Topic 10 of 11
Images and statues
The Catechism teaches that honouring sacred images is a respectful veneration, not worship, and does not break the commandment against idols. The commandment itself, and Israel's history, call for great care.
What the Catechism teaches
The Christian veneration of images is not contrary to the first commandment which proscribes idols.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2132 · official text
By becoming incarnate, the Son of God introduced a new "economy" of images.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2131 · official text
What Scripture says
God commanded His people not to make images to bow down to. Even the bronze serpent God Himself had commanded was destroyed when the people began burning incense to it. Jesus said God is spirit, and must be worshipped in spirit and truth.
4“You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me,
Exodus 20:4-5 (WEB) · context
4He removed the high places, broke the pillars, and cut down the Asherah. He also broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because in those days the children of Israel burned incense to it; and he called it Nehushtan.
2 Kings 18:4 (WEB) · context
23But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers. 24God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:23-24 (WEB) · context
21Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
1 John 5:21 (WEB) · context
How Catholics answer
Catholics answer that bowing before an image honours the person it shows, as one might keep a photo of someone loved, and that God Himself commanded images such as the cherubim on the ark.
18You shall make two cherubim of hammered gold. You shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat.
Exodus 25:18 (WEB) · context
What Scripture answers
God commanded the cherubim for the ark, but never commanded anyone to bow before them or pray before them. Scripture gives no instruction to venerate images, and Israel's history shows how quickly honour becomes worship.
4He removed the high places, broke the pillars, and cut down the Asherah. He also broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because in those days the children of Israel burned incense to it; and he called it Nehushtan.
2 Kings 18:4 (WEB) · context
The good news
Saved by grace, through faith, in Christ
Salvation is God's free gift to everyone who trusts Jesus Christ alone.