What is feng shui?

Answer

Feng shui, which literally means “wind-water,” is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to utilize the laws of heaven and earth (astronomy and geography) to help individuals improve life by receiving positive “qi” or energy flow. Feng shui has a long and intricate history regarding its uses, techniques, and instruments—especially before the invention of the magnetic compass. The objective of feng shui as practiced today is to position the human-built environment on locations with good qi. The “ideal spot” is considered to be both a place and a moment in time. The recognition and utilization of energy forces are also fundamental in Chinese martial arts such as kung fu. Additionally, feng shui encompasses the Chinese philosophy of yin yang, which explores the impact of opposing forces on human existence. Various natural dualities—such as dark and light, female and male, low and high—are seen in Chinese philosophy as representations of yin and yang. The most common application of feng shui in the Western world is in interior room decoration and exterior building design.

The forms and techniques of feng shui are too diverse and intricate to fully describe, but a crucial aspect to consider, especially for Christians, is that ancient Chinese feng shui has been reimagined by New Age practitioners and integrated into their beliefs. While some individuals dismiss feng shui as superstitious nonsense and pseudoscience, others can become so captivated by the philosophy that it significantly influences their life choices, sometimes even replacing modern medicine with it for healing purposes. For Christians, the question arises as to whether we believe that harmony, peace, and order in life can be attained by manipulating elements and external “forces” around us. The Bible teaches us that our heavenly Father is the source of peace, which is accessible only through faith in Jesus Christ «Therefore being justified by faith, wWe have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: », (Romans 5:1). In fact, no amount of appealing to inanimate forces will produce tranquility and harmony if our lives are out of sync with the Savior. It is only through Him that we can have the peace of God which “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:4-7).

Christians should be aware that some of the principles of feng shui, including the “I Ching,” are based on Taoist philosophy used to determine which area of a home is positive/negative and/or how decor and furniture should be arranged. While Christians may incorporate principles of feng shui into their decorating plans, despite the questionable value such principles have, Christians should never do so with the aim of feng shui, which is the manipulation of their environment to produce in their lives those things that only Christ provides. To do so is to border on idolatry. For the Christian, there is no such thing as the “perfect spot” on earth, because our home is not in this world and the kingdom of God is not this life in this place (John 18:36;1 Corinthians 7:31). Rather, Christians should be concerned with glorifying God in their homes by submitting their thoughts, words, and deeds to Him and endeavoring to grow in Christ-likeness. Only then can we hope to achieve the peace and harmony that eludes so many today.