Fast facts
Opposes Reiki
No official position
Support and practice Reiki
Oppose Reiki
No opinion
A Spectrum of Views
Where Christians Stand on Reiki
Christians are not a monolith. They belong to different denominations. They read scripture differently. They have different consciences.
Some Christians enthusiastically support Reiki. They practice it themselves. They see it as a gift from God.
Other Christians oppose Reiki. They follow the Vatican's lead or have theological concerns. They avoid Reiki entirely.
Most Christians have never heard of Reiki. They have no opinion. They are not aware of the debate.
Christian Support for Reiki by Group
How different Christian communities view Reiki.
- Catholic Church: Official opposition. 2009 Vatican document states Reiki is not compatible. Catholics who practice Reiki do so against official teaching.
- Mainline Protestant (Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian): No official position. Individual churches and members decide. Some offer Reiki as part of healing ministries.
- Evangelical Protestant: Generally skeptical or opposed. Concerns about New Age influences. Some individuals practice, but it is rare.
- Charismatic/Pentecostal: Mixed. Some embrace Reiki as another form of spiritual healing. Others reject it as unscriptural.
- Individual Christians: Many practice Reiki without their church's official endorsement. They see it as personal spiritual practice.
Christian Support for Reiki
Where different Christian groups stand.
Catholic Church
Official opposition. Vatican document 2009.
Mainline Protestant
No official position. Individual churches decide.
Evangelical
Generally skeptical. Concerns about New Age.
Charismatic
Mixed. Some embrace, some reject.
Individual Christians
Highly variable. Personal decision.
Official Opposition
The Catholic Church Does Not Support Reiki
The Catholic Church's official position is clear: Reiki is not compatible with Catholic teaching. The 2009 Vatican document states this explicitly.
Catholics who practice Reiki do so against official Church teaching. Some do so anyway. Others obey the ruling.
The Church does not support Reiki. It advises Catholics to avoid it.
No Official Position
Most Protestant Denominations Have No Position on Reiki
Unlike the Catholic Church, most Protestant denominations have not issued official statements on Reiki. They have no position.
This means individual churches and individual Christians decide for themselves. Some support Reiki. Some oppose it.
Some mainline Protestant churches offer Reiki as part of their healing ministries. Others do not. There is no uniformity.
How Christian Reiki Practitioners Find Support
I have found support from some fellow Christians and opposition from others. My church does not have an official position. My pastor supports my healing ministry. Other church members are skeptical. I have learned to focus on the support and ignore the opposition. I know I am doing good.
Christian support for Reiki exists, but it is not universal. Some Christians will support you. Some will oppose you. Do not let opposition discourage you. Do not let support make you complacent. Keep praying. Keep healing.
If your church opposes Reiki, respect their position. Do not cause division. Practice Reiki privately if you feel called. Or find a more supportive faith community.
Key takeaways
- There is no single Christian position on Reiki. Views range from enthusiastic support to outright opposition.
- The Catholic Church officially opposes Reiki (2009 Vatican document).
- Most Protestant denominations have no official position. Individual Christians decide.
- Some Christians support Reiki and practice it as part of their faith.
- Many Christians have never heard of Reiki and have no opinion.
- Individual Christians must decide for themselves, informed by prayer, scripture, and pastoral guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Do most Christians support Reiki?
No. Most Christians have never heard of Reiki. Among those who have, opinions are divided.
Does any Christian denomination support Reiki?
No major denomination has officially endorsed Reiki. Some individual churches offer Reiki as part of healing ministries.
Why do some Christians oppose Reiki?
Concerns about the source of healing energy (ki vs God), the lack of required faith in Christ, and the Vatican's 2009 document.
Why do some Christians support Reiki?
They see ki as God's energy. They see Reiki as a tool for God's healing. They pray before sessions and give thanks after.
Can I find a Christian Reiki practitioner?
Yes. Many Reiki practitioners are Christian. Search online for 'Christian Reiki practitioner' or ask for recommendations.
Sources
- Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Jesus Christ, the Bearer of the Water of Life, 2009.
- Christian Reiki practitioner experiences.
- Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook, 2003.
