Demons aren't afraid of sage. At all. It's a pagan practice. The Holy Spirit doesn't need any help from sage. Answer from rhubarb_randy on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/truechristian › is burning sage (smudging) compatible with true christianity?
r/TrueChristian on Reddit: Is burning sage (smudging) compatible with true Christianity?
June 17, 2023 -

Just so I am clear, even if the practice is focused solely on prayer to God, burning sage (smudging) is still considered a pagan practice and against the authority of God. Even if the intention is not an act to manipulate the spiritual realm, but as an act of prayer and as an offering to God.

I'm finding verses on using incense (though the word "smudging" clearly isn't mentioned, neither is sage I believe, but I could be wrong) in the Bible (Psalms 141:2, Malachi 1:11, Exodus 30:7-8, Revelation 8:3-4, Revelation 18:13, Leviticus 16:12-13, and others)

Fwiw I am an ex-New Ager who has given her life to Christ.

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Learn Religions
learnreligions.com › burning-sage-in-the-bible-5073572
Is Burning Sage in the Bible?
September 25, 2024 - For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. (Hebrews 9:11–14, NLT) Regarding burning sage, the Bible teaches that God is the only one who can protect people from evil (2 Thessalonians 3:3) and the forgiveness found in Jesus Christ cleanses us from all wickedness (1 John 1:9).
Discussions

Only for the Christian ladies. Is burning sage bad?
Do you believe it’s bad and against God? For example if you’re using it for spiritual intentions? My husband was burning sage he said to keep the “bad vibes” … More on glowing.com
🌐 glowing.com
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March 21, 2022
Is it a sin to use sage or burn sage?
Depends on the purpose. To make the air smell nice? Absolutely not. If it is to use for witchcraft/sorcery, then yes. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/Christianity
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May 7, 2023
Is burning sage (smudging) compatible with true Christianity?
Demons aren't afraid of sage. At all. It's a pagan practice. The Holy Spirit doesn't need any help from sage. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/TrueChristian
262
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June 17, 2023
Why is burning sage a closed practice when it grows in Europe?
Native here. 1st, a bit of a copy/paste from one of the Native subreddits wiki. "It is common today to find many vendors, both Native and non-Native, selling what many Natives refer to as "medicine" at private business or to the general public during events such as Powwows. This category includes natural products such as dried sage, sweetgrass, cedar, and tobacco (these four are usually the most common types of natural medicine and are utilized by a number of Tribes across the United States). Many Tribes have ethical gathering practices that ensure these medicines are procured in an environmentally friendly manner and in a way that preserves their spiritual integrity. Purchasing these items from unknown vendors may have unintended consequences and/or may be supporting unethical gathering practices. It is good to inquire about the manner in which these items were procured. However, if you must purchase these items for your personal use, remember to always seek assistance from legitimate Native American vendors." White sage use is not a closed practice. The Ojibwe both sell it, and have tutorials on youtube in its use. Even calling it a "smudge" is not a closed term, as that was used long before Natives used that as a name for their ceremony. It is the exact METHOD that is closed, very similar to some of our rites/rituals from our traditions closed BOS. More on reddit.com
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May 4, 2024
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Bible Study Tools
biblestudytools.com › topical-verses › bible-verses-about-burning-sage
The Top Bible Verses about Burning Sage in Scripture | Bible Study Tools
8 He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the LORD for the generations to come. ... 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ... 12 He is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense and take them behind the curtain.
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Wikihow
wikihow.com › philosophy and religion › religion › christianity › bibles › what does the bible say about burning sage?
Is Burning Sage a Sin? What the Bible Says
June 10, 2024 - For instance, some may believe smudging is a sin because it's often used in witchcraft and pagan practices; however, others may find its spiritual benefits help them feel closer to the Lord. Know that there’s nothing wrong with burning sage for non-spiritual reasons.
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Doreen Virtue
doreenvirtue.com › home › uncategorized › smudging with sage is new age, not christian or biblical
Smudging with Sage is new age, not Christian or biblical - Doreen Virtue
September 25, 2020 - The Bible gives us the true way to deal with evil and sin, through repentance, prayer, the armor of God, reading the Bible, and most of all through our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that burning sage will chase away demons.
Find elsewhere
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Quora
quora.com › Is-burning-sage-or-smudging-a-sin-for-a-Christian-Id-like-to-use-it-cleanse-my-house-while-praying
Is burning sage or smudging a sin for a Christian? I'd like to use it cleanse my house while praying. - Quora
Answer (1 of 13): There are many scriptures about burning sage or what they call incense. Revelations 8: 3-4 3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the thron...
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Anthony Delgado
anthonydelgado.net › blog-1 › what-does-the-bible-say-about-burning-sage
What does the Bible say about burning sage? — Anthony Delgado
June 26, 2025 - They are to embody the truth that Christ’s death and resurrection are the definitive answer to sin, defilement, and fear. While the Bible does not explicitly prohibit burning sage, it also does not endorse or include it in the worship life of God’s people.
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Crosswalk
crosswalk.com › faith › spiritual life › is burning sage a biblical practice or witchcraft?
Is Burning Sage (Smudging) a Biblical Practice or Witchcraft? | Crosswalk.com
May 28, 2020 - Burning sage is not inherently bad. The Bible does not mention sage, but other herbs and spices were used for food, incense, perfume, and even worship. However, putting our trust in a ritual to save us, heal us, or drive out evil is foolhardy ...
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Bible.org
blogs.bible.org › should-christians-burn-sage
Should Christians Burn Sage? – Bible.org Blogs
Burning sage is associated with witchcraft or divination which is abhorrent to our God. While the intent behind smudging may not seem sinister, any practice, prayer or worship offered up to false gods stands in opposition to Christ. It should also be noted that historians believe burning of ...
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Quora
quora.com › Where-does-the-Bible-say-not-to-burn-sage
Where does the Bible say not to burn sage? - Quora
Answer (1 of 9): Nowhere in scripture is a command to not burn sage specifically. Like so many other things, it is not the thing in itself that is good or bad, but how one uses it.
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Seeker of Christ
seekerofchrist.com › home › articles › is burning sage a sin? what the bible says about smudging
Is Burning Sage a Sin? What the Bible Says About Smudging | Seeker of Christ
June 11, 2025 - But using sage as a natural herb or for its scent isn’t sinful in itself. Let’s walk through this biblically. Burning sage, also called smudging, is a practice that’s been around for a long time.
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Almanac Supply Co.
almanacsupplyco.com › blogs › articles › burning-sage
Burning Sage: Harness the Ancient Practice – Almanac Supply Co.
August 9, 2025 - Rooted in ancient traditions, the act of smudging with sage has been embraced by various cultures across the globe. Learn the benefits of burning sage, learn how to properly light and burn sage, and discover smudging practices that can enhance your overall well-being. Burning sage is believed to cleanse spaces and eliminate negative or bad energy.
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Iron Porch
ironporch.wordpress.com › 2024 › 10 › 29 › understanding-crystals-sage-and-christian-faith
Understanding Crystals, Sage, and Christian Faith – Iron Porch
October 30, 2024 - The Bible also tells us that the world is not ruled by “energy,” but rather by the Lord, our Father whom we can wholly trust (Psalm 89:11). Finally, we know that it’s the blood of Christ alone that saves our soul…not smoke cleansing our auras (Ephesians 1:7). There’s nothing wrong with burning dried plants. And while not yet proven, burning sage could have some health benefits.
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Saint Elisabeth Convent
obitel-minsk.org › en › salva-burning
Would it be alright for me to burn sage in my house?
Metropolitan Philaret, of blessed memory, always said, "Blessing of the Holy Spirit" as he walked around the church with the censer. The moment we give spiritual meaning to the burning of incense, the smell, the fragrance that it emits supplements our prayer and worship, which is a very different thing.