What Is A religeous icon & How Are They Used In Prayer????
2007-12-10 05:08:39 · 3 answers · asked by ExpressYOURSELF! :) 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Any item like a carving or a picture that supposedly helps with prayer.
It goes against what Jesus taught.
(JOHN 14:6) Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus is the only channel for prayer to God.
And it must be spiritual,
(EXODUS 20:4-5) “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. 5 You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion, bringing punishment for the error of fathers upon sons, upon the third generation and upon the fourth generation, in the case of those who hate me;
...LIKE ANYTHING IN THE HEAVENS OR ON THE EARTH...
This covers even depictions of Jesus himself, let alone Mary.
2007-12-10 05:43:47 · answer #1 · answered by pugjw9896 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're referring to the Byzantine rite or Orthodoxy, they are pictures, which, in each element of the picture means something and all are basically designed to give you a sense of heaven on Earth. The awe factor works very well with these beautiful works of art.
Some are simply displayed on holy days of obligation and most of the churches I mention above have what's called an "icon screen".
For further information, which is more than I have room to type here, enjoy your hunt on how to interpret them and the work that goes into them... it's a wonderful, learning journey.
_()_
2007-12-10 13:19:15 · answer #2 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Icons are idols and are not Christian.
2007-12-10 13:16:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋