Incense in Christian Worship: Biblical Roots or Pagan Ritual?
Incense has long been a part of Christian worship, particularly in Catholic and Anglican churches. Priests wave incense around during rituals, often to mask the odors of sacrifices or to symbolize prayers being lifted to heaven. But is this tradition truly Christian or Biblical, or is it rooted in pagan practices?
The Biblical Roots of Incense
The use of incense in Christian worship has its roots in the Old Testament. In the Book of Exodus, we find instructions for the Tabernacle, which included designated places and ways to burn incense:
Exodus 30:1-8
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take the finest spices, pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and fragrant cinnamon half as much, that is, two hundred and fifty shekels, and fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty shekels, and the most fragrant olive oil a hin. With this you shall make the sacred anointing oil, the holy anointing oil. With it you shall anoint the tabernacle of meeting and the ark of the covenant, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You shall use it for the consecration of Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. You shall use it for the consecration of the tabernacle of meeting and its furnishings, so that it may be most holy.
Furthermore, in the Book of Revelation, we see another reference to the use of incense:
Revelation 8:3
“Then another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer. He was given a great amount of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne.”
Incense in Non-Catholic Christian Contexts
It is not just Catholic churches that use incense. The Church of England, for example, also incorporates the practice into its services. Incense is not limited to Catholic or Anglican churches but can be found in various Christian denominations. In these contexts, incense is believed to symbolize the prayers of the faithful being lifted to heaven, much like the incense offerings mentioned in Revelation.
The Practical and Symbolic Significance of Incense
Historically, the use of incense in churches served a practical purpose. In times when hygiene was a concern (before the advent of modern sanitation), incense was used to mask the odors from the sacrifices or for general air cleanliness. It is also believed to symbolize the presence of God and the prayers of the saints.
One monk from Buckfast Abbey in Devon, UK, humorously explained incense as a preferable alternative to the smell of floor polish, highlighting the practical and symbolic nature of this practice.
Theological Controversies and Modern Perspectives
While incense is deeply rooted in the Bible and in Christian tradition, there are those who argue that its use is more theatrical than truly spiritual. Some claim that it is pagan in origin and lacks any scientific or supernatural evidence. However, in many churches, it remains a cherished and meaningful practice.
Conclusion: Whether incense is seen as a Biblical practice or a pagan ritual is a matter of individual interpretation and theological stance. For many, it serves as a powerful and tangible way to connect with the divine, representing prayers and the sanctity of worship.