By Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg.
Thank you to my friends for your support and encouragement!
For centuries, a profound theological divide has persisted between Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and their Protestant counterparts regarding the use of sacred art (graven images) in worship. This disagreement centers on the use of sculptures, icons, and other visual representations of the divine, particularly of the One True God. Protestant Christians, rooted in their interpretation of biblical texts, often view such depictions as a violation of the Ten Commandments, specifically the prohibition against creating and worshiping graven images (Exodus 20:4-5). They argue that sacred art risks idolatry, diverting devotion from God to material objects. In contrast, Catholics and Orthodox Christians defend the use of icons and sculptures, asserting that these serve as aids to worship, not objects of worship themselves, fostering a deeper connection to the divine. This theological rift reflects broader differences in tradition, scripture interpretation, and the role of visual culture in spiritual practice, shaping distinct worship practices across Christian denominations.
But what is a graven image? A graven image is a handcrafted representation, often carved or sculpted, that embodies spiritual, cultural, or artistic significance. These creations, typically made from wood, stone, or metal, serve as meaningful symbols of devotion, inspiration, or reverence in various traditions. Far from mere objects, they reflect the skill and creativity of artisans, capturing beauty and deeper truths. Graven images can inspire reflection, foster connection to shared values, and enhance sacred spaces with their intricate designs.
But how is it possible to read one and the same text and disagree so sharply? This essay will briefly survey various interpretive groupings of the Ten Commandments to begin answering this question.
Catholic and Traditions
In the Catholic traditions, the Ten Commandments are numbered to emphasize monotheism and moral behavior, with a structure that integrates the prohibition of graven images into one broader commandment that forbids worship of other gods:
-
- I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me and you shall not make a graven image.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. (This is distinct commandment.)
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
In this framework, the first commandment combines the declaration of God’s uniqueness with the prohibition against other gods and graven images. The Catholic churches interpret the graven images clause (Exodus 20:4–5) as a subset of idolatry, not a standalone prohibition as Protestants do. This allows for the use of religious art—icons, statues, and paintings—in worship, provided they are not treated as idols but as aids to devotion. Icons in Orthodoxy and statues in Catholicism are honored as “windows to heaven,” directing the worshiper’s focus to God, not as objects of worship themselves.
The splitting of the coveting prohibition into two commandments (wife and goods) reflects a nuanced moral theology, emphasizing distinct aspects of desire that can lead to sin. This structure underscores the Catholic/Orthodox view that religious imagery, when properly understood, supports worship of the one true God rather than detracting from it.
Protestant Tradition
The Protestant tradition, shaped by the Reformation’s critique of Catholic (and by extension Orthodox) practices, organizes the Ten Commandments differently, with a distinct emphasis on the prohibition of graven images:
-
- You shall have no other gods before me.
- You shall not make for yourself a graven image. (it is counted as a seperate commandment forbidding most sacred art in worship to One True God.)
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet. (there is only one prohibition for coveting anything belonging to the neighbor.)
Protestants separate the prohibition of other gods and graven images into two distinct commandments, reflecting a heightened concern about the dangerous visual representations in worship. The Reformation, particularly in its Calvinist and Puritan strands, viewed religious images as potential idols that risked violating the second commandment. This led many Protestant denominations, especially Reformed and evangelical ones, to avoid statues and icons in churches, favoring plain worship spaces focused on scripture and preaching. The emphasis on the second commandment as a standalone prohibition underscores a theological commitment to God’s transcendence (at the expense of immanence) and the avoidance of anything that might distract from direct worship of God.
By combining two Catholic coveting prohibitions into a single commandment (wife and belongings), Protestantism streamlines its list.
Rabbinic Jewish Tradition
The Rabbinic Jewish tradition offers another distinct enumeration, rooted in the Hebrew Bible and Talmudic exegesis:
-
- I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Judaism counts ten sayings/words, not ten commandments).
- You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image. (The first and second Protestant commandments are presented as one, echoing a Catholic version.)
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
In this tradition, the preamble (“I am the Lord your God”) is treated as the first commandment, emphasizing God’s redemptive act in the Exodus as the foundation of the covenant. The second commandment combines the prohibition of other gods and graven images, viewing idolatry as a singular violation. The coveting prohibition is unified, reflecting a holistic view of desire as a moral challenge.
Samaritan Tradition
The Samaritan tradition, based on their distinct Pentateuch, introduces a unique tenth commandment centered on Mount Gerizim, their holiest site, but it is still fascinating to see how they group the commandments, since they too have the Torah as the foundation of their faith.
-
- I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (This is similar to Rabbinic Judaism.)
- You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a graven image. (This is similar to Catholicism.)
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (This is similar to Protestantism).
- And it shall be when the Lord your God brings you into the land… you shall set up great stones… on Mount Gerizim… and you shall write on them all the words of this law.
The Samaritan tenth commandment, drawn from Deuteronomy 11:29–30 and 27:2–8, underscores the sanctity of Mount Gerizim, where Samaritans believe God commanded worship (John 4).
Reflection
The varied interpretations of the Ten Commandments across Christian and Jewish traditions reveal how sacred texts are shaped by culture, history, and theology. Catholic and Orthodox traditions view sacred art as a bridge to the divine, subsuming the prohibition against graven images under the command against false gods, thus embracing icons as “windows to heaven.” Protestants, however, treat this prohibition as a separate commandment, reflecting distrust of visual representations that might overshadow God’s transcendence. This highlights distinct spiritual sensibilities: Catholicism and Orthodoxy embrace God’s immanence through material aids, while Protestantism prioritizes transcendence through simplicity and scripture.
These differences show that the Ten Commandments, though universally significant, are interpreted through diverse lenses. The debate over sacred art reflects not just textual differences but also how communities prioritize divine revelation—visual or textual. This invites reflection on our own interpretive lenses: How do we balance reverence for tradition with openness to other perspectives? How do we decide which way to look at any given theological dilemma?
Could it be that, in the words of Swedish theologian Krister Stendahl, “We are not so much blinded by what we don’t know, but by what we think we know”?
Fascinating!!! Thanks for sharing Eli! Deeply appreciated
Thanks, friend! I hope this helps people to see how come good people on both sides who love Christ can think about this so differently!
Thank you for this in-depth réflexion about Ten Commandments and in particular the one about graven image, this is insightful.
Your writing is not judgmental, which is not an easy perspective. One question does messianic Jewish have a perspective different fron traditional Jewish on this particular question ? I’m more wondering about God’s immanence.
Generally speaking, Messianic Jews model things after Rabbinic Jews. Also, “Messianic Jews” is a very general term, and it includes all kinds of opinions.
Thank You Eli for the informative material. Now, I have a better understanding of different beliefs of this subject and have come to be not so closed minded, regarding this. Brent
You’re welcome, Brent! Thank you for commenting.
Brilliant one
Thank you
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for your teachings that enrich our culture while deepening our love for God and His Word and encourage tolerance through a better understanding of our different theologies. Your guidance is precious and helps make it easier for us to love one another.
Merci pour vos enseignements qui enrichissent notre culture tout en approfondissant notre amour pour Dieu et Sa Parole et nous exhorte à la tolérance par une meilleure compréhension de nos différentes théologies. Votre ligne de conduite est précieuse, participe à nous rendre plus facile de nous aimer les uns les autres 🤗
Amen!
Excellent reading and comparison ❣️
Thank you!
I think that is not true to say that Catholicism relies on material aids: the 3 main types of practices are music, contemplation and prayer.
There is a tradition of Catholic art stretching back over 2,000 years to the catacombs in Rome.
Music has also been important with hymns to God at their heart including the psalms. Benedictine monks still chant the psalms in Latin for many hours a day. St Teresa of Avila and many other saints experienced visions irom God .Some great saints in Catholicism such as St Francis of Assisi abandoned all material possessions.
Prayer practices such as reciting the Rosary, the Our Father and The Glory Be are at the heart of Catholicism as is the Mass.
There is no question that Catholic tradition used multifaceted worship practice. But it cannot be denied that it a theology of physical things (sculptures/icons) that protestants don’t.
I think that the reach of the second command is much farther than these icons in the church. Making an ‘image’ of something is in itself no problem and a ‘model’ of something in creation is useful for understanding. However, as soon as the image becomes a ‘graven’ image, it becomes permanent and not subject of discussion. A ‘worshipped graven image’ is worth dying for. History show how stigmatizing opinions, people, dogmas, and elevating an image of a leader to a deity, resulted in millions of deaths.
The world today is not the same as it was yesterday, and tomorrow will be different again. The only One Who remains the same is God himself. Everything else in the world is temporary; a ‘graven image’ makes you losing contact with reality and truth. So , stay away from this!!!!!!
Thank you, Arend, for your thoughtful comment.
Good topic. Wouldn’t this apply to most all Christian doctrines, traditions and beliefs? We/they all love Jesus Christ. Maybe God does not judge who is right or wrong. P.S. I was looking for your answer or opinion you would offer to this enigma. You set up various theologys, but you do not offer your opinion or belief based on what the Bible says. Or Is it all a matter of interpretation?
Paul, shalom! My purpose is to make people think, clearly and powerfully. My oinion is less important.
Thanks for the insight on the Samaritan numbering of the commandments–which truly does shed a lot of light on the discourse between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well, as you pointed out (John 4). A great example of reverence v. idolatry is the bronze serpent, which, in King Hezekiah’s time (if the original relic) would have been 400-500 years old; this icon had moved from being a religious icon to being idolatrous in and of itself, hence, it’s destruction by Hezekiah: “He broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan)” (2 Kings 18). Interesting that in John 3, Jesus foretells his being “lifted up,” as Moses’ lifting up of the bronze serpent, being the salvation for all mankind. God is good. <
Eric, very helpful. Thank you.
Differences that arise on this prohibition seem to center on the distinction ‘other’. Catholicism focused on images ‘other’ than Divine images; Exclusions included images of the Virgin Mary plus accepted saints. Historical reports indicate that this greatly offended the Muslims, who did not believe in exclusions; interpretations of this idea have been cited as the cause for Islamic attacks on the early church and the subsequent Christian ‘Crusades’ to reclaim the Holy Land and Holy Christian sites such as the location of the holy sepulcher and The Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Around the year 2000, I was in Lake Chapala, Mexico, where I observed a local Shaman in the Catholic ‘Cathedral’ praying healing for a follower under a religious statue of a saint.
Thank you for your comment.
I’ve never been able to decide whether I’m a Cathestant or a Protolic but I’m definitely some sort of mixture of Catholic and Protestant. My difficulty with images is not in what they convey but in what they fail to convey. By failing to convey the reality that is God He is necessarily diminished in my mind and thereby place me in danger of idolatry making God less than he is.
The New Testament, written in Greek, uses specific terms to describe Jesus as the “icon” or image of God, emphasizing His divine representation. Colossians 1:15 declares, “He is the image [εἰκών] of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation,” highlighting Christ’s role as the visible manifestation of God’s nature. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 4:4 states, “…Christ, who is the image [εἰκών] of God,” underscoring His revelation of divine glory. Hebrews 1:3 complements this, describing Jesus as “the radiance of His glory and the exact representation [χαρακτήρ] of His nature,” portraying Him as the precise imprint of God’s essence. These passages—Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, and Hebrews 1:3—form the scriptural foundation for understanding Jesus as the perfect “icon” of God, embodying and revealing the divine in human form, central to Christian theology.
Scripture interprets Scripture. God commanded the Great Sea to be mounted on the backs of 12 bulls (the sacred image of Baal). God commanded very large Cherubim on each side of the Ark and more cherubim elsewhere, pomegranates and other sacred flowers. The Tabernacle and Temple had images and statues. Therefore the Calvanist Bible centered concept is judged incorrect by the words of the Bible itself. Most heresy is Word of the Bible based. It is based on elevating one passage over another using human logic as superior to God’s Divine complexity.
The claim that God commanded images like the Great Sea on 12 bulls, cherubim, pomegranates, and other sacred symbols in the Tabernacle and Temple is partially accurate but requires nuance. Scripture does describe the “molten sea” resting on 12 bronze oxen (1 Kings 7:25; 2 Chronicles 4:4), cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18–20), and woven into Tabernacle curtains (Exodus 26:31). Pomegranates and floral designs also adorned the Temple (1 Kings 7:18–20). These were divinely sanctioned for worship but not as objects of veneration, unlike Baal’s images, which were idolatrous (Exodus 20:4–5). The Calvinist view, emphasizing sola scriptura, doesn’t inherently reject these descriptions but warns against idolatry, aligning with Deuteronomy 5:8–9. Elevating one passage over another risks oversimplification, but heresy often stems from misinterpretation, not Scripture itself. The Bible’s complexity demands balanced exegesis, not human logic alone (2 Timothy 3:16).
I believe the scriptures are very clear, No matter how it’s numbered.
We are not to worship any images of any kind.
I think you missed the point of the article. Well… perhaps you proved it. I am not sure. 🙂
The biggest problem in Catholicism with graven images is NOT what was explained in the essay. The “graven images” that are made in the likeness of men to represent the “Saints” honored by the Catholic church. I was raised Catholic and can testify that people pray TO THE SAINTS, many for help, some to ask them to go before God for them. Praying to the image of a man IS idolatry. Christ alone stands before God for us. We are directed to come “boldly before the throne” as believers in Christ’s sacrifice & redemption. Never in scripture are we directed in any way to pray for ANYONE ELSE TO INTERCEDE FOR US. Because of this, the Catholic tradition of actually praying, talking to “the saints” is an a front to God.
Brenda, whether or not asking saints (believers already in heaven) to pray for you is a good idea or not is a topic of a different study. Here are some of my initial thoughts – https://drelisblog.com/can-we-ask-mary-and-the-saints-to-pray-for-us/
When was the graven image first mentioned in scripture? What reason did the people have for its creation? Did they have a focus on G-d or an image? Should scripture defend, interpret or define its meaning? I believe the Book is clear, images are out..
Thank you for your questions.
I believe as a disciple of Jesus Christ our Lord not in any way look down or Judge other believers brothers and sisters. Otherwise those kinds of questions should be left with God Himself according to the holy Bible in Matthew 7:1–
Blessings!!
Judges 8:27 Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his town. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family. 2Kings 18:4 He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.) Joshua 22:23 If we have built our own altar to turn away from the Lord and to offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, or to sacrifice fellowship offerings on it, may the Lord himself call us to account.
Laurence, thanks. Can you clarify why you list these texts in your comment?
I think I will play it safe and avoid things that might be bowed down to or worshipped, but even then the heavenly bodies are still in the sky and I’ve seen some pretty amazing naturally formed rocks/mountains/trees that some might bow down to, so I think the main thing is the not worshipping or bowing down to these things.
I am doing the same 🙂
I believe the Judges 8:27 nails it- the gold ephod, the bronze serpent were “snares” causing all Israel to prostitute themselves, no “graven image” no snare, a good policy or guard rail around the commandment! Even the altar built with good intent by the 2.5 tribes almost caused war between the tribes of Israel as the 9.5 tribes saw it as an evil thing at first. Best to worship God the way God says to worship Him and not add to it or take away from it- I try to do bible things in bible ways as best I can understand while living in the world (Babylon), relying in revelation from the Holy Spirit to give spiritual discernment.
Thank you for your comment.
Did Jewish tradition in the time before Jesus, allow for objects in the temple or synagogues that were prayed to or kneeled to in veneration, or for assisting in worship?
In Jewish tradition before Jesus, objects in the Temple or synagogues were not prayed to or kneeled to in veneration. The Temple in Jerusalem housed sacred items like the Ark of the Covenant, menorah, and altar, which served as focal points for worship directed to God alone. These objects were not worshiped but symbolized God’s presence or facilitated rituals, such as sacrifices or incense offerings, as prescribed in the Torah. Synagogues, emerging later, contained Torah scrolls, which were revered as containing God’s word but not worshiped. Kneeling or bowing was directed toward God, often facing Jerusalem or the Temple, not objects. The emphasis was on monotheistic worship, with strict prohibitions against venerating physical items, ensuring that devotion remained solely for God.
Many thanks for your question, Martha! As far as I am concerned, this should be the starting point for any believer’s reflection (without any theological framework) on this matter: What were people doing in the time of Jesus, and more broadly, up until the destruction of the Second Temple?
That was excellent. I love the quote at the end too by Kristen Stendahl.
Hosea 4:4-6 NASB2020
[4] ¶Yet let no one find fault, and let no one rebuke; For your people are like those who contend with a priest. [5] So you will stumble by day, And the prophet also will stumble with you by night; And I will destroy your mother. [6] My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Since you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children.
This passage sprung to mind. We need not just knowledge but wisdom and an understanding heart. What Solomon prayed and God gave.
Idolatory is not just worshipping images but rather allowing something to take God’s place in our lives.
Hezekiah destroyed the bronze serpent, called Nehushtan, because the Israelites had started to worship it by offering sacrifices and burning incense to it, turning it into an idol rather than the object of God’s healing power. This act was part of Hezekiah’s religious reforms to bring the nation back to the worship of the true God, as described in 2 Kings 18:4.
The Original Context
Moses made the bronze serpent on a pole at God’s command to save the Israelites from dying from the bites of venomous snakes.
Dr Eli, thank you for these different perspectives of the Ten Commandment through the lenses of these major religions. It really gives me food for thought. Blessings to you and the ministry. May we keep on seeking, keep exploring, digging even deeper into the Word of God.
Thank you so much Sylvia!
just a few details: 1. the orthodox tradition is not the same as the catholic one (it is more like the protestant one)… and the protestant one is not unique… there are even those who number the commandments according to the catholic principle (like the evangelicals) which is attributed to saint Augustine…2. also consider it an omission on this topic not to mention the older and longer church tradition before the division into catholics, orthodox, and protestants… and perhaps shed light on this problem from the perspective of iconoclasm which appeared in the 8th and revived with protestantism in the 16th century
šalom
There is no question that this topic deserves a much longer treatment. Consider it an invitation to do more.
must admit that i am a bit surprised that there are no orthodox here, so as a catholic i must ‘protest’ (again, maybe was not clear) that the orthodox ten commandments are not like the catholic ones but exactly the same as you stated that the protestant tradition is… my apologies and thanks for your extraordinary impartiality and your bespristrastnost (not so good in english, so try in old slavic)
and blessings
Your are right. I will update the text of the blog.
I remember Richard Wurmbrandt clarifying it as making ‘unto yourself’ any graven image. It was ok if someone else made it. Growing up Protestant I never faced the issue until traveling to Europe and visiting their old churches. The paintings and sculptures inspired awe in me, both of the artists and the art. It never occurred to me to worship it, only appreciate it. Maybe the difference is in how we approach them, but also to whom we pray. It would also never occur to me to pray to any of them. God gives the talent and He deserves the praise.
Yes.
Thank you for this. I can see how you’re pointing out that combined together, it appears to focus solely on other gods and not YHVH, Yeshua, Ruach haKodesh. I noticed that the lists don’t include the entire command. Just so I understand better, why is that? When it says not to make an image of anything in the heavens, are you considering that only the universe, not including YHVH, Yeshua, etc.? I’m excited to get clarity on this!
Chris, I included it in an abbreviated way only for clarity’s sake. Hope this helps. The way theologians group really makes a big difference.
Any thoughts on the reference to “anything in the heavens”?
Other heavenly powerful beings. Gods and humans were related to places of residence (Divine beings lived in heaven, humans lived on earth).
When you have a lot of time research this – https://www.thedivinecouncil.com/
Thank you for casting some light on this issue!
The fact that The Lord very soon after the sayings commands Moses to – together with skilled craftsmen – create elaborate structures with rich aesthetics to be used in services and offerings I think speaks in favor of traditional usage of liturgical aesthetics and architecture. The Dura Europos synagogue is another example of how the commandment has been interpreted traditionally.
For those who don’t know Dura Europos synagogue in Syria is one of the best examples of iconographic synagogues – Click HERE for some incredible pictures.
Ancients were not fools. They knew the image they made was not a god. It was an image meant to attract the god so it could be worshiped, and prayer is an act of worship. So the person needing an idol, even if it is a simple cross in order to focus his attention on God is using it as an idol. Indeed, that is the very definition of an idol! We are made in God’s image, and as believers are supposed to be living images of our God. This is why the proscription on idolatry. I have no problem with the cross as a symbol (logo) for Christianity. But if you must kneel before it to focus your prayer, you are using it as an idol. Obviously praying before statues of saints is also idoltry.
The question still remains then ARE WE TO HOLD THESE RELIGIOUS ICONS OR STATUES SIGNIFICANT IN OUR MODERN WAY OF WORSHIP?
Jesus said The hour has come those that shall worship Him shall worship Him with all theiri spirit and in faith so this how He want him to be worship,You don’t set any object for his worship.Worship with your soul and your spirit,nowhere even on the cross he never asked his disciples to worship or reference her for worship or used as an intermediary for prayer.
Thanks for your comment.
I was raised Catholic an alter boy next step priesthood I left because they had no power to take away the guilt of my sins years later hearing Jesus was God come in the flesh I had a hard time believing I saw Jesus on the crucifix in my mind as the dead figure you say basically statues etc. Ok but some pictures show Jesus as a feminist qu–r Isaiah paints a much different picture statue of Mary Joseph the saints who was there to say what they looked like? If God cares nothing of images why did Moses take violent actions against the golden calf God created gold and gave it to the Israelites
Roy, I think the rationale is the Israelites turned away from YHVH Himself, not that they tried to picture Him (though that too would not be right).
I opened my “Scriptures” bible and it is the same as the Rabbinic Jewish Tradition. I also have the Complete Jewish Bible, but had never thought about the differences in these passages from the Protestant bibles before.
Makes sense. Blessings!!
I have been to many churches around the world. I have always been very impressed with great art work displayed. In addition, I try to find out who created the season or image.
As usual, you have taken a subject and shown many viewpoints on the images in a place of worship! Truly inspiring and brilliant writing. Thank you for sharing-tremendous
Kathleen, I am very grateful for your comments and support!
By looking at only one tree (the 10 Commandments) you missed the forest and the hill it is on – a hill to die on. Those icons are used to connect to saints and martyrs – and Mary – in order to move them pray to them to intercede for them with God. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says there is one mediator between God and men, Jesus. Psalm 19:1 says the heavens and skies proclaim God, so we are moved by them to worship God; we are not to “wish upon a star” to intercede for us with Him. The Catholic church officially worships Mary. The Jews who were exiled to Babylon worshipped their Queen of Heaven. God will not share His glory with another.
I love the grace you have about you and how you communicate :-). May God has mercy.
We used to kiss during Holy Week the image of Jesus with his wounds. People made a line to kiss his feet. Then, one day while taking a shower I remembered the scene and I had a thought questioning my doing. I said: but God it was you I kissed. The thought replied: did I have this color of a skin?, this size? It looks more a Spaniard mhm So, Jesus I replied, it wasn’t you?, not even like you? The thought replied to me: No, and it was not Me who you kissed with your heart. I am alive. This is how God began to reveal Himself as alive and real.
It is important to kiss and be kissed by God. That’s for sure.
We Baptist, fully believe and observe Exodus 20: 4-5. Graven images are idols, not only potential for idolatry. The LORD even prohibits the making of anything similar to it. They are a snare, the Bible says.
Perhaps you missed the point of the article, Jose, my brother. We all know what Baptists think the Bible says. But could others believing the same word of God read it differently? I think the answer is clearly yes.
Me in Latin America I say the images are a type of luck. Remember, the faith was forced, by substitution of old gods for the name of a saint. So, in Costa Rica we have the worship of the Queen of Heaven and a big cathedral where people walk kneeling to a black stone that is dressed like a woman. It is easier to believe “her” as a god since you see and touch it.
Thank you for your comments, Ana.
I pray God use it to open our eyes to the problems of idolatry in the name of Jesuschrist
Dear Dr. Eli, I recall 60 years ago, the 10 Commandments from my Cathecism for my First Comunion at 7 years old that before Do not commit adultery, there was Do not fornicate. And it was one the last two you have about covetness. I remember not to fornicate but be chast or virgen until you got married.
Best regards, Ana
I love your explanations because it does make me think.
We must stay open to seeing where we can be off in our thoughts of something.
I always look forward to seeing every time you post another informative article. I learn something new every time.
Thank you, Dr. Eli.
Shalom
Blessings!
The Jewish version is the God version, the rest are outcome of Satan effort to destroy the Word of LORD God.
Love your confidence :-).
Nice article!
Could it be that setting up Stones is an art work a deliberate creative act, perhaps even with carved in Letters full of meaning of some kind ?
I think the point of the commandment is not to worship any other gods except the One true God (YHVH), as other people do around Israel.