What do Lutherans think of church statuary?

[sculpturegirl]

I work as a sculptor, creating statuary for the Catholic church mainly. I worship at a Lutheran church. Our pastor is an artist, too, and creates lovely pen-and-ink paintings for the weekly bulletins. Anyhow, I haven't noticed any statuary in the few Lutheran churches that I have been in. Is there a general feeling about it? Or is does it seem too Catholic?

I am an old Christian, but new to the Lutheran church. I am learning all I can!

 

[SPALATIN]

I personally don't have a problem w/ it but I am sure that many would find it a little too Roman Catholic. What with the idea that they pray to the saints and Mary as intercessories. Maybe others would have a better idea.

 

[IowaLutheran]

Like crucifixes and making the sign of the cross, I think statues have been purged from a lot of Lutheran churches as being too Catholic even though there is nothing overtly unLutheran about them. The church in Luther's day certainly retained most of the trappings of a Catholic church, but over time, we've lost them.

 

[IowaLutheran]

Here's a link about a Lutheran church with statuary:

http://www.reclaimingwalther.org/articles/jmc00162.htm

 

[Phoebe]

I, too, equate statues with Catholocism.

 

[sculpturegirl]

Since I my talent is a God-given gift, it is my way of worshipping God. I certainly do not support venerating or praying to sculptures, though I realize that some people will do that with the pieces I make. God obviously thinks that sculptors are important, as he names them in Exodus 31:2.

I agree that is does seem Catholic, but I think that not having them is a reaction to that divide more than a theological stance.

 

[KagomeShuko]

I work as a sculptor, creating statuary for the Catholic church mainly. I worship at a Lutheran church. Our pastor is an artist, too, and creates lovely pen-and-ink paintings for the weekly bulletins. Anyhow, I haven't noticed any statuary in the few Lutheran churches that I have been in. Is there a general feeling about it? Or is does it seem too Catholic?

I am an old Christian, but new to the Lutheran church. I am learning all I can!

I think most Lutheran churches don't have statuary simply because it seems "too Catholic" and they want to focus on God, though they aren't against it. I've never heard any arguments against it, just that it's a very Catholic tradition.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

 

[LuxPerpetua]

Hi, Sculpturegirl! I don't really have anything to add other than that I'm new to the Lutheran church, too, and wanted to say welcome. What synod are you a part of?