I have heard positive and negative outlooks on lit candles. What is your outlook?

Question

Any good info? or websites?

Answer 1

Keep them away from the curtains.

Answer 2

I am not sure what you want to know exactly, but we were just talking about this a couple of days ago, and it would seem that if you are just burning candles for light, or fragrance and not for a ritual, then I don't think there is a problem. Sorry, I don't have a web site for you, but I did ask some people in the know.

Here is an interesting article, though. Check it out

http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/8/1/article_02.htm

Answer 3

From a safety point of view, lighted candles are a fire hazard. But I don't suspect that's what you are looking for.

Lighting candles is done for ceremonial significance, as in Catholic Masses and sacramental rites. It can be done for ambiance to add an intimate air to ceremonies, like evening weddings. They're warm and inviting in that regard.

Lighting candles in remembrance of the dead gives the person lighting the candle a warm feeling and sense of closeness to the departed loved one.
But all of that is symbolic, and it can add a profound sense of melancholy to the moment.

In and of themselves, candles do nothing but make the one lighting them feel a little bit better. They may symbolize prayer going up to heaven, but in and of themselves, they offer no significant help to the situation one is facing.

God redeems, not man, nor the works of man.

Answer 4

Believers often honor icons with kisses, incense, and burning candles.
Those believers would likely be surprised to learn that first-century Christians did not favor the use of icons.
The book Byzantium states:
“The early Christians, inheriting from Judaism a repugnance toward idolatry, had looked askance at any veneration of pictures of holy persons.”
The same book observes:
“From only the Fifth Century on, did icons or images became prevalent in public and private worship.”
If not from first-century Christianity, from where did the use of religious icons originate?

Answer 5

Lighting a candle (as on a votive candle rack in church) is merely a symbol that the prayers you said while lighting it continue in God's presence. As long as that is kept in mind, there is not problem, as I see it.

Light is the symbol of God...Jesus is the light of the world. Light is pure; it penetrates darkness; it moves with incredible velocity; it nourishes life; it illumines all that comes under its influence. Therefore it is a fitting symbol of God, the All Pure, the Omnipresent, the Vivifier of all things, the Source of all grace and enlightenment. It represents also our Blessed Savior and His mission. He is "the Light of the world,"

Also, the flame is symbolic of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, right?

Acts 2:1 "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability."

See also:

Ps. 68:2 "As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish before God."

Heb. 12:29 "...for indeed our God is a consuming fire."

Jesus said:

Matt. 3:11 "I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Incense is of a similar concept. In the Book of Revelation, it shows St. John's vision of Heaven...and the incense is symbolic of the "prayers of the saints" (that's us!) rising before the throne.

Remember - symbols represent something. Keeping Jesus and Gof before your eyes will continue to give meaning to the process of lighting candles.

Answer 6

If it is used in a Catholic way, then it is no good. Lighting candles for people is NEVER mentioned this way in the Bible. Catholicism is not a religion of the Bible. It is just as much a cult as the Mormons.

Light a candle because it smells good or gives ambience.

If you believe in the Bible than don't use them for a religious purpose. Because lighting candles is never mentioned in the Bible as part of our religion.

Answer 7

I think it's a beautiful guesture, one used in many religions. It's used as a way to send your wishes up to the heavens (smoke rising). I see nothing bad in it. And I'm Catholic, and we light candles when we pray (as a symbolic guesture).

Answer 8

If you are talking candle magic, it can be used for either good or bad. The intent is solely up to you.

Answer 9

no just becareful not set your self on fire