Can someone explain what is the difference between venerating relics and idolatry?

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SecretGarden

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I am asking this because I don’t understand the difference. If you can help clarify that would be great.

Thanks,

SG
 
I occasionally kiss a picture of my Dad that died many, many years ago. Am I worshiping the picture? Am I calling the picture itself my father?

Nope. I’m honoring my father’s memory, and the love I had and still have for him, and remembering the good things he did for me, and thinking with joy of when I’ll be able to see him again in Heaven.

That’s your difference.
 
Lochias said:
I occasionally kiss a picture of my Dad that died many, many years ago. Am I worshiping the picture? Am I calling the picture itself my father?

Nope. I’m honoring my father’s memory, and the love I had and still have for him, and remembering the good things he did for me, and thinking with joy of when I’ll be able to see him again in Heaven.

That’s your difference.
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Relics are more than just pictures. Did you keep some of your dad’s hair or his bones for you to kiss and venerate? Yes, it isn’t worship, but the holiness of one person (the saints) is in their entire nature. That is in their soul and in their bodies as well. And because human nature is both body and soul, we believe that while their souls are in heaven today temporarily (they will be resurrected and live in the New Jerusalem at the end of time) their bodies are still very much part of their person.
 
ConstantineTG said:
Relics are more than just pictures. Did you keep some of your dad’s hair or his bones for you to kiss and venerate? Yes, it isn’t worship, but the holiness of one person (the saints) is in their entire nature. That is in their soul and in their bodies as well. And because human nature is both body and soul, we believe that while their souls are in heaven today temporarily (they will be resurrected and live in the New Jerusalem at the end of time) their bodies are still very much part of their person.
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Yes, but my point still stands. We don’t worship those relics for the sake of the relics themselves. Their holiness comes from God, and we remember the lives of those saints, and trust in the power of God to come through them if it be His will.
 
Do you know the difference between veneration and worship? If so then you should be able to see the difference. Veneration is different than worship. Idolatry means the worship of something other than God. Veneration is like when you look at a picture of a family member and kiss it because you love the family member. You’re not worshiping the picture or the family member. You’re just fondly remembering it. That is similar to veneration. Veneration is basically a form of admiring something highly. I don’t know how else to put it. However, there is a fundamental difference between veneration and worship. Here is an article on veneration to help you out:

newadvent.org/cathen/07664a.htm

The article is about veneration of images but it should help you get an idea of what veneration is.
 
Idol worship involved belief that the idol was a god itself.

Whatever the value of relics is, it certainly does not involve belief that the relic is a god.

first class relics (like a finger) gross me out. My spirituality just does not wrap itself around dead body parts.

If you told me that there is a relic of st. X over there, I’d say thanks, OK with me. There does seem to be something of value in “connecting” to someone who lived a life of virtue, no doubt.

The bones of Joseph (I think) were carried into the Promised Land (in the old testament), if I remember correctly. So, bones were not worshipped, but esteemed. We care about the dead, for sure.

I have to read the official church position on relics like anybody else, but this is my take on it.
 
Many people find relics a little strange but I have in my position a beautiful tatted hair lock that my great great grandmother had made of her baby’s hair when she died. I treasure that lock and I do not nor did my gg grandma worship it.

I wouldn’t say that I venerate it but I do love it. It reminds me all my loved one who have died and this little piece of humanity helps bring me closer to them.

There is nothing in the form of worship to honor the saints who have loved and been loved by God. It is often said and it is true. An artist wants us to appreciate His art. The saints and especially Mary are beautiful creations made by God.
 
This is a topic in church history that arises every so often - the whole iconoclast/iconodule controversy. It was an issue in the Reformation. The 7th Council - 2nd Nicea - dealt with it.

So, don’t be worried that it is a bit off-putting. That has happened throughout the last 2000 years. However, do look into what the Church actually teaches and then decide. I think you will find it is not idolatry at all and not a violation of the commandment not to make or worship graven images. Of course, others will disagree with that! 🙂
 
SecretGarden said:
I am asking this because I don’t understand the difference. If you can help clarify that would be great.

Thanks,

SG
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Idolatry is giving the worship due to God to a person or thing. We Catholics don’t worship Saints, we give them due honor as heroes of the faith and examples of the Christian life, and as brothers/sisters in the Lord.

That’s where relics come in they remind us of the saints we have a special relationship with. We do this all the time, for example, I carry my grandfather’s pocket knife, I also have my great-great grandfather’s GAR medal, as well as my father’s wristwatch. These are all relics of family members who have passed away. When I look at them or use them I think of their original owners. I bet you have similar “relics” of your own.

It all has to do with the communion of the saints - Jesus is Lord of the living, not the dead!!!

AMDG,

Southwell
 
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