Anisha Riggs
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, with the first recorded use being in Egypt around 2400 B.C. It is used in many faiths, including Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Within Christianity, the use of incense is common in the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. However, the use of incense is less common in Protestant churches. While some Protestant denominations, such as Lutheranism and certain Methodist services, do incorporate incense in their practices, many others do not. This avoidance can be attributed to several factors, including the belief that incense was part of the Old Testament ceremonial law and should not be continued, the desire to distance themselves from Roman Catholic theology and worship, and the potential for incense to trigger negative associations with pagan religions for those who were converted from paganism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Burning incense is a part of Old Testament ceremonial law | Burning incense was forbidden by God in the Old Testament because it was a way to worship pagan gods and invite them into one's life |
| Burning incense is not mentioned in Scripture | |
| Puritans rejected the use of incense | Puritans wanted to purify the church of Roman theology and worship |
| Some Protestant denominations do use incense | Lutherans, some Methodists, and Anglicans |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is linked to pagan religions and idolatrous practices
The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible, and its use in prayer and worship carries Christian symbolism. Incense has been employed in worship by Christians since antiquity, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches.
However, the use of incense was not present in early Christian practices. Incense was often used in pagan sacrifices and was part of honoring the emperor as a deity. Incense has been used in religious rituals since ancient times, with the first recorded use by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilization in 3600 BC. Egyptians during the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) were the first non-Asian civilization to use incense, which was used by Hindus for centuries by the time of the 5th Dynasty. Due to its association with pagan religions and idolatrous practices, Christians avoided using incense in their religious celebrations.
The English Reformation birthed the Puritans, who desired to purify the church of the remnants of Roman theology and worship. They vehemently rejected the use of incense, influencing most Protestant churches to reject it. The use of incense is seen as a denial of Christ's finished work, as prayers are believed to ascend to God without the need for symbolism through incense.
Despite the rejection of incense by some Protestants, the freedom to burn incense or not is a matter of personal conviction for Christians. While some Christians may struggle with using incense due to its association with paganism, others may view it as a reminder of their faith's ancient roots.
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Puritans rejected incense to purify the church of Roman theology and Rome's false gospel
The use of incense in Christian worship has a long history, with the smoke of burning incense interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. However, the Puritans, who emerged during the English Reformation, sought to purify the church of Roman theology and worship, including the use of incense. They viewed it as a part of the Old Testament ceremonial law, which they believed was superseded by the coming of Christ.
The Puritan movement emphasized Reformed doctrines, with a focus on the teachings and nature of Christ. They believed that the use of incense was a step back into the shadows, denying the reality of Christ's finished work. This perspective was influenced by Calvin, who warned against returning to Old Testament practices.
The rejection of incense by the Puritans was part of their broader effort to distance themselves from Roman Catholic theology and practices. They saw incense as tied to Roman Catholic sacrificial rituals and wanted to emphasize the purity of Christ's sacrifice. By rejecting incense, they were making a statement about their theological differences with the Roman Catholic Church and their belief in the sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross.
Additionally, the Puritans may have also associated the use of incense with pagan Greco-Roman rituals, further reinforcing their rejection of it. Their influence extended beyond the Church of England, and as a result, most Protestant churches today reject the use of incense, although there are some exceptions.
While the Puritans and those who follow their teachings reject the use of incense, there are other Christians who hold a different perspective. Some argue that the use of incense is not improper for Christian worship and that it can be a way to remember that the faith includes a diverse history that stretches back to its origins.
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Calvinists believe incense is Old Testament ceremonial law
John Calvin and his followers believed that the use of incense was a part of the Old Testament ceremonial law and thus should not be practised. The Book of Hebrews explains how the Old Testament sacrificial system was a "shadow", and Christ the "reality" or "anti-type". Returning to the Old Testament law would implicitly deny that Christ has come once and for all. As Paul warned the Hebrews against returning to the shadows, so Calvin warned Protestants against doing the same.
The English Reformation birthed the Puritans, who desired to purify the Church of England of the remnants of Roman theology and worship. They vehemently rejected the use of incense, influencing most Protestant churches to do the same. However, not all Protestant churches reject the use of incense. Some, like the Methodists, call for incense in the Evening Praise and Prayer service.
The use of incense is deeply rooted in the traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The smoke rising from the burning incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. This symbolism is reflected in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice". Incense is also used in purification rituals and during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, and other services.
While Calvinists take a firm stance against the use of incense, it is important to acknowledge that their perspective is not universally shared among all Protestants. Some Protestants, particularly those outside the influence of American Evangelicalism, do not view incense as inherently evil or occult. Instead, they recognise its longstanding use in sacred ceremonies within the Bible and throughout various religious traditions.
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Incense is not mentioned in Scripture
The use of incense is a contentious issue among Christian denominations, and one of the primary reasons why some Protestants choose not to burn incense is because they believe that it is not explicitly mentioned or commanded in Scripture. This stance is based on a literal interpretation of the Bible, where practices that are not directly mentioned in the text are often viewed with caution or considered unnecessary or even inappropriate.
Protestants adhere to the principle of "Sola Scriptura," which translates to "by Scripture alone." This doctrine asserts that the Bible is the sole source of divinely revealed knowledge and the only infallible rule for Christian faith and practice. Any religious practice that lacks biblical support is viewed with suspicion and deemed non-essential, or even rejected outright.
In the absence of explicit commands or examples of incense use in the New Testament, some Protestants interpret this as an indication that incense is not a necessary or appropriate element of Christian worship. They argue that since Jesus and his apostles did not use incense, it should not be incorporated into Christian rituals. This perspective underscores the belief that Christian worship should be based solely on the teachings and practices found in Scripture.
Moreover, some Protestants also hold to a regulative principle of worship, which dictates that only those elements explicitly commanded in the Bible are to be included in worship. This principle, derived from a strict interpretation of Scripture, reinforces the notion that practices like burning incense, which are not directly mentioned, should be excluded from worship services. This approach to worship is designed to prevent the introduction of human traditions or innovations that could potentially distract from or distort the pure worship of God as prescribed in the Bible.
Adherents to this perspective may also argue that the absence of incense in the New Testament reflects a deliberate shift away from the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament. They interpret the New Testament as emphasising spiritual worship over ritualistic or ceremonial acts, rendering the burning of incense unnecessary for Christian devotion. This interpretation underscores the belief that Christian worship should focus primarily on the spiritual and theological aspects outlined in Scripture.
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Incense is rarely used in Protestant services
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies and worship since ancient times. The practice is rooted in the traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple. The use of incense is also mentioned in the Old Testament, where God instructs Moses on how to make incense and use it as a sacred offering.
However, some Protestants reject the use of incense in their services. This rejection stems from the belief that the use of incense was a part of the Old Testament ceremonial law, and as such, it should not be continued. Calvin, the Puritans, and those who follow their teachings hold this view. The Puritans, in particular, desired to purify the church of Roman theology and worship, which included the rejection of incense.
Additionally, some Protestants may be cautious about using incense due to its association with pagan religions. In the Bible, the prophets often lamented that the Jewish people had forsaken the Lord and instead offered incense to false gods. Christians who were converted from paganism may struggle with using incense because of this connection.
While most Protestant churches reject the use of incense, there are some exceptions. For example, some Methodist services and Lutheran churches do use incense.
Overall, while incense is rarely used in Protestant services, there is no single consensus among Protestants regarding its use, and the decision to use incense may vary depending on the specific denomination and individual church practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Most Protestant churches reject the use of incense due to its association with the Old Testament sacrificial system, which Calvin and his followers believed should be rejected.
The burning of incense is seen as a symbolic or sacrificial offering to various deities or spirits, or as an aid in prayer. The smoke of burning incense is often interpreted as a symbol of the prayer of the faithful rising to heaven.
No, some Protestant denominations, such as Lutherans and Methodists, do use incense in their services.
Yes, the use of incense is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Exodus, where God instructs Moses on how to build an altar of incense. The Jewish offering of incense continued throughout the Old Testament period, first in the tabernacle and then in the Temple in Jerusalem.
