Why do Christians pray to pictures and statues? Do they have to see it to believe it?

Question

That would make God believers a bunch of mentally ill Atheist.

They have to see it to believe it just like me. The only difference is Atheists want to see something real

Answer 1

Very good question!

Anybody who really wants to please god would obey what the bible says very explicitly regarding the use of images and idols, for example:

Exodus 20:4 - “You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth."

Leviticus 26:1 - “You must not make valueless gods for yourselves, and you must not set up a carved image or a sacred pillar for yourselves, and you must not put a stone as a showpiece in yuor land in order to bow down toward it"

2 Corinthians 6:16 - "And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols?"

1 John 5:21 - "guard yourselves from idols"

Some christians might argue that images are just a means to help them pray to god or saints, and they are not actually praying to the image itself. The reality is that these images are being venerated. Even the New Catholic Encyclopedia admits that such veneration is “an act of worship.” However, Jesus Christ ruled out the use of images as aids in approaching God when he said: “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) It is no surprise, then, that first-century Christians repudiated the use of images in worship.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

um, get your facts right. most christians don't pray to pictures and statues. in fact, it's really only catholics who even allow pictures, statues, icons, etc. [they get persecuted by other christian groups about it all the time, too.]
the reason why they have these, though, is not so that they can PRAY to them. that's ridiculous. [although there are some people who do this unconciously. but they're the exception, not the rule.]
it's like someone who has a picture of a loved one in their wallet--you don't love the picture, just the person it represents, and it reminds you of them.
having a cross or a medal reminds a christian/catholic that God loves them and this reminder strengthens them throughout life.
but like the person with the photograph, they don't believe that the statue actually IS God. you don't NEED a picture to believe, it just helps sometimes.

Answer 3

First off, if they pray to pictures or statues, they are not Christians. I am a Christian and I pray to God, Not a picture of God, nor A statue of God. An atheist has to see it to beleive it because they are very distrustful and have faith in theories.

God Bless You.

Answer 4

Christians do not pray to pictures or statues. We pray only to God.

We Catholics are often specifically accused of praying to things like statues. But this is the first time I've ever heard of Christians in general being accused of it.

In any event ... you're asking "why" about something that isn't true.

I'd suggest next time doing some research first, before asking "why" about something that you think is true, but in fact isn't.

Answer 5

Not all Christians do this.. Catholics pray in front of pictures or statues, but not TO them.. if they prayed TO them they would be breaking the 2nd commandment.

Many people do just that, or come close to it every day without even realizing it. Here's a message about that:
http://www.eaglebrookchurch.com/resources/messages.html?id=150

Answer 6

I do not pray to statues or pictures - that would be worshiping and praying to a false God and you are clearly not suppose to do that. Why don't you get your facts straight before you assume something.
What I experience with God as a Christian is real, I don't have to see it to believe - I have to experience it.

Answer 7

sorry that is untrue well for me that is. i don't have to see a picture of god to belive that he is real. god is in my heart, i also carry faith that too u cant see but it is real. like you cant see the ppl that answer youre questions on this site, but you know that some1 respond, because u see the results latter. u hvae faith and u do not even see it. if you do not like the word faith, then you choose a word that makes u feel better. if u did not belive (have faith ) that some 1 any 1 was not going to answer youre questions, u would not waste youre time in submitting youre question. do you understand what im telling you? if not here it is broken down like baby food 4 u. by being involved in this site u have a faith that some one will respond. faith / belief lead u to type a questions and by this u know that it will be answered. so ATHEIST OR NOT YOU STILL HAVE SOME TYPE OF FAITH, whether u want it or not. amen amen amen!!!!!!

Answer 8

True Christians do not pray to pictures, we are to pray to God and God is formless unless He chooses to be otherwise.
Therefore, there can be no picture of God.

ROMANS 1:20-22

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools

Answer 9

Christians don't, catholics do. There is a difference. The Catholic church actually took out the second commandment that says not to bow down to a graven image, and split up the tenth. Pray to God, not a statue. And certainly don't try to pray to Mary.

Answer 10

Christians do not pray to pictures and statues. I think other religious do that. I don't kno what u are talkin about cause i don't do that and i have been a Christian for most of my life.