I found an interesting article about Reiki and Christianity that might be of interest to some of my readers.  It was written by Marcia Backos at ChristianReiki.org.

Should Christians Practice Reiki?

If you are a Christian and you are wondering if Reiki is something that you should investigate, Backos’ article (see above link) provides a very helpful look at why Christians are increasingly drawn to this healing modality.

The problem that most believers find with Reiki is that it has Eastern origins, and the majority of Reiki healers would call themselves “spiritual” rather than Christian. A large number of Reiki masters are Buddhists (although many Buddhists will insist that it is a philosophy, and not a religion–therfore it is possible in their eye for Christianity and Buddhism to co-exist). Further reasons a lot of Christians are hesitant to want to learn about Reiki are that it has a certain “New Age” connotation; many Reiki healers are of the camp that believes in a Christ-consciousness instead of a personal, living Christ that died on the cross and is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

It is understandable that Reiki has a questionable nature, given the above, but for those people who are curious about Reiki, Backos several examples from scriptures that might provide a hopeful chance to change popular Christian opinion.

She writes, “Thoughtful, committed Christians seek accurate information and pray for guidance as part of deciding whether to adopt the practice of Reiki into their lives….By reading, seeking those who have given or experienced Reiki, and praying for insight and guidance, Christians can make decisions about how Reiki and other alternative healing methods might play a role in their lives. It’s important to keep in mind that while many Christians have found Reiki to be a spiritually fulfilling practice, it is not necessarily for everyone….Christians who have a solid foundation in their faith know that God will always protect and guide them. Those Christians who practice Reiki do so within the guidance and protection of God secure in the belief that they have been guided to follow Jesus’ example to be a healer.”

Reiki practitioners have long cited Jesus’ healing ability, and also the Christian tradition of laying on hands as evidence that it is not only a legitimate and REAL phenomenon, but also that it is not an immoral idea.  However, sometimes Christians are afraid that scriptures can be taken out of context and the meanings twisted into something that does not mesh well with a fundamentalist’s world view.

If you are interested in researching this matter further, check out the site above, and be sure to look at John 14:12, I Corinthians 12:4-31, Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:40-42, Luke 4:38-39, as well as the other passages mentioned in the article.

Whether or not you decide Reiki is right for you, it is important that you examine the Gospels and pray for wisdom in your decision.  If you are called to be a healer, Reiki might be one way for you to develop your gift. Comments are welcome.