Why liturgical churches use incense.
Incense
Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by VDMA, Oct 12, 2022.
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IMHO, incense gives an atmosphere of solemnity and beauty that is fitting to the greatest gift given by Jesus to His church. The true worship of God the Father as offered by Christ. It helps me understand that during worship we enter into and are united with the worship offered God in Heaven by his Angels and saints.
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Marooncat79 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Where in the NT are we encouraged or commanded to burn incense?
I’ll hang up and listen -
I'll hang up and listen -
Marooncat79 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I don’t see it either
although hymnals do help us to know the words to songs, so we prob disagree on that one
the Bible does say let everything be done decently and in order -
Using incense is biblical and used for a specific purpose in the Divine Service (Mass). All the senses are engaged.
Those who are not from a liturgical background always ask why … why do you make the sign of the cross … why do you bow … why do you genuflect … why do you have crucifixes, etc. This was an excellent video on why incense are used. Using incense is very biblical. The historic church never stopped using incense, vestments, etc. I rather have all my senses engaged. Incense are pleasing to God. -
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I have no problems with incense if the congregation considers it worshipful and spiritually edifying.
I wouldn’t accept it is normative or required for true worship.
At times, I appreciate the more somber approach Catholics use in worship, including the incense though I admit to being uncomfortable with the underlying beliefs.
I personally appreciate the Catholics here having a civil discussion in these issues. I know you have to be careful to not cross the line of proselytizing and that must be difficult.
It is informative to understand why you believe the things you do.
peace to you -
Marooncat79 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Hmm
incense and vestments are never mentioned in the NT -
bottom line -
On some things God requires
On Some things God forbids
On some things God recommends
On some things God is silent!
Liturgical : a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
Rite: a religious or other solemn ceremony or act:
Most Baptists only see two solemn ceremony - Baptism and the Lords Supper-
both of which are only symbolic.
For the most part - any way you worship is NOT anti-Biblical
I just don't see the need for most of it. I do not attend chruch
for all liturgical actions - I go to worship (and that includes a lot more than just music)
for the most part our services are very informal.
BTW - What church is that in post # 7 ? -
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peace to you -
The early church was also very liturgical, they believe in the real corporal body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins (as taught by the Apostles). They did not teach a symbolic view of the Eucharist. They used incense, vestments they chanted, etc. Basically they did not resemble anything remotely close to being Baptist theologically or in worship practices. The church has always be sacramental and incarnational … because that is what the sacred scripture teaches.
Sacred scripture has a lot to say about worship.
Scripture give witness to the faithfulness of liturgical worship and its power to unify the Church, to faithfully teach God’s people, respect her traditions, and to reflect the unity of the one true God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – whom we worship.
Additionally, liturgy serves chiefly for the proper administration of the Word (Law/Gospel) and Sacraments (e.g. Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar).
Passages from Scripture that testify to the need for faithfulness in liturgical worshipGenesis 13:18 Exodus 25:9 Exodus 28:1-2 II Chronicles 29:27-30 I Corinthians 14:26-33Hebrews 10:24-25 Hebrews 8:2, 6Revelation 4 Revelation 5 Revelation 7:9-12 Revelation 15:2-4 Revelation 19:1-8 etc.
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, Lex Vivendi. As we Worship, So we Believe, So we Live.
You do not have to use vestments or incense but why would you not? We have a God that engages all senses, and is a God of beauty and order. Worship is sacramental and incarnational. Incense, vestments, etc., really only make sense in a liturgical context. It would be weird to see a Baptist Church use incense because of their theology. Everything has been stripped away in the Baptist Church to bare bones. -
One of my pet peeves - No such thing as the "Baptist Church" proper term is "Baptist churches." -- Notice the lower case "c"
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The Didache | EWTN -
Marooncat79 Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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The point being that there is NO higher authority in a Baptist church. That local Baptist church is fully autonomous and self-governing.
Though there may be "Denomination offices" they have NO control over any local church. A church may be affiliated with an organization, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, General Association of Regular Baptist Churches, Bible Baptist Fellowship and ect. A local church is free to leave that affiliation at any time. The building is owned by the local church. Bottom line is that the local church makes its own decisions! - Thus there is NO such thing as the Baptist Church.
Keep in mind there are two definitions of "denomination"
1) an organization with a Hierarchy govt
2) churches with similar beliefs -
Man, I like everything you say. Didn’t you say you were Orthodox? I don’t want to get this thread off track but just wanted to say I like what you say!
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