Protestants have Nativity Sets, just like Catholics -- are they worshiping Idols?

Question

What is the difference between those statues and the ones Catholics have? If you pray too close to a statue in a Nativity Set is that praying to Idols?

Answer 1

Can you believe it?

Protestants who claim they don't worship Nativity sets!

The commandment speaks about not making graven images, or images of heavenly things.

First, they break away from the true Church, and now they're taking liberties with the commandments.

What will they do next?

Answer 2

We don't pray to the Nativity set at all. And I have Christian friends, not in a specific thing like Catholic or Protestant, just Christan, who have Nativity scenes too. A lot of Christians have them.

Answer 3

Hahahaha, that s so true, think of it this way, Catholics pray at the front of the statues, instead of to the statues... It s truly a reminder (3D Picture as dlin333 said) of people that we loved so much...

Don t worry about the tradition that Catholics has about Animated Statues or Talking Statues like the famous the San Damiano Cross of St. Francis of Assisi, that requires Acquired Faith.... :-)

Answer 4

I have never heard any Protestant mention praying to a Nativity set. I have Catholic friends who always seem to say: for this--pray to this Saint and for that--pray to this Saint or if you want your house to sell--bury this Saint upside down in your yard. Recently one said, oh, for this matter--pray to baby Jesus. OK, since Jesus came, matured to adulthood and then was crucified--why would I pray to baby Jesus? It must take years and years to learn all these rules.

Although some choose to have pictures and images of Christ, no one uses those pictures and images for prayer. They are present to center one's thoughts. I have never heard a Protestant say they have seen a picture or statue of Christ cry, bleed or do other things. (I have also never once taken care of a Catholic who was dying and heard them say they have seen a saint.)

Only Christ has the right to be an intercessor for anyone's prayers or sins. I respect your belief, but I am glad we can simply pray to the Father through Christ at any time and we don't have to memorize all these man-made rules. I know you keep asking questions trying to point out that Protestants are still practicing Catholic ideas. Visit a few Protestant Churches for a while. I think you will find the differences astounding.

Isaiah 53: 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Answer 5

I like to have a Christmas tree and place an angel on top. I do not pray to the angel. I like to have my nativity set displayed to remind me of the birth of christ, I do not pray to it either. I believe it is only an idol worshipping question if you are worshipping the object in question.

Answer 6

Some Christians don't 'get it', they do not see the beauty in the art work. Catholics sacramentals are reminders of God, saints and angels, they do not worship them like the Greek and Romans did with their statuary. Catholics don't believe that God or a saint is in the statue. That is what worshiping idols is about. I would also add you might want to enroll in Religious Education classes at your Church or at least a Bible Study you don't see well versed in your faith.

Answer 7

Do all religion not pray to idols or statues, seem the same to all of them

Answer 8

Protestants don't light candles, kneel, or pray in front of nativity sets. Of course, Protestants don't pray to anyone but God the Father, in Jesus' Name.

Answer 9

The Nativity scene is just a nice reminder. No worship involved.
For my kids, it's a good reminder of what we as a Christian family believe, vs. all the material wants.

Answer 10

NO ITS JUST TO teach about the birth of the Lord
theres live nativity at mine