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T
DSCherk responded briefly, and I would like to continue.
First of all, be VERY clear that no Catholic ever worships or bows down to the image. It is GOD who is worshiped. Sometimes we use physical things to help us focus ourselves on God: prayer beads, icons, a cross -- these are meant to help us focus on God, not on the object.
There may be some individuals within Catholicism who think that somehow these objects (rosaries, crucifixes, whatever) have some "magical power." This is NOT Catholic doctrine, however, and those who hold these beliefs are usually people who are new to the faith.
A Catholic does not worship a statue of Mary any more than an Evangelical worships the Bible. Evangelicals use the Bible to help get closer to God. They will often find that holding a Bible while they are praying helps. It is the same with many Catholics.
In fact, I have met some Evangelicals who seem to worship their bibles more than they worship the Living Christ. I know this is not typical, but I have seen it, and I'd say it's just as bad as any other idol worship.
First of all, be VERY clear that no Catholic ever worships or bows down to the image. It is GOD who is worshiped. Sometimes we use physical things to help us focus ourselves on God: prayer beads, icons, a cross -- these are meant to help us focus on God, not on the object.
There may be some individuals within Catholicism who think that somehow these objects (rosaries, crucifixes, whatever) have some "magical power." This is NOT Catholic doctrine, however, and those who hold these beliefs are usually people who are new to the faith.
A Catholic does not worship a statue of Mary any more than an Evangelical worships the Bible. Evangelicals use the Bible to help get closer to God. They will often find that holding a Bible while they are praying helps. It is the same with many Catholics.
In fact, I have met some Evangelicals who seem to worship their bibles more than they worship the Living Christ. I know this is not typical, but I have seen it, and I'd say it's just as bad as any other idol worship.
Again, as I posted earlier, there's a big difference in worshipping an image in place of God -vs- using religious images in worship of God. The former is obviously idolatry, we replace God with an image. But the latter is acceptable and even has considerable support from Scripture.
A good article that will help you better understand the Catholic POV (with lots of Scriptural references) is here: Do Catholics Worship Statues?
Hope this helps!
R
That is true many people may us objects to feel closer to God when they pray I think they do that when they are new to church. I know it's not bringing anyone closer to God just by having physical objects. That's why it says worship in spirit not in flesh(physical). I guess what I'm trying to say is, is that Biblical or traditional to use objects to worship with or to images for some Catholics?
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We do not worship anything but God and Jesus. The pictures and statues are venerated, not worshiped. When you see catholics praying in front of a stature they are not praying TO the statue. They are asking the person in heaven (which the statue represents) to pray for them.
Many christians venerate the image of a cross or an actual erected cross the same way. When you pray at the altar of your church you are venerating the sacred altar and the cross.
Many christians venerate the image of a cross or an actual erected cross the same way. When you pray at the altar of your church you are venerating the sacred altar and the cross.
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T
In the Old Testament, every time a significant event occurred to one of the Patriarchs while he was traveling, he would erect an altar, cairn, or some other object to commemorate the event. They weren't worshiping the pile of stones when they did that, they were worshiping God by making a physical representation.
You are saying that to "worship in spirit and truth" one cannot use anything physical. This is not Biblical, because in the New Testament, there are many examples of using the senses while worshiping: incense (smell), songs (hearing), etc. So I think you are misinterpreting what is meant by "in spirit and truth."
You are saying that to "worship in spirit and truth" one cannot use anything physical. This is not Biblical, because in the New Testament, there are many examples of using the senses while worshiping: incense (smell), songs (hearing), etc. So I think you are misinterpreting what is meant by "in spirit and truth."
R
I know that is my mom that is how she looks. But do you look at a image that looks like God or what you think looks like God?
Also the altar what where they used for? They were used to give sacrifice to the Lord to give offering. Not to praise the altar or to look at the altar. The altar does not represent God it represents sacrifice to God. Pagan people made altars to baal does that represent God? No. They don't praise the altar the sacrifice even like molech they made altars to give sacrifice.
God Himself said "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8). So why venerate the images? There is "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."(Ephesians 4:6)
Also the altar what where they used for? They were used to give sacrifice to the Lord to give offering. Not to praise the altar or to look at the altar. The altar does not represent God it represents sacrifice to God. Pagan people made altars to baal does that represent God? No. They don't praise the altar the sacrifice even like molech they made altars to give sacrifice.
God Himself said "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8). So why venerate the images? There is "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."(Ephesians 4:6)
The images used in the Eastern Catholic traditions is not idolatry. They are just like the memorial stones that the Lord commanded in the book of Exodus. "And he put them on the shoulders of the ephod, that they should be stones for a memorial to the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses." (Exodus 39:7).
This is exactly what icons are for; to remind the Christian of Christ, the events of Christ, and the presence of God.
This is exactly what icons are for; to remind the Christian of Christ, the events of Christ, and the presence of God.
T
We know what God looks like: In Genesis, it says that He created humans in his likeness. Therefore, God must look a little like us (only moreso, of course).
Can you repeat this question in English, please?
Are you now accusing Catholics of praising altars? What evidence do you have of this?
Once again, we do not venerate the IMAGES but we venerate GOD. We keep telling you this, and you keep denying. If you're going to argue with us, at least accept what we say we do, rather than making things up.
Can you repeat this question in English, please?
Are you now accusing Catholics of praising altars? What evidence do you have of this?
Once again, we do not venerate the IMAGES but we venerate GOD. We keep telling you this, and you keep denying. If you're going to argue with us, at least accept what we say we do, rather than making things up.
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of
God, begotten of the Father before all ages;
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten,
not created, of one essence with the Father
through Whom all things were made.
Who for us men and for our salvation
came down from heaven and was incarnate
of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,
and suffered and was buried;
And He rose on the third day,
according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
And He will come again with glory to judge the living
and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life,
Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the
Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who
spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the age to come.
Amen.