What Is Reiki and Can Christians Practice It?

The Bible speaks to many of the same ideas, principles, and desires found in Reiki. The five principles have direct biblical parallels, and the Bible also teaches us how to find inner peace and healing, although from a different source.

Reiki encourages us to let go of anger. The Bible calls us to the same, although for a higher reason. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” James 1:20 warns against anger. “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Anger disrupts our hearts and keeps us from living right, but Christ gives forgiveness, bringing us peace and allowing us to forgive others.

“Just for today, do not worry” is another Reiki principle. Jesus said directly, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink … but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:25,33) Jesus taught that the absence of worry comes from a correct aim and focus, not simply deciding not to do it. Paul echoes this in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requestions be made known to God.” The solution isn’t simply mental calm but trusting and gratitude to God, the person.

The Reiki principles also highlight gratitude, and general thankfulness has value. However, Scripture highlights gratitude even more, pointing us to be thankful for the source of all goodness. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Gratitude comes not only for good things which pass away, but we are thankful to God who works all things for eternal good (Romans 8:28).

The Bible also expresses how we should work diligently. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) Again, the focus is not the goodness of work itself but who we work for—the Father. The apostle Paul encourages us to work not out of compulsion but joy, since any labor offered to God has eternal value (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Reiki calls for kindness, and Scripture clearly commands the same: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus summed up the whole Law in the two commandments to love God and our neighbor. Once more, Jesus connects our love for others with our complete love for God.

At the heart of these principles is the idea of living in the moment: “just for today …” Jesus also taught daily dependence. In Matthew 6:34, he says, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Christ calls us to be fully present today, yet we live in the moment by trusting in God’s ability to care for us tomorrow and in the future. In this, fear and worry can’t steal our peace. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Scripture invites us to live in each moment, today as a gift, and for those in Christ, we can do this because of God’s eternal plan and love for us.

Reiki speaks of inner balance and energy, but the Bible talks about shalom, the Hebrew word for holistic peace and harmony, a blessing for today and the future. Shalom doesn’t come from some impersonal force but from the God who loves us. This inner peace, shalom, comes as another gift from God through Christ: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27) The Spirit’s presence within us produces love, joy, and peace, greater than anything we could accomplish (Galatians 5:22).

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