Thank you. I honestly think it is divisive when people start accusing everyone under the sun of second commandment violations just because of a painting or picture. It's holding to the letter of the law and not the heart of it.
For ancient history context, many pagan religions carved sculptures and then did ceremonies so that their Deity would actually be present in the object. That's partly why it had to be laid down loud and clear, that only god was to be worshipped and god is not in such things. Imagery used as a reminder or for story telling /teaching purposes is generally approved. There is conflict between different denominations particularly certain forms of Protestantism that state praying before an image of Jesus or the saints is idol worship, while Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy use icons and religious art in general to help people focus on God, they see it not as idol worship because the physical object isnt whats imporant, but what it represents.
Thank you. I honestly think it is divisive when people start accusing everyone under the sun of second commandment violations just because of a painting or picture. It's holding to the letter of the law and not the heart of it.
For ancient history context, many pagan religions carved sculptures and then did ceremonies so that their Deity would actually be present in the object.
That's partly why it had to be laid down loud and clear, that only god was to be worshipped and god is not in such things.
Imagery used as a reminder or for story telling /teaching purposes is generally approved.
There is conflict between different denominations particularly certain forms of Protestantism that state praying before an image of Jesus or the saints is idol worship, while Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy use icons and religious art in general to help people focus on God, they see it not as idol worship because the physical object isnt whats imporant, but what it represents.
Amen. True.