Is Feng Shui Evil? (Should You Practice Feng Shui?)

A billionaire sold his Sydney home because of “bad Feng Shui” in 2018. This was the first time I heard about Feng Shui, and as a theologian, it sparked my curiosity.

I sought out a friend who’s an expert in world religions, and we had lunch. He helped me understand the difference between good and bad Feng Shui and answered my questions about Feng Shui.

Additionally, I borrowed some books from him to help me learn more about the subject. Interestingly enough, last week, as I taught a class on Eastern religions, a student asked if Feng Shui was evil.

I drew on my research and theological background to answer his questions. Following that conversation, I created this post to help anyone with similar questions.

So, is Feng Shui evil?

Join me in exploring this topic. I’ll discuss what Feng Shui entails, whether it’s demonic, and its religious affiliations. I’ll also address whether it’s right for Christians to practice Feng Shui. Let’s get started.

What does Feng Shui practice entail?

Feng Shui is an ancient practice designed to harness the flow of chi in homes to maximize its benefits to the occupants.

In practice, Feng Shui entails readjusting spaces and altering the environment to achieve balance and maximize the flow of chi.

Other practices in Feng Shui include:

1. Placing mirrors at the end of hallways and incorporating curved lines (usually furniture) to encourage the flow of chi.
2. Positioning the stove in the east or southeast of a kitchen since this is believed to be the direction of the wood element.
3. Cover the computer screen if it’s in your bedroom to protect your spirit’s sleep.
4. Using crystals to draw in chi.
5. Aligning the bed along the north-south axis to feel more relaxed.

It’s worth noting that these activities aren’t based on empirical evidence. Instead, they’re part of the underlying beliefs of Feng Shui.

Which religion believes in Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is closely related to Taoism. Taoism is a religion that can be traced to the third and fourth centuries in China.

Adherents of Taoism believe the universe is balanced by forces of good and evil (yin and yang). Taoists hold to a spectrum of beliefs, including ancestral worship, which was prevalent in traditional Feng Shui.

Adherents of traditional Feng Shui believe that their ancestors affect the material world and need to be appeased through rites and burial practices.

These followers often hire Feng Shui experts when building their homes to find the perfect spot for them and their ancestors to achieve universal balance.

Is Feng Shui demonic?

Christians are divided over whether or not Feng Shui is demonic. Those who believe it is cite the spiritual beliefs undergirding Feng Shui. As mentioned, Feng Shui has roots in Taoism and ancestral worship.

Additionally, there are elements of Feng Shui bordering on divination, which the Bible forbids. Many Christians believe these practices are demonic.

In contrast, some Christians believe Feng Shui is just a design style for their homes. Furthermore, they believe one can practice Feng Shui without incorporating the religious underpinnings.

For these believers, Feng Shui isn’t demonic.

Can you have both Feng Shui and religion?

It depends on which religion you want to incorporate Feng Shui with. As mentioned, Feng Shui is associated with Taoism, making it compatible with some New Age religions.

However, Feng Shui is incompatible with Christianity because it’s associated with divination and spiritualism. The Bible warns against dabbling in divination.

Doing so takes your focus from God as the source of peace and pushes you towards idolatry.

As a Christian, can you practice Feng Shui?

Christians should avoid Feng Shui. The practice is intertwined with Taoism and other New Age beliefs. Additionally, it has aspects of divination that the Bible forbids.

These beliefs cause you to rely on spirits and chi to achieve balance and peace. As Christians, we should rely on God as the source of peace.