Is it Okay for Christians to Say 'Namaste?’

“That which is divine in me acknowledges that which is divine in you.”

As Christians, we should notice the relevance of this statement. If we genuinely believe that the Holy Spirit dwells within the heart and soul of a Christ-follower, then, when acknowledging other Christ-followers, we should acknowledge the divinity which dwells within that Christ-follower—the Holy Spirit. 

The word 'namaste' comes from Sanskrit and is used as a traditional form of greeting or salutation within Hindu cultures. Within these cultures, 'namaste' can be used similarly to the English 'hello,' French 'bonjour,' or Spanish 'hola.' Within this context, a Westerner, whether Christian or otherwise, would customarily use the word ‘namaste’ as a greeting. 

Importance of Understanding Context and Language

Words often take on different meanings in different contexts and cultures. C.S. Lewis famously wrote on the use of language, expressing that when it comes to language, "what we need to be particularly on our guard against are precisely the vogue-words, the incantatory words, of our own circle” (p. 283).

In Vedic literature, the term 'namaste' has a deep meaning, expressing reverence towards divinity. In the Hindu religious tradition, 'namaste' means "the sacred in me recognizes the sacred in you." In this context, the phrase has spiritual and religious significance. 

In Western culture, however, 'namaste' has become more or less reappropriated, or whitewashed, into a somewhat spiritual phrase, lacking much the punch or full context of its original definition. In Western yoga culture, more specifically—whether spiritual or simply of a form of rebranded calisthenics—‘namaste’ often takes on the form of a final departing salutation and might be used synonymously with ‘thank you’ or ‘farewell.’ 

Within these Western contexts, there is rarely an explanation provided for the term's intended use. 'Namaste' has more or less become a thing people say in Western settings, whether there is any real meaning behind it or not. 

When Christians are confronted with the prospect of using the term, we must consider its context and linguistic use. Are we using the word in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way? Are we traveling through areas of the world in which using this term is contextually needed? Are we reappropriating language without genuinely understanding its whole meaning? Are we just trying to be trendy or flippant in our cultural context? Or are we using the phrase in a manner with religious significance? 

All Language Belongs to God

For Christ's followers, it is helpful to understand that all language belongs to God. Establishing this as a foundation for knowing, perceiving, and using language is advantageous. We must then note that the words we use can have power, whether we intend them to or not. Proverbs 18:21 cautions that death and life are in the power of the tongue.

As we ponder our own words, it can be helpful to consider if they are glorifying God; and for the sake of clarity, for the Christian, this means the Hebrew God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Individuals who invoke the term 'namaste' may be communicating a reverence to a god. However, that may not be the God of the universe to whom Christians belong. 

Conversely, we might note that even within Indian cultures that may be predominately Hindu, there is a contingency of Christians. A 2021 Pew Research study found that among Indians, 0.4% of adults are Hindu converts to Christianity. Here the term 'namaste 'is arguably engrained into the common vernacular of these individuals. 

The Holy Spirit Dwells within Christ's Followers

Through scripture, Christians understand that the Holy Spirit dwells within the hearts and souls of those who call Christ the Lord. Paul writes to the church in Corinth, saying, "Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” —1 Corinthians 3:6

The Hebrew ‘ruach’ articulates the Holy Spirit in ways that the English language may fall short, and yet it does not account for the indwelling of the Spirit within humanity. 

In this regard, a term like ‘namaste’ articulates something that the English language fails to define. ‘Namaste’ is one word that packs the punch of acknowledging the divinity within a person or persons. 

While it can be argued whether or not it is culturally appropriate for a Western to use the phrase 'namaste,' we could agree that there is a truth within the phrase itself. If you are a Christian and you acknowledge the divinity within another Christian—the Holy Spirit, then it could be argued that it is defined well by the phrase 'namaste.'

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Creation and Humanity

Throughout his letters to Timothy, Paul prompts his pupil to “guard the deposit” within him—here referring to the Holy Spirit. Paul writes, “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” —2 Timothy 1:14 

We find the Spirit or ‘ruach’ hoovering above the waters in the creation account of Genesis and the Psalmist imploring God, “do not banish me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” —Psalm 51:11

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul warns, “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him”. —Romans 8:9 

Honoring God and Honoring Others

In his essay, Before We Can Communicate, C.S. Lewis shares an anecdote about a misunderstanding he had with a man about the devil. As his story goes, the man expressed his thoughts and perspective on the devil. He explained that he believed that the devil existed; however, that the devil was not personal. The conversation became increasingly perplexing to Lewis as to strove to get at the root of what the man meant. Finally, Lewis realized that when the man said 'personal,' he really meant 'corporeal.' Through this clarification, Lewis understood that the man was attempting to communicate his pure and true orthodoxy. 

Lewis summarized, “Apparently we had not really disagreed about anything: the difference between us was merely one of vocabulary.”

As Christians, when we engage with others, it is helpful to be mindful of our language. We may use a term that has become popular in our vernacular within really understanding the fullness of the word. Here, we might pause and measure the words that leave our lips, again understanding that words have power. Utilizing a word like 'namaste' might fall into a similar category as 'karma' or 'the universe.' 

As Christians, we might fall into the trap of using words similar to these almost flippantly. Just a few weeks ago, I was at a women's retreat when a woman my senior used the term 'karma.' I asked her what she meant by karma, and she said, "It's a biblical principle; we reap what we sow and get what we deserve."

She was correct that throughout the Bible, we will find passages about reaping and sowing; however incorrect in that karma is a biblical principle. Karma negates grace. And what are we saved by? God's good grace. As we engage with language, let's be mindful of words and their rooted meaning, and when we fall short of understanding or using a word correctly, let's seek to extend grace and, if possible, ask questions to gain clarity.

Sources:
C.S. Lewis, ‘Before We Can Communicate,’ God in the Dock, pg. 283.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Olga Chetvergova

Rachel Baker is the author of Deconstructed, a Bible study guide for anyone who feels overwhelmed or ill-equipped to study the word of God. She is a pastor’s wife and director of women’s ministries, who believes in leading through vulnerability and authenticity. She is a cheerleader, encourager, and sometimes drill-sergeant. She serves the local church alongside her husband, Kile, in Northern Nevada. They have two amazing kiddos and three dogs. Rachel is fueled by coffee, tacos, and copious amounts of cheese. For more on her and her resources to build your marriage, see her website: www.rachelcheriebaker.com or connect with her on Instagram at @hellorachelbaker.