Exploring Saging: Sinful Practice Or Sacred Ritual?

is saging a sin

Burning sage, or smudging, is a spiritual ritual practised by native peoples worldwide. The Bible does not expressly forbid or encourage burning sage, nor does Scripture explicitly mention it. However, some Christians are vehemently against burning sage, citing biblical warnings against witchcraft, while others advocate for the practice. Burning sage is considered a sin by some because it is believed to be a pagan practice.

Characteristics Values
Burning sage is mentioned in the Bible False
Burning incense is mentioned in the Bible True
Burning sage is a spiritual ritual True
Burning sage is considered a pagan practice True
Burning sage is considered a sin True
Burning sage is considered beneficial for health True

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Smudging is a Native American practice

Native Americans have used smudging for centuries to better the lives of people and the places they live in. It is believed to be a bridge between mortal life and higher realms, bringing in good spirits and eliminating negative or stagnant ones. The ceremony lifts away sadness, impurities, and anxieties and improves health, leaving peace and harmony for individuals and the environment.

The herbs used in smudging are chosen for their antiseptic qualities and their ability to purify the air. These include white sage, common sage, cedar, sweetgrass, and tobacco. The smoke from burning sweetgrass, for instance, is believed to carry prayers into the spirit world.

The practice of smudging is deeply rooted in Native American culture and spirituality. The four elements of nature—earth, water, wind, and fire—are represented in the materials used for smudging. The ceremony is also believed to connect people to their ancestors and their homes.

Smudging is a daily practice for many Native American tribes, including the Dakota and Ho-Chunk people. It is also performed in hospitals as a prayer for healing. Native American patients often request assistance or accommodation with their traditional spiritual practices during their hospital stay.

While smudging is a traditional Native American practice, it has been adopted by others outside Indigenous communities, including New Age and commercial practitioners. This has led to concerns about the over-harvesting of plants used in smudging ceremonies, such as white sage. Native Americans in the US and Canada have spoken out against the appropriation and over-harvesting of these sacred plants.

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The Bible does not mention smudging

During the smudging ceremony of a home, the person smudging is encouraged to focus their energy and control their breathing. After the smudge stick is lit with a candle, the person waves the smudge stick in the air, often wafting the smoke with a feather, and walks around the house starting at the front door and moving clockwise. Extra attention is paid to the corners of rooms (which supposedly accumulate stagnant energy). Once the entire house has been ritually cleansed, the smudge stick is extinguished at the front door.

Some Christians are vehemently against burning sage, citing biblical warnings against witchcraft. However, some Christians see parallels between the smudging ceremony and incense rituals practiced by the Israelites. For example, in Exodus 30, the Lord says to Moses: "Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha…and make an incense blended as by the perfumer…it shall be for you most holy. ….it shall be regarded by you as holy."

Cheryl Bear, from Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, Christian academic, songwriter, speaker, and teacher, points out in her book that "Jesus did not dismiss the meaning of the cleansing ceremonies found in the Old Testament, but rather he deepened them." Bear goes on to say that "cleansing ceremonies point to our need for cleansing from sin—from the sins we have committed before God and the sins that have been perpetrated upon us. We know we need this cleansing."

While the Bible does not mention smudging, it does mention incense, which is sometimes used in the Temple to worship God. For example, in Exodus 30, God commands the use of incense, carefully regulating its use. In other passages, the Bible compares our prayers to God to incense (e.g. Revelation 8:3-5, Psalm 141:2, Acts 10:4).

However, it is important to note that the Bible does not mention the burning of sage specifically, and that the use of incense in the Bible is different from the practice of smudging. The intent behind the burning of sage is what determines the acceptability of the practice. If the burning of sage is done with the intent to connect to God or experience spiritual growth, this could be considered a pagan ritual or witchcraft, which is called an "abomination" and "detestable" by God in the Bible (Deuteronomy 10:9-13).

Ultimately, while the Bible does not mention smudging, the practice of burning sage should be approached with caution by Christians, as the intent behind the practice is what determines its acceptability.

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Smudging is considered a pagan practice

Smudging, or burning sage, is considered a pagan practice by some Christians. The Bible does not mention smudging, but it is associated with witchcraft and New Age rituals. Some Christians believe that smudging is incompatible with their faith and that it must be rejected to protect correct theology and practice in the church. They argue that the Bible tells Christians that God will protect them from evil and that there is no need for rituals or objects to drive out sin and evil.

However, other Christians see parallels between smudging and incense rituals practiced by the Israelites. They argue that burning sage is not inherently good or bad, and that the intent behind the burning determines the acceptability of the practice. They also point to the fact that herbs and incense are frequently used positively in the Bible. For example, two of the three gifts from the wise men to Jesus, frankincense and myrrh, were used for incense.

Some Christians believe that smudging can be equated with confession and that it can be a way to prepare for an act of worship. They argue that smudging is not a ritual to save, heal, or protect someone from evil, but rather a symbolic way of expressing their need for forgiveness and cleansing.

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Smudging is associated with witchcraft

Smudging, or burning sage, is a Native American practice that involves burning herbs to "purify" or "bless" a home. The ceremony is intended to rid the home of negative energy and restore positive, healing energy. The practice is not mentioned in the Bible and is considered by some Christians to be a pagan ritual.

Some Christians associate smudging with witchcraft and satanic practices. For instance, Rev. Jamal Bryant, a Georgia Baptist pastor, has referred to smudging as "witchcraft" and "satanic aromatherapy". He claims that burning sage is a "demonic New Age practice" that Christians should avoid. Other Christians on online forums have expressed similar sentiments, stating that smudging is incompatible with true Christianity and that it is a form of idolatry.

However, not all Christians agree with this interpretation. Some Christians view smudging as a symbolic way of expressing their need for forgiveness and cleansing, recognizing God's willingness to offer these. They argue that as long as smudging is not seen as a requirement for worship, it can be a call to worship and a way to connect with God.

Additionally, it is important to note that smudging has a significant cultural and spiritual meaning for Native Americans. They believe that smudging is a traditional ancestral practice that honors the land and promotes healing.

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Smudging is not necessary for Christians

Smudging, or burning sage, is not necessary for Christians. While the Bible does not expressly forbid or encourage burning sage, it is not mentioned in the Bible, and there is no biblical basis for belief in the practice.

Burning sage is a spiritual ritual practised by native peoples worldwide. It involves bundling herbs such as sage, cedar, or lavender into sticks and then slow-burning them in a purification ceremony for meditation, blessing a home or space, or healing.

Some Christians are against burning sage, citing biblical warnings against witchcraft. The Bible tells us that God protects his children from evil, and we have no need to smudge. God is the source of life, of all that is good and true, and he promises to keep us from harm. We do not need to trust in pagan rituals but in God our Saviour.

Burning sage has become popular in the mainstream, with people using it for spiritual purification and health benefits. However, it is important to remember that the Bible does not teach that the world is ruled by capricious "energies", but by God. We do not need pagan rituals to connect with God or experience spiritual growth. Witchcraft, pagan rituals, and sorcery are called an "abomination" and "detestable" by God in the Bible.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with burning a nice-smelling plant, and sage may have some health benefits, it should not be used for spiritual purposes.

Frequently asked questions

The Bible does not mention saging specifically, but it does mention burning incense as a form of prayer. Saging is considered a pagan practice and is not compatible with true Christianity. However, some Christians believe that burning sage is acceptable as long as it is not used for spiritual purposes.

Saging, or smudging, is used for spiritual purification and health benefits. It is believed to drive out negativity or evil spirits, cleanse the area, and increase healing and positive energy.

The Bible teaches that God is the only one who can protect people from evil and that the forgiveness found in Jesus Christ cleanses us from all wickedness.

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