Question about other churches lighting candles

[Catholic361]

I know of a Methodist church in the town that I live in lighting candles much like we do as Catholics (former United Methodist) why is this? Are they trying to "come home " in a way by lighting candles or could they be lighting them for loved ones, I know that I have that hopefully my family will come home to Mother Church some day.

 

[po18guy]

Lit candles are a traditional and universal symbol of prayers rising to God. At least they understand that sacramentals can help along the faith journey.

 

[Salibi]

Most religions light candles. As @po18guy said, they’re part of the universal human experience of worship.

 

[Peeps]

The Baptist church that I grew up in lit candles, especially for weddings, but often during a holiday season.

I think that most churches lit candles and lanterns for illumination back before electricity!

 

[GordonP]

Are they trying to "come home " in a way by lighting candles

No. Votive candles have always been part of “High Church” Protestant devotion, Anglican, Lutheran and, yes, Methodist. It’s not anything new.

 

[ziapueblo]

The light of Christ illumines all. It is a quote from the presanctified Liturgy (Orthodox/Byzantine Catholic). By lighting a candle the Light of Christ shines in dark places we pray for the living and the dead…those who hate us and love us…we also light candles so that we offer our hands, minds, hearts and bodies for His ministry. I’m sure a similar concept is in the Roman Catholic Church.

http://www.pravmir.com/article_898.html

ZP

 

[SMHW]

As others have said, lighting candles has always been a part of “High Church” devotions. It may have been minimized in some local communities in the United States.

But I think other factors may be at work.

Candles have become very popular as secular means of remembering the deceased and raising awareness of social causes.

I suspect that, at least in the United States, the Hispanic population (many of whom attend protestant and non-denominational communities) has had a lot to do with making the use of candles more popular as a devotional practice.