turned their knowledge into foolishness.”
God declares His power over false prophets and diviners in this verse. He reveals His ability to nullify their signs and reduce their wisdom to foolishness.
Reiki, being based on non-Biblical principles and metaphysical beliefs, falls under the category of teachings that God warns against. As Christians, it is crucial to be discerning and rely on God’s wisdom rather than following practices that can lead us away from Him.
Galatians 5:20
“Idolatry, witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions”
One of the works of the flesh listed in this verse is witchcraft. Witchcraft involves seeking power or guidance from sources other than God and goes against His commands.
Reiki’s reliance on external energies and practices outside the teachings of the Bible can lead to idolatry and divert our focus from God. As Christians, we should strive to keep our hearts pure and free from practices that can hinder our relationship with Him.
Acts 19:19
“A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.”
This verse showcases the repentance and rejection of sorcery by individuals in the early church. They recognized the significance of turning away from practices that were inconsistent with their newfound faith in Jesus Christ.
As Christians, we should also be willing to let go of practices or beliefs that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible. This includes practices like Reiki that involve seeking power or healing from sources other than God.
Deuteronomy 7:26
“Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Regard it as vile and utterly detest it, for it is set apart for destruction.”
This verse warns against allowing detestable things into our lives and homes, encouraging us to fully reject and abhor them. It emphasizes the importance of upholding God’s standards and avoiding practices that are contrary to His commands.
As Christians, we should be mindful of the practices we engage in and the beliefs we embrace. If a practice like Reiki is deemed detestable or inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible, we are called to reject it completely.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”
In this verse, God commands His people not to turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, as doing so will defile them. He firmly establishes His authority and emphasizes the need to rely solely on Him.
Reiki, with its reliance on external energy and practices not aligned with the teachings of the Bible, can lead to defilement and hinder our relationship with God. As Christians, we should steer clear of practices that contradict God’s commands and seek His guidance above all else.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this passage, Paul discusses the works of the flesh, which also include witchcraft. He issues a warning that those who live according to these works will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Reiki’s reliance on non-Biblical principles and practices can lead to idolatry and spiritual deception. As Christians, it is important for us to distance ourselves from practices that can hinder our spiritual growth and separate us from God’s kingdom.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.”
This verse emphasizes the superiority of seeking refuge and trust in the Lord over placing our faith in humans. It encourages us to turn to God for guidance and strength.
As Christians, we should prioritize seeking guidance and healing from God rather than relying on human-made practices. Reiki, being a practice developed by humans, does not hold the same power or effectiveness as seeking God’s intervention in our lives.
Exodus 22:18
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
God’s command in this verse is to not allow the presence of sorceresses. It underscores the seriousness of engaging in practices related to witchcraft and sorcery.
Engaging in practices like Reiki, which involve channeling energy from external sources, can fall under the category of sorcery and witchcraft. As Christians, we should distance ourselves from such practices and prioritize seeking God’s guidance and power.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
This verse warns about the possibility of people being led astray from the true faith by following teachings that originate from deceiving spirits and demons.
When it comes to practices like Reiki, it is essential to be cautious and discerning. We should carefully evaluate the origins and teachings behind them, ensuring they align with the truths revealed in the Bible.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse emphasizes the need to submit to God and resist the devil. It encourages believers to draw near to God and reject the influence of evil.
As Christians, we should submit ourselves to God’s commands and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. This includes staying away from practices like Reiki that may open doors to spiritual deception and separate us from God’s perfect will.
Acts 8:9-24
“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, ‘This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.’ But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.’ Then Simon answered, ‘Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.'”
In this story, Simon the sorcerer realizes the true power of the Holy Spirit through the apostles’ ministry. His initial fascination with sorcery and desire to acquire the ability to lay hands on others for the reception of the Holy Spirit is rebuked by Peter.
This story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual power and gifts from God rather than relying on practices that originate from sorcery or human efforts. As Christians, we should be cautious of seeking spiritual experiences apart from a genuine relationship with God and His ordained methods of receiving His gifts and power.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
This verse encourages believers to have no association with the fruitless deeds of darkness and instead expose them, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God’s truth and shining light into the darkness.
For Christians, it is essential to be discerning about practices like Reiki that are rooted in non-Biblical ideas and beliefs. Rather than participating in such practices, we should actively seek to expose them as fruitless and strive to live in alignment with God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 11:14
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
This verse highlights the deceptive nature of Satan, who often disguises himself as an angel of light to mislead people. It serves as a reminder of the need for discernment and the importance of keeping our focus on God’s truth.
When evaluating practices like Reiki, it is crucial to recognize that they may have an appearance of goodness and healing but are not aligned with biblical teachings. As Christians, we should be cautious and discerning, seeking God’s guidance to help us identify and avoid practices that may lead us astray.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
In this verse, Paul urges believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, highlighting the stark contrast between righteousness and wickedness and the incompatibility of light with darkness.
Reiki, rooted in metaphysical and non-Biblical principles, falls outside the realm of biblical truth. As Christians, we should be cautious about engaging in practices that do not align with our faith and may potentially lead us away from God.
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
In this powerful statement, Jesus declares Himself as the only way to the Father, asserting His role as the ultimate source of truth and eternal life.
As Christians, our faith should be grounded in Jesus Christ alone. Practices like Reiki, which rely on concepts and energies that do not align with the teachings of Jesus, can potentially lead us away from the truth of the Gospel.
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
This verse serves as a warning to be vigilant and cautious of false prophets who may disguise themselves as righteous or genuine but lead people astray with their deceptive teachings.
When encountering practices like Reiki, which may appear harmless or beneficial on the surface, we need to exercise discernment and evaluate them against the teachings of the Bible. As Christians, we are called to be watchful and ensure that we do not fall prey to false teachings that can separate us from the truth of God’s Word.
Psalm 23:1-6
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
This famous psalm encapsulates the comforting and guiding presence of the Lord in the lives of believers. It assures us that God will lead us, provide for us, and protect us, even in the midst of challenging times.
As Christians, we should seek our healing, guidance, and fulfillment solely from God. While practices like Reiki may promise physical or emotional healing, they cannot compare to the all-encompassing love and care that God offers us through His presence and guidance.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This powerful passage encourages believers to bring their concerns and requests to God through prayer. It promises the peace of God that surpasses understanding, which will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
As Christians, we should rely on God’s provision, guidance, and healing through prayer rather than seeking alternative practices like Reiki. God’s peace and understanding are far greater than anything we can attain through other means.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse urges believers not to conform to the patterns of the world but to undergo transformation by renewing their minds. By doing so, they will be able to discern and align themselves with God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.
As Christians, we are called to renew our minds through the study of God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This enables us to test and discern God’s will, making it essential for us to evaluate practices like Reiki in light of the Bible’s teachings.