Several practices we practice today as Christians may seem quite peculiar to some, given that they are not mentioned in the Bible. From confessing to a priest to celebrating Christmas and saying grace before meals, these common practices have been practically engraved in the hearts of Christians over centuries. But where did they come from?
This article looks at 15 practices that are important to many believers but aren’t actually biblical. Learn where these practices started and how they eventually became part of modern Christian life.
Confessing to a Priest
Confessing sins to a priest is a practice in Catholic communities to come clean to God and ask for forgiveness, but did you know that it’s not directly mentioned in the Bible? The Bible encourages confessing sins to one another, as stated in James 5:16; however, it doesn’t specify that this should be done through a priest and priest alone.
The Rosary
The Rosary is a special way of praying that uses beads to help count prayers, like the Hail Mary. It’s mainly used in the Catholic Church, but it’s not mentioned in the Bible. The Rosary started to become popular in the Middle Ages. It’s actually more about helping people meditate and focus on their faith rather than being something the Bible directly asks for. Many people use it to find peace and deepen their connection with God.
Celibacy of Priests / Church Leaders
It is a popular belief or practice for priests to remain celibate throughout priesthood because celibacy is seen as a way for priests to fully dedicate themselves to their spiritual duties and to the service of God and the Church, following the examples of Jesus and Paul. However, it is not considered a biblical requirement but rather a tradition and discipline upheld by our church leaders.
The Use of Holy Water
The use of holy water, which is water blessed by a priest and used in various rituals, is a practice in Catholicism and some other Christian traditions as a way to symbolize purification and protection. However, the Bible does not directly mention the use of holy water. This practice likely started as a way to help believers feel spiritually cleansed and safeguarded, and it became a meaningful part of church traditions over time. Despite its significance in many rituals, its origins are more rooted in tradition than in scripture.
Celebrating Lent
Lent is a 40-day period before Easter when many Catholics fast and reflect on their faith. It’s a time for giving up certain foods or habits to grow spiritually. The Bible doesn’t mention Lent specifically, but this practice started in the early Church as a way to prepare for Easter. It’s a tradition that helps believers get ready for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, even though it’s not a direct command from the Bible.
The Sign of the Cross
Did you know that the Bible doesn’t specifically mention the sign of the cross? This practice, where people make a cross shape with their hands, is a practice commonly done by Catholics to express faith and seek blessings. The sign of the cross developed later in Christian history as a way to show devotion and remind believers of Jesus’ sacrifice, but it’s not really something the Bible directly tells us to do, which is why you can observe that some Christian communities don’t do it.
Celebrating Christmas
Christmas, one of the most awaited holidays, is celebrated on December 25th, but the exact date of Jesus’ birth is actually unknown. The Bible shares the story of His birth in Matthew and Luke but doesn’t mention a specific date nor did say that we should celebrate it. Early Christians probably chose December 25th to match existing pagan festivals, making it easier for people to accept the new holiday. The Bible focuses more on the importance of Jesus’ birth and life, not on celebrating a specific day.
Saying Grace Before Meals
Some of us were taught at an early age to say grace before eating and it gradually became a habit. Saying grace before meals is a common Christian practice of thanking God for food that we receive. While the Bible encourages giving thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18), it does not specifically prescribe that we say grace before every meal. This practice evolved as a way for believers to express gratitude for having food on the table.
Prosperity Gospel
The prosperity gospel teaches that if you have strong faith, you will become wealthy and receive more blessings. However, although the Bible does talk about blessings and God providing for our needs, it doesn’t guarantee that everyone will become wealthy solely based how faithful we are. Many passages in the Bible emphasize spiritual wealth and trust in God rather than material riches. This modern belief contradicts the Bible’s message of finding contentment and trust in God regardless of financial status.
Celebrating Saint’s Day / Feast Day of Saints
Celebrating feast days of saints is not mentioned in the Bible. This tradition began later, mainly in the Catholic Church, to honor the lives and works of saints. The Bible encourages us to live holy lives and remember faithful people, but it doesn’t specifically say to have special days for saints. Celebrating these days started as a way for believers to remember and be inspired by the examples of saints, to strengthen their own faith and commitment to living a holy life.
Building Churches
The Bible doesn’t say that we need to build churches for our house of worship. In fact, early Christians used to meet in homes or public places to pray and gather. The idea of building church buildings came later as Christianity grew and became more organized. The Bible emphasizes the importance of coming together to worship and support each other, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be in a specific kind of building. What really matters is the community of believers coming together, no matter where that happens.
Saying “Bless You” When Someone Sneezes
Saying “bless you” when someone sneezes is a common habit that most people do, but there’s no actual biblical background behind it. This practice probably began as a way to wish someone good health or protect them from getting sick, while others do it to whisk the devil away. Either way, it’s more of a polite gesture than a religious requirement.
Salvation Through Good Deeds
Salvation in the form of doing good deeds is nowhere to be found in the Bible. Instead, it teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our own efforts or actions (Ephesians 2:8-9). Doing good deeds are important, but they are a response to faith, not a way to earn salvation. Sure, God loves it when we do good deeds but we should never expect anything in return. We should do it simply out of the good of our hearts.
Funeral Rites and Customs
The Bible talks about respecting the dead and mourning (Genesis 50:10), but it doesn’t give detailed instructions on how to do funerals. Different cultures and traditions have developed their own practices over time. The Bible mainly focuses on comforting people and giving hope rather than outlining specific funeral rituals.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday starts the season of Lent, which is a time for reflection and fasting before Easter. On this day, many Christians get ashes put on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. This tradition began in the early Church as a way to show repentance and get ready for Easter. The Bible did not really mention Ash Wednesday or the ashes on the forehead, but it eventually became a practice to help people focus on their faith and prepare spiritually for Easter.
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Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.