Laying on of hands

Episcopal ordination of bishop Maurizio Malvestiti

Laying on of hands Finnish Lutheran ordination in Oulu

Priesterweihe in Schwyz

Latter Day Saint confirmation (Mayhew 1852)

Laying on of hands is a religious practice found in various cultures and religious traditions, involving the placement of hands by one or more persons on another individual for spiritual or healing purposes. This practice is ancient and spans multiple religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and various pagan traditions. It is used in a variety of contexts, such as healing, blessing, ordination, and the impartation of spiritual gifts or authority.

Biblical References

In Christianity, the laying on of hands is mentioned in several passages of the Bible. In the New Testament, it is often associated with healing (Mark 6:5, Acts 28:8) and the conferral of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17-19, 19:6). It is also used in the ordination of church leaders, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:14, where Timothy is reminded of the gift given to him "through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."

In Judaism, the laying on of hands (Hebrew: semikhah) was traditionally used in the ordination of rabbis and the consecration of the Levites and sacrifices. This practice symbolized the transfer of authority or blessing from one individual to another.

Practices in Different Religions

1. 1. 1. Christianity###

In many Christian denominations, the laying on of hands is practiced during healing services, ordinations, confirmations, and baptisms. It symbolizes the transfer of spiritual blessings, healing, or authority from God through the intermediary to the recipient.

1. 1. 1. Judaism###

In Judaism, semikhah represents the transmission of religious authority from one generation to the next. While the ancient practice of physical laying on of hands for ordination has largely ceased, the term is still used to refer to rabbinic ordination.

1. 1. 1. Islam###

In Islam, the laying on of hands is not widely practiced as a formal ritual, but it may occur informally in the context of spiritual healing or blessing. The practice is more cultural and varies significantly among different Islamic communities.

1. 1. 1. Paganism and Other Religions###

Various pagan traditions and other religions also have practices that involve the laying on of hands, often within the context of healing or the impartation of energy. These practices can vary widely in their meanings and methods.

Contemporary Practice

Today, the laying on of hands continues to be an important ritual in many religious communities. In some, it is a highly formalized part of the liturgy, while in others, it may be more spontaneous and informal. The understanding of what the practice accomplishes can vary significantly among different traditions and individuals.

Criticism and Controversy

The laying on of hands, especially in the context of healing, has been subject to criticism and controversy. Skeptics and medical professionals often question the efficacy of healing through the laying on of hands, citing a lack of empirical evidence. However, many believers and practitioners argue that the practice has spiritual benefits that transcend empirical measurement.