Seamus Hammond
The use of incense is a topic of debate among different religious groups. While some people associate incense with demonic or occult practices, others view it as a holy act of worship. In Christianity, for example, some Protestants consider incense to be demonic, linking it to paganism and the East, while others see it as a legitimate practice with Biblical support. Similarly, in Islam, there is no basis in the belief that burning incense drives away demons or evil spirits, and Muslims are encouraged to shun this idea. However, in both the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible, incense is offered to God and is seen as a symbol of divinity, with specific instructions given for its use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning incense is a divine command | Yes |
| Incense is mentioned in the Bible | Yes |
| Incense is used in Christian worship | Yes |
| Incense is used in Islamic worship | No |
| Incense is demonic | No |
| Incense is associated with paganism | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is not demonic in the Bible
Incense has been used as a holy act of worship in the Bible, and it is not considered demonic. The burning of incense is a divine command, with God giving Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. This is mentioned in Exodus 30, which states that incense was to be burned perpetually before the Lord.
Incense is offered to God in worship throughout the Bible, and this practice has been continued by the Church through to the present day. In Psalm 140/141:2, the Psalmist writes, "Let my prayer be set before you as incense; let the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice". This verse is still sung daily at Vespers, marking the beginning of a new liturgical day with an "evening sacrifice" of prayer and incense.
Incense is also described in the last book of the Bible, Saint John's Revelation. In his vision, he saw incense used in heavenly worship (5:8), and it is believed to represent and carry the prayers of the saints up to God (8:3-4).
While some people may associate the use of incense with paganism or occult practices, this belief is not rooted in Christian theology, the Bible, or historical church practices. The early Jewish converts to Christianity, for example, continued to use incense in their worship, and it is mentioned in the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, one of the oldest Christian liturgies dating back to the first century.
It is important to note that the Bible does caution against the misuse of incense, such as burning it for idols or in ways that God had not commanded. However, when used appropriately, incense is a symbol of worship and devotion to God and is not considered demonic in the Bible or by many Christian denominations.
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Incense is used in Christian worship
Incense has been used in Christian worship since ancient times. The Bible mentions incense being offered to God in worship, at his divine command. In Exodus 30, God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, as a holy act of worship.
Incense is also mentioned in the last book of the Bible, Saint John's Revelation. In his vision, he saw incense being used in heavenly worship, which is now strived to be replicated on earth by the Orthodox Church. Incense is said to represent and carry the prayers of the saints, both martyrs in heaven and those living on earth, up to God. This symbolism is also seen in Psalm 140/141:2, which is sung daily at Vespers to begin the new liturgical day with an "evening sacrifice" of prayer and incense.
The use of incense in Christian worship was likely abandoned for a period due to its association with paganism. However, it made a comeback in the fifth century, and its use increased in the East and the West. Today, incense is used in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. It is used at the celebration of the Eucharist, Solemn Vespers, Solemn Evensong, funerals, benediction, and other services.
While some Christians may view incense as demonic due to its association with paganism or Eastern religions, this view is not based on Christian theology, the Bible, or actual practices.
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Incense is used in Islamic worship
Incense is used in many religions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In Islam, the act of burning incense is known as bukhoor, and it holds a special place in the lives of believers. The soft glow and soothing scent of incense create a serene ambiance, allowing followers to focus more intently on their connection with Allah.
The use of incense in Islamic tradition is linked to the principle of cleanliness and purity, both physical and spiritual. The Prophet Muhammad is said to have encouraged the use of pleasant scents and clean environments, with the hadith "Allah is Beautiful, and He loves beauty" (Sahih Muslim). Incense burning helps to maintain a clean and fragrant environment, which is especially beneficial during prayer and reflection.
The Quran speaks to the importance of creating a tranquil and peaceful environment, which is enhanced by the use of fragrant incense. The verse in Surah An-Nur, "Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp: the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree..." (Quran 24:35), describes the illuminating and calming presence of divine guidance in one's life, similar to the peaceful atmosphere created by incense.
Incense is used in several Islamic events, such as the Tahfidh graduation ceremony and the regular rite of purifying and cleansing the Ka'aba in Makkah. It is also used to perfume mosques and houses, as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad. The sweet fragrance of incense is believed to uplift the souls of pilgrims and create a spiritual atmosphere.
While the Quran does not specifically mention incense, its use in Islamic worship is derived from the Prophet's teachings and the overall emphasis on purity and tranquility in Islam.
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Incense is associated with paganism
Incense has been used as a religious offering since ancient times. In the Bible, God gives Moses and Aaron instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It is to be burned perpetually before God as a holy act of worship. However, when God's people fell into sin and idolatry, their offering of incense was hated by God as it was not a true expression of loving worship. Instead, they offered the incense to Baal and other demonic idols. This act of offering incense to false idols is seen as a form of paganism, which is the worship of multiple gods or nature.
In Christianity, some people view the use of incense as demonic or associated with paganism. This is especially true for some Protestants, who may associate incense with "the East" and, by extension, demonic practices. However, this association has no basis in Christian theology, the Bible, or historical practices. In fact, the Bible mentions incense being used in heavenly worship, and Orthodox Christians continue to use incense in their worship services.
Additionally, the early Jewish converts to Christianity likely continued to use incense in their worship, as evidenced by its presence in the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, one of the oldest Christian liturgies. Furthermore, the Bible directly associates the prayers of the faithful on earth with incense, as seen in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before thee, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice!".
Incense is also used in other religious traditions, such as Islam and Buddhism. In Islam, there is no basis for the belief that burning incense will drive away demons or evil spirits. Instead, Muslims are encouraged to seek refuge and protection with Allah by reading the Quran.
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Incense is used in occult practices
Incense has been used for centuries as a part of religious and spiritual practices across various faiths, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. While some people associate incense with pleasant aromas and spiritual upliftment, others view it with suspicion, believing it to be tied to occult practices and demonic influences.
In Christian circles, particularly among some Protestants, there is a belief that incense is demonic or tied to paganism and the New Age movement. This perspective stems from associating incense with "the East" and practices that are considered unchristian. However, it is important to note that this viewpoint has no basis in Christian theology, the Bible, or historical practices. In fact, the Bible mentions incense numerous times, often in the context of worship and offerings to God. For instance, in Exodus 30, God gives Moses and Aaron detailed instructions on when, where, and how to burn incense as a holy act of worship. Similarly, in the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, a first-century Christian liturgy, incense is offered to God alongside prayers for forgiveness.
Additionally, the Bible associates the prayers of the faithful with incense. For example, Psalm 140/141:2 states, "Let my prayer be set before you as incense; let the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice." This verse underscores the symbolic connection between incense and the spiritual act of prayer, further reinforced by the practice of burning incense during Vespers to initiate the liturgical day.
However, it is true that the Bible also contains warnings against the misuse of incense. For instance, in Isaiah 1:13, God expresses disdain when the Hebrews offer incense to Baal and other idols, considering it an empty act devoid of true worship. Similarly, Leviticus 10:1-2 recounts the story of Nadab and Abihu, who offered profane fire and incense before the Lord, resulting in their deaths. These narratives highlight the importance of using incense appropriately and in accordance with God's commands.
In Islam, while incense burning is not inherently forbidden, there is no basis in Islamic teachings for the belief that it drives away demons or evil spirits. Muslims are encouraged to seek refuge and protection from evil influences by reciting specific surahs from the Quran, such as Surat Al-Baqarah, rather than relying on external practices like incense burning.
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