Do humans require a physical object on which to focus during worship? (See Details.)?

Question

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Many religions have idols.

Even though they preach against idols, Christians have either Crucifixes or Crosses. (Catholics also have stations of the cross and statues.)

Jews and Muslims have their books (Torah or Quran).

Is there something about humans engaged in worship that requires something on which to center your attention?

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Answer 1

This is actually an important question; the answer is yes.

The mind is very fickle. It will easily wonder about. Having an object of focus allows it to, well, focus ;-)

Depending on what you're trying to achieve, you can have different objects of focus. You can pick anything really if you're just trying to train the mind to focus. This in of itself it an important way to train your mind, but you can also have 'religious' objects if you are trying to focus on particular trait you're trying to understand or realize in yourself.

So, focusing on a compassionate and loving Jesus for example allows us to become more compassionate and loving.

This is different then idol worship though. Idol worship is just superstition.

Answer 2

Sacramentals such as you have mentioned are not required, even by Catholics. However, some of these things do help the human mind to better focus. We are after all living in the material world. When we know they are only assiting us to focus on Christ and we are not worshipping the object, there is no harm. Like knowing the photo of your wife in your wallet is only the photo and not actually her.

Mr.Knowitall (two down from here), please read BOTH, Exodus Chapter 20 and Deuteronomy Chapter 5. It is what is known as the "Decalogue" found in Deuteronomy Chapter 5 that Catholics refer to when mentioning the Ten Commandments. They didn't change anything or "make-it-up". Read them both and you will see the perceived difference, but it is all there and it is in Holy Scripture. Sorry.
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Answer 3

No, there is not a requirement for any object to focus on during worship. In fact, there is a commandment against such worship. The only thing required for worship to be properly performed is that one must focus on God, and the question that person wants answered.

To focus on a question, simply repeat it over and over. Soon your subconscious mind will open into your conscious mind and you will see or hear the answer to your question.

Regards,

Chris

Answer 4

This question is very much along the same line as a question I posed earlier today. As much as I'd rather not admit it, "Loathe Thy Neighbor" is much closer to the truth than you might think. If Christians are not careful to direct their prayers, worship and praise to God Himself instead of the image of the cross, they may be unintentionally engaging in idol worship.

The statement about the symbol of the cross made by "Loathe Thy Neighbor" is correct. Christians should be careful of who and what they are actually venerating!

Answer 5

The True Christian Faith dose not have any idols.... The Cross is a symbol of rememberance only. The Cross is not worshiped or prayed to or bowed to. It is not concidered to have any magical power or direct connection to God for any form of communication... The total forcus of The True Christians worship is to God and God alone.

Answer 6

Humans are material beings, corporal even. We should not focus on things seen, but unseen, hence the faith message. It is against the Word of God to focus on idols etc. Do you know the Catholic hierarchy changed the 10 commandments to do away with the one about graven images? Even though you are cursed if you change the Word one jot or tittle. Food for thought.

Answer 7

When a person practices their faith they do it in worship.

Faith is defined as

Hebrews 11
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Jesus said about worship:

John 4v
23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Answer 8

you seem to not be making a distinction thats hugely important.

or rather simply do not seem to understand something...

Judaism does not focus on the torah or other books during worship, we focus on GOD.

there is ceremony and respect for the torah, but its not the focus during worship.

I think for many people its massively harder to focus on something that isn't physical, that you can't see in front of you to look at. and thus they will fall to the much easier focal-point sort of thing.

Answer 9

A true Christian knows that we need nothing but the Saviour who dwells not within tents made with human hands, but within the heart/mind of a saved individual.

Answer 10

We don't worship crosses or the crucifixes. All we do is worship GOD, by the way we also don't sing to the above either. Where did you get this information?