The first commandment

[Xeno.of.athens]

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

As a Catholic, I am often asked about the adherence to the commandment concerning the use of statues and pictures (icons). The succinct response is that Catholics have never been iconoclasts. The incorporation of sacred images has been an integral part of the faith since the time God presented it to His people. This began with Israel's use of angelic images on the Ark of the Covenant's lid and the Tabernacle's curtains, as well as the serpent mounted on a pole for healing those bitten in the desert. Catholics do not fear holy images; we do not recoil from them as if they were representations of pagan deities. Instead, they are venerated images of saints, angels, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.

 

[Grip Docility]

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

As a Catholic, I am often asked about the adherence to the commandment concerning the use of statues and pictures (icons). The succinct response is that Catholics have never been iconoclasts. The incorporation of sacred images has been an integral part of the faith since the time God presented it to His people. This began with Israel's use of angelic images on the Ark of the Covenant's lid and the Tabernacle's curtains, as well as the serpent mounted on a pole for healing those bitten in the desert. Catholics do not fear holy images; we do not recoil from them as if they were representations of pagan deities. Instead, they are venerated images of saints, angels, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.

We are under the new covenant. I will be brutally honest about this matter, because I see the accusations being discussed and grew up being pumped full of them.

Let's address the initial accusation that Paintings, Murals, Statues, Tapestries and all the like are smoking guns that support the idea that Catholicism is idolatry.

From the death of Jesus to approximately 1500AD - 1700AD education was limited in access, thus the ability to read was limited to the wealthy. For all of those years, the very architecture and employment of Biblical art within the construction of Cathedrals was designed to teach details involving the Bible and the Gospel to those that were in poverty. In fact, the very truth of the matter is that the tradition of religious art within the Catholic church shows the utter compassion for those in poverty that is etched into the Mother Church.​

​

Now, to get right to the point. When St. Paul Addresses the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, he reveals that those weak in faith have seared consciences. God is perfect Love. To be overwhelmed by God, through utter faith in the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit of Christ within, casts out all fear and brings a person to the realization that everything is of the substance of God's Creation. The devil can scream mine and keepsies all he desires, but even if a pig is sacrificed to him, it is still the creation of God and thus edible in knowledge that "Greater is He that is within us, than he that is in the world".

What does this have to do with statues and all the sorts of Christ pointing art? If a person is weak in faith, they will fear the devil is under every rock and live life per the old covenant, focusing on their own flesh and it's response to this fallen world. The person who is constrained by Love will become all things to all men and understand why Jesus Christ's sermon at the Gates of Hell signified that we are to have no fear. Art that helps people visualize Christ seeking concepts is only evil to a Christian who is still bound to the old covenant. To the New Covenant Christian, it glorifies God and teaches people about God in ways that help them visualize written concepts.

I am going to end with a blunt statement. Those that believe that the use of Christian art within the Catholic church is "evil idolatry" are merely revealing that they are weak in faith and don't understand what the new covenant means in reference to all things to all men.

 

[RandyPNW]

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

As a Catholic, I am often asked about the adherence to the commandment concerning the use of statues and pictures (icons). The succinct response is that Catholics have never been iconoclasts. The incorporation of sacred images has been an integral part of the faith since the time God presented it to His people. This began with Israel's use of angelic images on the Ark of the Covenant's lid and the Tabernacle's curtains, as well as the serpent mounted on a pole for healing those bitten in the desert. Catholics do not fear holy images; we do not recoil from them as if they were representations of pagan deities. Instead, they are venerated images of saints, angels, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.

I see nothing wrong with "Christian Art" either. Visuals are a wonderful way of keeping in mind the things that God has done and things we need to be reminded of.

God, in His Law to Moses, commanded Israel to utilize a number of images. Even though the covenant of Law has passed, God clearly used symbols like the Tabernacle, the design of the curtains, etc. God used Art, as well as instructive constructed objects, and asked Israel to keep His Word written before their eyes--posters and graffiti.

Obviously with a huge church denomination like the Catholic Church you're going to get all kinds of people, saints who venerate the saints and others who actually in some way "worship" the saints. Those who simply use the saints, Mary, and images to venerate them are good, because they are obeying God, putting good examples before their eyes.

But those who actually worship forms instead of admiring and following the "examples" these things represent are idolatrous. And I don't think the Catholic Church can bear complete responsibility for all that goes on in the hearts of people who are idolatrous.

Catholics will have to work out whether they personally worship images, avoiding personal commitment to Christ and transferring their religious debt to empty religious forms of worship and perfunctory functions. Those who only worship God simply use Christian Art to enhance--not replace--their true worship.

 

[Grip Docility]

I see nothing wrong with "Christian Art" either. Visuals are a wonderful way of keeping in mind the things that God has done and things we need to be reminded of.

God, in His Law to Moses, commanded Israel to utilize a number of images. Even though the covenant of Law has passed, God clearly used symbols like the Tabernacle, the design of the curtains, etc. God used Art, as well as instructive constructed objects, and asked Israel to keep His Word written before their eyes--posters and graffiti.

Obviously with a huge church denomination like the Catholic Church you're going to get all kinds of people, saints who venerate the saints and others who actually in some way "worship" the saints. Those who simply use the saints, Mary, and images to venerate them are good, because they are obeying God, putting good examples before their eyes.

But those who actually worship forms instead of admiring and following the "examples" these things represent are idolatrous. And I don't think the Catholic Church can bear complete responsibility for all that goes on in the hearts of people who are idolatrous.

Catholics will have to work out whether they personally worship images, avoiding personal commitment to Christ and transferring their religious debt to empty religious forms of worship and perfunctory functions. Those who only worship God simply use Christian Art to enhance--not replace--their true worship.

You've nailed the matter! What is provided for good can always be corrupted within the heart of a man. This is the nature of the entire invisible body and all houses. The parish is a gathering. Each individual heart and what goes on within it, of each person within said parish is between them and God.

 

[Clare73]

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

As a Catholic, I am often asked about the adherence to the commandment concerning the use of statues and pictures (icons). The succinct response is that Catholics have never been iconoclasts. The incorporation of sacred images has been an integral part of the faith since the time God presented it to His people. This began with Israel's use of angelic images on the Ark of the Covenant's lid

The design of the lid was received instruction (Ex 35:30-36:2), it was not their own doing, nor was it available to the people to view, it being in the Holy of Holies.

and the Tabernacle's curtains,

The Tabernacle curtains in the Holy Place could not be seen by the people.

as well as the serpent mounted on a pole for healing those bitten in the desert.

Was it a representation to them of the heavenly or divine?

Catholics do not fear holy images; we do not recoil from them as if they were representations of pagan deities. Instead,
they are venerated images of saints, angels, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.

How are they venerated?

 

[Clare73]

You've nailed the matter! What is provided for good can always be corrupted within the heart of a man.

Which is precisely why it is forbidden in regard to God. . .it can only diminish God. . .it can, and will be, corrupted.

 

[Grip Docility]

Which is precisely why it is forbidden. . .it can, and will be, corrupted.

I distinctly remember the Apostle giving a sermon based on an alter that read “To an unknown God”.

 

[eleos1954]

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

As a Catholic, I am often asked about the adherence to the commandment concerning the use of statues and pictures (icons). The succinct response is that Catholics have never been iconoclasts. The incorporation of sacred images has been an integral part of the faith since the time God presented it to His people. This began with Israel's use of angelic images on the Ark of the Covenant's lid and the Tabernacle's curtains, as well as the serpent mounted on a pole for healing those bitten in the desert. Catholics do not fear holy images; we do not recoil from them as if they were representations of pagan deities. Instead, they are venerated images of saints, angels, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.

according to the dictionary ...

Venerate comes from the Latin root venerārī, which has the various meanings of "to solicit the good will of," "to worship," "to pay homage to," and "to hold in awe." That root is related to Venus, which, as a proper noun, is the name of the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

Per the bible God Himself gave specific directions of how the earthly sanctuary was to be built etc. The items contained in there were not to be worshiped. That was not it's purpose. They are symbols of the greater truth and that truth is Jesus.

Jesus and Jesus alone is to be honored and "venerated"/worshiped. We hold Him in awe .... nobody else.

Mark 10:18 - pretty plain.

KJ21
And Jesus said unto him, “Why callest thou Me good? There is none good but One, that is, God.

The encyclical Mystici corporis Christi from Pope Pius XII (1943) holds that Mary was also sinless personally, "free from all sin, original or personal". The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that by the grace of God "Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long."

Romans 3:23
King James Version
​

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Includes Mary. ALL

 

[Aaron112]

I distinctly remember the Apostle giving a sermon based on an alter that read “To an unknown God”.

Wasn't that in Athens ? Athens, where there were dozens of pagan god's, pagan alters (like in the usa) ?
Those followers of an unknown god eventually drove the Apostles out of the city, and those who follow Jesus likewise were not welcome to tell of Jesus Testimony .....

 

[Aaron112]

When St. Paul Addresses the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, he reveals that those weak in faith have seared consciences.

The followers of Jesus, including the messengers of God, the Apostles , never partook of unclean food even to the end of their lives. Jesus never authorized that , nor changed it.

And those who are weak in faith ? - It is written that WOE to those who cause them to stumble , who may lose their own souls. i.e. do not continue in sin nor ever cause the weak in faith to stumble, EVER!

 

[Grip Docility]

according to the dictionary ...

Venerate comes from the Latin root venerārī, which has the various meanings of "to solicit the good will of," "to worship," "to pay homage to," and "to hold in awe." That root is related to Venus, which, as a proper noun, is the name of the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

Per the bible God Himself gave specific directions of how the earthly sanctuary was to be built etc. The items contained in there were not to be worshiped. That was not it's purpose. They are symbols of the greater truth and that truth is Jesus.

Jesus and Jesus alone is to be honored and "venerated"/worshiped. We hold Him in awe .... nobody else.

Mark 10:18 - pretty plain.

KJ21
And Jesus said unto him, “Why callest thou Me good? There is none good but One, that is, God.

The encyclical Mystici corporis Christi from Pope Pius XII (1943) holds that Mary was also sinless personally, "free from all sin, original or personal". The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that by the grace of God "Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long."

Romans 3:23​

King James Version​

​

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Includes Mary. ALL

Mary is not Divine. Mary is far beneath Jesus. Mary is more blessed than any other human being.

Luke 1:30 Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.

34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?”

35 The angel replied to her:

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.

36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

38 “I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry: “You are the most blessed of women, and your child will be blessed!

46 And Mary said:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
48 because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy.
50 His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.
51 He has done a mighty deed with His arm;
He has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts;
52 He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel, mindful of His mercy,
55 just as He spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants forever.

 

[Grip Docility]

The followers of Jesus, including the messengers of God, the Apostles , never partook of unclean food even to the end of their lives. Jesus never authorized that , nor changed it.

And those who are weak in faith ? - It is written that WOE to those who cause them to stumble , who may lose their own souls. i.e. do not continue in sin nor ever cause the weak in faith to stumble, EVER!

This feels a bit confrontational to me.

Be blessed.

 

[Grip Docility]

Wasn't that in Athens ? Athens, where there were dozens of pagan god's, pagan alters (like in the usa) ?
Those followers of an unknown god eventually drove the Apostles out of the city, and those who follow Jesus likewise were not welcome to tell of Jesus Testimony .....

The Apostle used an Alter to an unknown God to preach a sermon. The Mother Church using Art that glorifies biblical truths to help people better understand the Gospel is far less scandalous.

 

[CoreyD]

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

As a Catholic, I am often asked about the adherence to the commandment concerning the use of statues and pictures (icons). The succinct response is that Catholics have never been iconoclasts. The incorporation of sacred images has been an integral part of the faith since the time God presented it to His people. This began with Israel's use of angelic images on the Ark of the Covenant's lid and the Tabernacle's curtains, as well as the serpent mounted on a pole for healing those bitten in the desert. Catholics do not fear holy images; we do not recoil from them as if they were representations of pagan deities. Instead, they are venerated images of saints, angels, and Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.

God told the Israelites exactly what to make for the tabernacle, and each item had a specific reference and purpose. Exodus 25:8-31:11; Hebrews 8:5, 6
God, neither his Christ, told any member of the Church to make any image.
Making images for worship, is not necessary since the reality - the Christ, has arrived, and God is looking for persons who worship him in spirit and truth. John 4:24

 

[Grip Docility]

God told the Israelites exactly what to make for the tabernacle, and each item had a specific reference and purpose. Exodus 25:8-31:11; Hebrews 8:5, 6
God, neither his Christ, told any member of the Church to make any image.
Making images for worship, is not necessary since the reality - the Christ, has arrived, and God is looking for persons who worship him in spirit and truth. John 4:24

God didn't give architectural instructions on how to build houses of worship. Does this mean that every brick and mortar church is an idol of mankind?

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

God told the Israelites exactly what to make for the tabernacle, and each item had a specific reference and purpose. Exodus 25:8-31:11; Hebrews 8:5, 6
God, neither his Christ, told any member of the Church to make any image.
Making images for worship, is not necessary since the reality - the Christ, has arrived, and God is looking for persons who worship him in spirit and truth. John 4:24

Catholics employ imagery but do not deem it mandatory. Historically, Catholics have not practiced iconoclasm, thus they do not harbor a fear of images. Unlike Muslims, Catholics do not avoid the use of images in art or within their church edifices.

 

[Valletta]

according to the dictionary ...

Venerate comes from the Latin root venerārī, which has the various meanings of "to solicit the good will of," "to worship," "to pay homage to," and "to hold in awe." That root is related to Venus, which, as a proper noun, is the name of the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

The first use of the word "Christian" is detailed in the Bible--it was used by the pagans--a pagan name.

 

[Aaron112]

The first use of the word "Christian" is detailed in the Bible--it was used by the pagans--a pagan name.

And it meant derogatorily "simpleton", or "idiot" .....
Today this might still occur .....

 

[Grip Docility]

The first use of the word "Christian" is detailed in the Bible--it was used by the pagans--a pagan name.

Acts 11:26

 

[Valletta]

​

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Includes Mary. ALL

"All" either means every individual or it does not. Jesus never sinned. Infants never sinned. Mentally incapable people who don't now right from wrong never sinned. Your teaching is flawed.