Christians claim that religious images are not idols, so is the destruction of a religious icon a sin?

Question

This is a follow-up to another's question regarding the Second Commandment and Christians use of religious images. The general respose was that these images are not idols, so they do not break the Second Commandment.

So is the desecration/destruction of objects like the crucifix a sin? Are those who are iconoclasts - "image breakers" - who see these images to be wrong committing a wrong in destroying them?

I realize that it may be offensive to those who value the image, just as the burning of the flag may be offensive, but is it a sin? If so, how so?

**Please use a scriptural reference as your defense.**

Randy G: Yes, thank you for the correction and the clarification. I apologize for generalizing.

Randy G: I am not trying to pick a fight with anyone. I happen to teach the arts, including religious images, and since I have a diverse population of students, this question is often raised. I figured that I would have greater access to a range of information here, so that's why I asked.

My apologies if I offended anyone.

Answer 1

Protestant Christians do not venerate either icons (religious pictures) nor statues, since we would agree with you that attributing spiritual power to a material object violates the second commandment. So the basic premise behind your question is faulty, since not all Christians believe in what you say that we do.

Apparently it is not the statue or picture itself that violates the second commandment, but the idea that people tend to regard material objects as "holy" that violates this commandment.

Sounds like you are specifically trying to pick a fight with Eastern Orthodox churches (since it was the Greek Orthodox church that first condoned the use of Icons in worship). or the Roman Catholics (since they venerate statues of Mary, for example).

***edit***
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Iconoclasm is the destruction of religious icons and other symbols or monuments, usually for religious or political motives. In Christian circles, iconoclasm has generally been motivated by a literal interpretation of the second of the Ten Commandments, which forbids the making and worshipping of "graven images". It has sometimes been motivated by christological or even political concerns as well.

People who engage in such practices are called iconoclasts, a term that has come to be applied to any person who breaks or disdains established dogmas or conventions. Conversely, people who revere or venerate religious images are called iconodules.

Iconoclasm may be carried out by people of a different religion, but is often the result of sectarian disputes between factions of the same religion. It was particularly important in the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church within the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries.

Answer 2

The making of a graven image to worship is what is wrong.

Simply having lets say cows, or lighthouses as decorations in your kitchen is not wrong.

Exodus: Commandment number 2 is broken up into two verses in order to explain that the making of the image is in order to worship it. I have a statue of the ten commandments in my house. The bible tells me to have them at my door, so that all coming and leaving (including myself) can see them. I do not worship this statue or these commandments. They are simply a reminder of what I must do.

Furthermore, God had us make memorials more than once throughout the bible, to remind us of what took place at different times, some places still have these memorials to this day. A testament to the fact that we do not know where these memorials are, or others would have removed them just to be spiteful.

So, the making of a thing would not in and of itself be wrong, but what is in your heart as a use for that thing would be wrong. God sees and knows our hearts.

If someone broke my statue of the ten commandments, i would not see it as a sin, but God would know if it was, because he would know if it was broken with a sinful heart, or if it was broken accidentally. By the way , it is broken, It fell off my shelf. No sin involved.

Answer 3

I am a Christian and I do not worship icons or idols either....I wear a cross on my neck but I don't worship it I worship Jesus the Living God.....the cross is simply a reminder of what God did for me......but if it was destroyed I wouldn't be distressed over it....it is man made and my relationship with God would not change....

Answer 4

i trust he replaced right into a Buddhist. Edit: This placed up has received a range of of ill and twisted solutions with regard to those with disabilities. Why human beings experience that is proper to tear aside persons with disabilities is previous me. besides the lyrics you factor out, have not heard the song in a lengthy time period, maximum in all probability relate to his war his incapacity. Lithium Carbonate is a mood stabilizer. The lyrics, like maximum lyrics are poetic and metaphorical.

Answer 5

I am a Christian, and I do not worship (or venerate) icons.

I view them as works of art however, and would be disappointed to see icons destroyed (though I understand the motivation of those who would destroy them -- to keep them from being worshipped by individuals who should not be worshipping them).

Cordially,
John

Answer 6

It would depend on the attitude of the person doing the destruction and other possible sins being committed (such as theft)

Answer 7

It's not a sin to destroy any religious icon (or anything else) as long as you own it in the first place. At least, not in the USA.

Answer 8

Nope. Christian churches get burned up all the time, according to Bill Clinton. Especially in the South.

'Course, try that with a mosque and see how far you get...

Answer 9

No.

He took the calf which they had made and burned it with fire, and ground it to powder, and scattered it over the surface of the water and made the sons of Israel drink it.