God forbids the worship of images as gods, but he doesn?t ban the making of images. If he had, religious movies, videos, photographs, paintings, and all similar things would be banned. But, as the case of the bronze serpent shows, God does not even forbid the ritual use of religious images. Catholics do NOT worship statues. Crucifixes, statues, holy pictures, relics, and religious art are not idols. They are prayer aides and reminders. These items are found in Catholic homes and churches to draw one's eyes and thoughts to Godand will be able to focus on God Minds can and do wander.Images bring into our mind the realization of divine remembrances, which help us to worship God better. It says in Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In the Bible, 1 Thess 5:17, Christians are told to pray without ceasing. These items draw the Catholic mind out of the physical realm and into the spiritual, reminding us to pray. Catholics do focus on the body of Christ hanging on the cross, instead of the empty cross. The crucifix is a visual reminder of the suffering and agony Christ endured to make reparation for our sins. Catholics do not worship saints, we simply give them honor and veneration.
Supporting verses:Col 1:15, Exodus 25:18-22; 26:1,31, Num. 21:8-9, I Kings 6:23-36; 7:27-39; 8:6-67, Ezek. 41:15, Col. 1:15, 1 Chron. 28:18-19,John 3:13-15 ,1 Chronicles 28:11, 17-19
Shaila Touchton's Despite of Differences, Come Unity in Jesus Christ!
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