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L
It seems like many western Christians have built up a straw-man of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and condemn the whole as practicing idolatry without any consideration. Also, too few Eastern Orthodox members have tried to explain their practices from a Biblical perspective. I hope the Holy Spirit can open eyes using this thread, and warm hearts, to create unity in the Body of Christ, and mend some of these divisions. Many will say that the divisions separate true believers from apostasy, but the Word of God says other-wise, and the Holy Spirit confirms this within me.
The term 'Holy' means 'set-apart by God'. Therefore objects and people can be 'holy' and 'unholy' -(set apart for evil purpose).
Honoring items and people for being holy is not against the Word. However, we must be careful in doing so! If we are distracting ourselves from worshiping God by how much we honor people or items, we have turned something good into sin.
Some people say that they are worshiping God by honoring His Saints and Holy Icons; this is where the sin creeps in. Christ came to tear the veil between man and God, and no intercessor is needed between them but Christ. Don't let anything come between you and God.
If you read the defenses I showed in the first few posts, you will see that veneration is not idolatry, and veneration is is also unavoidable while following Christ. The question is: at what point does veneration become worship?
The term 'Holy' means 'set-apart by God'. Therefore objects and people can be 'holy' and 'unholy' -(set apart for evil purpose).
Honoring items and people for being holy is not against the Word. However, we must be careful in doing so! If we are distracting ourselves from worshiping God by how much we honor people or items, we have turned something good into sin.
Some people say that they are worshiping God by honoring His Saints and Holy Icons; this is where the sin creeps in. Christ came to tear the veil between man and God, and no intercessor is needed between them but Christ. Don't let anything come between you and God.
If you read the defenses I showed in the first few posts, you will see that veneration is not idolatry, and veneration is is also unavoidable while following Christ. The question is: at what point does veneration become worship?
L
I feel like there is no problem with making the objects. It is good to have object lessons. It would be hard to describe the Crucifixion without drawing a picture of the cross, no? The images/objects aren't the problem, it is when men begin kneeling before these objects, or praying to the objects, or even praying to the saint that the object represents.
The problem is when the object becomes more than an object.
The problem is when the object becomes more than an object.
Ok LT i see that u,even with just 18 years ,understand this topic better then many who reading this now.
For Orthodox is unexcepteble to worship holy icons.We do venerate them,yes,and only that.We do not worship wood and paint but Jesus Christ who is on Icon.
We do not worship Saints or Holy Theodokos,it is unexcepteble!Those were just humans,who were great examples until their life,how and what we have to do to rise in True Faith.
Have u ever saw mother who kiss picture of her son or daughter?Does it can be understood as worship or veneration(respect,love) on her childrens,or on coloure and paper?
I was at Church today and we always kiss Icons of our God,Saints and Theodokos.
For Orthodox is unexcepteble to worship holy icons.We do venerate them,yes,and only that.We do not worship wood and paint but Jesus Christ who is on Icon.
We do not worship Saints or Holy Theodokos,it is unexcepteble!Those were just humans,who were great examples until their life,how and what we have to do to rise in True Faith.
Have u ever saw mother who kiss picture of her son or daughter?Does it can be understood as worship or veneration(respect,love) on her childrens,or on coloure and paper?
I was at Church today and we always kiss Icons of our God,Saints and Theodokos.
L
I see that level of commitment to honoring them as going too far, but it is not my conscience that is in question. If you can kiss an object without a flawed conscience, then you are a very strong Christian indeed. But do you have your children do this as well? They are not strong enough in their faith to understand the difference, and this practice would cause any of them to sin.
I personaly,as all others Orthodox Christians know very who is our God and whose are our Saints.U wont see nowhere or hear in our Church that anyone is worshiped then our Lord Jesus Christ with Father and Holy Spirit.
And this about childrens,forgive me,but it is funny statement,for me.How would u explain to 3-4 years old child who is Jesus Christ,why He came on earth,why He had to resurrect,who are Saints,Theodokos,Holy Spirit and many of the basic things of Faith?They learn that day by day,if u teach them correctly.Can we consider childs as Christians then?If dont,then they are atheists or what?But Jesus Christ said that childs comes to Him first.He loves them.Remember that.Every day we rise in Faith and learn new things.
And this about childrens,forgive me,but it is funny statement,for me.How would u explain to 3-4 years old child who is Jesus Christ,why He came on earth,why He had to resurrect,who are Saints,Theodokos,Holy Spirit and many of the basic things of Faith?They learn that day by day,if u teach them correctly.Can we consider childs as Christians then?If dont,then they are atheists or what?But Jesus Christ said that childs comes to Him first.He loves them.Remember that.Every day we rise in Faith and learn new things.
L
I see that there is a massive cultural barrier that is hard to relate over a forum, without personal interaction. I will do some more research on this issue. You must realize that in western culture, kissing an object goes beyond having respect for the object, but signifies a relationship with the object. The action seems wildly absurd to most western Christians. Perhaps this is where the problem lies. Again, I will continue researching.