Flee from Idolatry
What constitutes idolatry? It’s easy for us to look at Hinduism with its multitudes of idols and know they are clearly guilty of engaging in idolatry. The same could be said for Buddhism- but how about Americans? How about Christians in general?
In 1054 one of the Great Schisms in Christianity took place. The Eastern Church centered in Constantinople had begun the practice of utilizing “icons” or “images” of saints as part of their worship. When an Eastern Christian would enter a church or place where an icon was located- he would cross himself and kiss the icon before engaging in worship.
In Eastern theology, the icon is not an image or depiction of the saint or Jesus- but rather the actual manifestation of the heavenly represented on earth. This practice led to an irretrievable break in the Christian church. So even today, we western Christians know very little about Christians in the East- Syriacs, Coptic’s, Orthodox.
Interestingly, the western church then went on to promulgate relics, prayer to the saints, and use of Stained glass depictions of Biblical characters and God Himself. Just consider the paintings by Michelangelo on the Dome of the Sistine chapel. Furthermore, we American evangelicals love our paintings of Christ and movies that portray Him. So where is the line? When does a depiction of God become idolatry? Good question- lets wrestle with it.
Because of grace,
Tim
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Fine line indeed! I know this is a hard one for me. I’ve always been one to take a pretty hard line on the “strict” interpretation of the Bible. If you step over the line in one area where do you draw the line on other things of true doctrine? I have a philosophy, “if it is a subject which is not a basic essential doctrinal issue which is critical to salvation, i.e., Jesus is my Lord and Savior, born of a virgin, was crucified and died for my sins, physically rose from the dead and conquered death so that I could live everlasting, and will come physically back for a second coming; if it is something not essential than some moderation may be reasonably accepted. Then again, when in doubt about something, why take a chance. I don’t think it is worth getting in an argument over unless an issue is pretty clear and not open to interpretation. The Bible is pretty clear on issues which are important. Specifically on the subject of idolatry, I don’t think something could be declared idolatry if the idol in question is not the subject of being worshipped. Kind of like “Money”. Money can be considered evil if it is the center of your heart but when put in the right perspective, money is not evil. I believe the same with symbols and jewelry like crosses or symbols of fish, challis, etc. As long as the symbol is simply that, a symbol, and not an idol to be worshipped, I think it is okay. Wearing a cross simply to identify you as a Christian and not as a piece of jewelry to worship should be okay as it is only an identifying object and can even be used for evangelism. I’m not sure where to draw the line but I certainly don’t think it should be something to split a church. Jesus desires a unified and mature Church. I say if something upsets you or you have an opinion on something, go ahead and discuss and state your opinion but don’t force a non essential opinion on others who may be moved by the Holy Spirit in slightly different ways. Some people may prefer to worship with great enthusiasm and waving of hands while others want to be more somber and peaceful. Both are right and appropriate, just use judgement not to purposely offend and worship in a way that is joyful to the Lord. Yes, this is a very good question and a fine line. I’d love to hear where I may be going wrong. I definitely am not a grand authority on this subject but I do like to stay fairly non controversial while at the same time I know there are real “Truths” in the Bible.