Expert: Phillip Senn - 9/23/2009

Question
Christian Greetings.  I am a born again Christian and recently another Christian lady friend told me about ear candles.  I have never had much to do with these things so I was a bit skeptical.  However, she says they are very effective.  This friend is a Pastor's wife..and it concerns me a little.  My question is "are Ear Candles anything to do with witchcraft?"  Has my friend inadvertently used something less than what the Lord would permit?  I hope you may have heard about them....and may the Lord give you His answer on this. As I am a little in two minds about it..but feel it to be important.  Blessings.  Lesley.

Answer
Lesley,

According to an article found on the Internet, "ear candles" are a therapy listed in the aromatherapy section under "Natural and Alternative Medicine. I cannot attest to the truthfulness of their article, but it states in part, "This type of accessory was derived from the ancient Shaman tradition and is referred to in modern medicine as the Thermo Auricular Therapy. Using this method and accessory is recognized to address various health conditions. Aside from the obvious benefits of treating earache, inner ear noises, and similar conditions, this is also very effective in keeping your mind deeply relaxed and bring harmony within your mind and body."

While a believer is not to have a part in anything having to do with witchcraft and/or Shamanism, we need to understand that a believer is set free from rules (laws) to serve the Lord freely. We do not operate in fear of failure, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we seek truth, we can easily see that many are not only skeptic of this activity (ear candling), but have actually warned of its dangers. Since there is a danger in doing this, whether or not it comes from "witchcraft", a prudent person wouldn't subject themselves, or others, to this therapy.

In seeking to be faithful to the Lord, we are called to honor Him in all things. We are to honor our bodies as the temple of the Holy Ghost. Does that mean that we might sometimes use something that is derived from a source other than the Lord? Perhaps, yes. When the Apostle Paul was writing to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 8), he indicates that the things we eat (or partake of) do not threaten us. He indicates though that we should be mindful of those around us, and how what we partake of might affect them. Our strength in serving comes from not fearing how it might affect us, but that we seek to be an encouragement to others in our behavior. If there is someone near us that might be "held back from maturity" (the definition of offended here), then we shouldn't do it.

I hope this eases your fears, yet I also hope that the friend will not seek to use the ear candling, not because of its origins, but because of its possible negative impact on either themselves or others.

With Love In Christ,
Phillip Senn