Is Meditation a Sin in Christianity? 5 Things You Should Know

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

If you’ve ever looked up how to lower your stress levels, you’ve probably stumbled across meditation and how to do it. Since meditation is usually associated with new age practices, it can bring about some questions: is meditation a sin? How, exactly, can Christians meditate while keeping their faith? In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about meditation and whether or not it can coexist with religious beliefs.

Things You Should Know

Meditation is not a sin in Christianity. In fact, many Christians use meditation as a way to clear their minds and feel closer to God.
It does not go against God or religion to meditate, as long as you aren’t trying to empty your mind completely.
Meditation is mentioned multiple times throughout the Bible, and is even recommended as a way to bring peace and clarity.

Section 1 of 5:

Is meditation a sin in Christianity?

Meditation on its own is not a sin in Christianity. As long as meditation is being used to focus on Jesus, God, or the Bible, meditation is acceptable. It only becomes a sin if the meditation is used to empty your mind completely and not focus on the Lord.^{[1]
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Section 2 of 5:

What is meditation?

Meditation is a relaxation practice that uses physical and emotional techniques. At its core, meditation is a relaxation method: many people use it to relieve stress and anxiety.^{[2]
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Go to source} In religion, meditation is sometimes used to feel closer to God or a higher power.^{[3]
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- Most people meditate by sitting in a comfortable position and closing their eyes. You can repeat a mantra to yourself, or you can simply sit quietly. The goal of meditation is to calm your mind and free yourself of worries and doubts.^{[4]
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Section 3 of 5:

Is meditation mentioned in the Bible?

Yes, there are many biblical references to meditation in the Bible. Since meditation is all about focusing on a topic to reach peace and clarity, the Bible actually recommends it multiple times. There are several instances of a Biblical figure meditating to get closer to God or reach a decision.^{[5]
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Research source} For example:
- Genesis 24:63: “He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.”
- Joshua 1:8: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
- Psalm 1:1-2: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, and he meditates day and night.”

Section 4 of 5:

How do you practice biblical meditation?

1
Read a short passage of scripture. You can choose any part of the Bible that you’d like: maybe one that touches on meditation specifically, or one that your church leaders have been talking about. Take the time to read it to yourself, either out loud or in your head, a couple of times.^{[6]
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2
Sit in silence and relax your body. Pick a comfortable position that you don’t mind staying in for a while. Eliminate distractions, like your phone or the TV. Try to sit in complete and total silence for around 10 minutes, then ask God in your mind to guide your meditation.^{[7]
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3
Ruminate on the passage you have read. Clear your mind of other thoughts so you can focus on the scripture. Try making connections from the passage you read to your own life, or to other passages in the Bible. Ask God to give you guidance and help you examine your feelings.^{[8]
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- Some Christians choose to write these thoughts down, while others keep them to themselves. You can do whichever one speaks to you most.
4
Pray to God. As you wrap up your meditation session, give a final prayer of thanks to God. Use the passage as your guidance, and read the passage as you pray, responding to God after each verse.^{[9]
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Section 5 of 5:

Is meditation dangerous?

Meditation is not dangerous if you’re using it to get closer to God. While meditation has become popular in new-age circles, it’s an ancient practice that was started with religious purposes. If you’re using meditation to clear your mind and feel closer to a higher power, then you’re not sinning or going against God. In fact, it’s a useful tool that can bring you peace and clarity in times of indecision.^{[10]
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