Worshiping false idols?

Question

in or around 400 a.d. images and statues where created to show conflicts of martyrs and sacred history to those who could not read. Although the intent wasn't there, the simple people started to worship the statues and images themselves.

Exodus 20: 4, 5--"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of thsoe who love me and keep my commandments.

So, why is it that the catholics are still worshiping false idols and completely ignore what was written in Exodus?

Answer 1

First of all, it's not true that Catholics worship idols any more than you worship a photo of a loved one on your desk. Strictly speaking, that photo on your desk is also a graven image.

Secondly, you're forgetting that Exodus 20 does not forbid the making of images -- it forbids WORSHIPPING them.

When Exodus 20 says "you shall not make an idol," it is speaking of making things for the purpose of worshipping them.

But the act of making an image -- without an intent to worship it -- is morally neutral.

Third, you are conveniently leaving out Exodus 25 -- which commands the Israelites to make all sorts of images and objects to be used as AIDS IN WORSHIP.

This is very similar to what Catholics do with regard to rosaries, scapulars, statues, and other images -- we use them as aids in worship and not as objects in worship. This practice is perfectly in line with Exodus 25.

Answer 2

Catholics do not worship statues. Furthermore, God did not forbid the religious use of statues. In fact, there are many places in Scripture where God actually commands people to make religious images and use them in worship. In Numbers 21:8–9, God commands Moses to make a statue of a serpent and have people look at it. The Ark of the Covenant was adorned with religious ornaments and images. As you said yourself, the problem comes when people make the idol into the deity. But Catholics do not worship the statues themselves, but the God represented by them.

Answer 3

Does it really matter? Is it hurting anyone? NO! Does it make people happy? YES! Leave them be for God's sake. Taking these bible tales and holy books too seriously has caused death, war and hostility. Let the masses worship a huge potato if it makes them happy and it harms none.

Answer 4

does don really understand religion around here? first off idols are figments of a person's personal savior or god or goddess. idol worship has been around since the days of the goddess Venus they are not anything more than focus points.

Answer 5

Catholics don't "worship" the statues, nor the Saints. It would be just like me telling you that by asking a fellow Christian to pray for you, you are "worshipping" them.

We ask the Saints to pray for us. The statues help us to focus our prayers.

Answer 6

no longer having any worship on your existence skill taking responsibility for all that takes position to you. very few all of us is powerful adequate to attend to existence that way. yet, of the people who do worship, incredibly few actual pick their kind or being of worship. that's executed for them through mom and father, friends, authorities, or advertisers. Worship is instinctive, serious wondering isn't.

Answer 7

Congrats! You've just stumbled onto one of the key points of the Lutheran doctrine!

Answer 8

Hypocrites if they do.That's like asking why do some molest boys in the church or on the internet.

Answer 9

Catholicism is a pagan religion, so they have pagan rituals and idols.

This I believe; http://homelessheart.com/testimony.htm

Answer 10

They justify their actions to their parishioners, as do all religions.