Graven Images - Not Allowed?

[Kevan]

mercygate:

On the contrary. In directing you to the Seventh Ecumenical Council I was simply respecting your ability to do the research for yourself.

Well, you didn’t take that approach with the other questions, so I thought that this one must be different.

They are asking the saint, whose image is before them, to intercede on their behalf, just as we ask our living brothers in Christ to pray for us.

This is probably a distinct topic, but I’ve seen others here insist that they pray to that saint, and I also commonly see statements here indicating that they’re asking that saint to do things, not merely to intercede to God for them. But I’m veering form the topic.

Outward appearance is not the issue… we, likewise, presume that someone we see using images is using them properly.

This comes full circle to the “walks like a duck” objection. You have said that some Catholics worship their images, rather than merely venerate them. You have suggested that this happens only among simple, illiterate people. You say that it is “unlikely” that anyone can give me some clear examples of what the worship of images would look like and we should assume that a devotee is not erring in this matter.

Suppose that Moe is shacking up with some chick and, upon being admonished, protests that “this is not fornication, it is a Ministry of Friction.” Being a charitable guy, I want to give Moe the benefit of the doubt, so I ask “How does this differ from fornication, Moe?” If he should reply “You can’t tell by looking, you just have to take my word for it,” I’m going to be inclined to think that Moe has come up with another word for fornication.

Guys: it looks, walks, and quacks like worship. Have you ever asked a Buddhist what his view of images is? I have. Have you ever checked Pritchard’s Ancient Near Eastern Texts to see how Israel’s neighbors regarded their images? You apologists and theoreticians may be able to keep it straight, but the Cat On The Street strikes me as bearing an uncanny resemblance to the very thing God was trying to pry us away from in Exodus 20. And that also seems to be the testimony of former Catholics.

So come on, give it a try: what changes would have to take place for a Catholic’s veneration of his images to become worship?

 

[Chris_in_Mich]

Psalm45:9:

and it’s time to take a little trip to Washington D.C. to see all the idols of the gods: Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln…

I once asked a Protestant about this, and he then identified Washington as the “father of the country”, it segued nicely into the “call no man father” argument that he liked to use as well.

 

[Imprimartin]

hlgomez:

Pardon if I respond to your argument. With all that was happening in Hezekiah’s time, can you take a closer look at what the people were doing? If I may be allowed to speak further, I would say, “Can you recognize that which is holy from the profane?”

If you are saying that you liken the images of God’s holy people to that of pagan religions, then there is something wrong with how you view the subject. Are we naming the saints as “St. John–a God, St. Paul–another God”? God forbid! You must know how we Catholics really view such images as who really they are. Don’t rush to judgement as if we are like the heathens. The people in Hezekiah’s time were making the bronze serpent a “God” since they were influenced by the pagan gods–thus drawing them away from God.

Now, burning incense to holy objects were not foreign to the Jews. See Ex. 40:26 “He (Aaron) placed the golden altar in the meeting tent, in front of the veil, and on it he burned fragrant incense, as the LORD had commanded him.” So as the consecration of objects such as the altar, all the furnishings, etc. (see previous verses in same chapter) It’s the way the Catholic Church is doing in the churches after they are built, with all the objects that are going to be used-- vestments, the altar, etc.–all of them are consecrated to make them holy and fit for the service to the Lord before celebrating the Mass for the first time in a particular church.

Pio

Okay, I see your point. Burning incense is not always bad.

On the other hand, Hezekiah recognized something as bad and did something about it. Maybe it was the giving of a name or maybe it was something they were doing (or maybe in some kind of context) that is not mentioned in scripture. Still, on the third hand, the text is not without some kind of implication here.

Sometimes we (as modern day amercians) can’t look back recognize what is holy and what is profane the way the jews saw it. We (pretty much) have to rely on the traditions of the church.

What we can say is that there is something that constitutes worship (latria) and something that constitutes praise (doulia). We do one only to God. The other we can do to anyone. And Kevan wants to know the difference of outward appearance. I think that this one case helps out in this matter.

Martin

 

[Imprimartin]

Kevan:

Well, you didn’t take that approach with the other questions, so I thought that this one must be different.
This is probably a distinct topic, but I’ve seen others here insist that they pray to that saint, and I also commonly see statements here indicating that they’re asking that saint to do things, not merely to intercede to God for them. But I’m veering form the topic.
This comes full circle to the “walks like a duck” objection. You have said that some Catholics worship their images, rather than merely venerate them. You have suggested that this happens only among simple, illiterate people. You say that it is “unlikely” that anyone can give me some clear examples of what the worship of images would look like and we should assume that a devotee is not erring in this matter.

Suppose that Moe is shacking up with some chick and, upon being admonished, protests that “this is not fornication, it is a Ministry of Friction.” Being a charitable guy, I want to give Moe the benefit of the doubt, so I ask “How does this differ from fornication, Moe?” If he should reply “You can’t tell by looking, you just have to take my word for it,” I’m going to be inclined to think that Moe has come up with another word for fornication.

Guys: it looks, walks, and quacks like worship. Have you ever asked a Buddhist what his view of images is? I have. Have you ever checked Pritchard’s Ancient Near Eastern Texts to see how Israel’s neighbors regarded their images? You apologists and theoreticians may be able to keep it straight, but the Cat On The Street strikes me as bearing an uncanny resemblance to the very thing God was trying to pry us away from in Exodus 20. And that also seems to be the testimony of former Catholics.

So come on, give it a try: what changes would have to take place for a Catholic’s veneration of his images to become worship?

There’s no doubt that catholics “pray” to saints. And rightly so. This is not a bad thing since it does not constitute worship.

Now you say that we ‘smart people’ can keep a comfortable barrier between praise and worship but the normal ‘joe’ on the street can’t. And that you need some kind of rule of outward appearance to know the difference.

The only thing I can think of is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. That can be done to only God. The church tightly controls this because of this fact. This ensures that no one worships anything else other than God. The logic goes something like this:

-The old sacrifices are done away with because they couldn’t take away sins.
-Jesus’ eternal perfect sacrifice on the cross replaced these other sacrifices.
-Catholics re-present (not repeat) this sacrifice in every mass.
-This constitues worship because we participate in the perfect sacrifice which replaced the other sacrifices which were allowed only to God.

Martin

 

[mercygate]

Kevan:

So come on, give it a try: what changes would have to take place for a Catholic’s veneration of his images to become worship?

The person would have to believe the image, or the person it represents, to be God.

I truly believe you underestimate the Cat on the street (if that is your shorthand for Catholic).

You might find paragraphs 2112-2114 to be of some help.

 

[hlgomez]

The person would have to believe the image, or the person it represents, to be God.

Allow me to answer your view. If you have with you a picture of your mom and somebody ask you who it is, what would you say? Would you answer that’s not my mom?

There is a big difference how we make such an answer. In our answer, of course, we make it evident that the person in the picture is not real, but represents it. If what’s in the picture is your mom, you don’t say that’s not her. On the other hand, if somebody has mistakenly name that person on the picture, our tendency is to even convince who the person is in the picture. There is no other answer we can give but say, that’s him or her (because I know him/her).

In this world that we live in, God has all the answers why we have the technology today we call photography where we can take pictures of real persons. If photography was present in Jesus time, we would have probably thousands upon thousands of real pictures of Jesus everywhere. But make no mistake about it–God himself is an Artist. He is the Master Builder.

Pio

 

[prodromos]

Kevan:

This is probably a distinct topic, but I’ve seen others here insist that they pray to that saint, and I also commonly see statements here indicating that they’re asking that saint to do things, not merely to intercede to God for them.

If God had given you the gift of healing or other gifts which enabled you to perform certain tasks much better than other people, would it be wrong for people to ask you to heal them or for you to make use of your God given abilities for their benefit, knowing full well that your gifts and abilities ultimately come from God?

 

[Imprimartin]

Kevan:

So come on, give it a try: what changes would have to take place for a Catholic’s veneration of his images to become worship?

mercygate:

The person would have to believe the image, or the person it represents, to be God.

I truly believe you underestimate the Cat on the street (if that is your shorthand for Catholic).

You might find paragraphs 2112-2114 to be of some help.

When Mercygate refers to paragraphs, I assume you know that it means in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). They have one online here: scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

Now, Mercygate’s reply may or may not have answered your question since you asked for outward appearances. You appeal to the fornication issue saying that a person is still fornicating no matter what he calls it. Likewise, you are implying that catholics commit idolatry when we kneel in front of a statue, light a candle and pray to that saint (even though we don’t call it “idolatry”.)

Q: How can joe-catholic not think that that is not idolatry?
A: Because joe-catholic has lots of training (but not neccessarily lots of education) to know that that saint is not God.

Q: How can joe-protestant not be scandalized when they see a catholic do this?
A: They ask and try to refrain from jumping to conclusions. The truth is not always neat and sound-biteish. God has never worked this way.

Martin

 

[Kevan]

Imprimartin:

When Mercygate refers to paragraphs, I assume you know that it means in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).

Actually, I did not. I figured it referred to some edition of the proceedings of the formerly-recommended Seventh Ecumenical Council. But I didn’t bother looking to see.

Now, Mercygate’s reply may or may not have answered your question since you asked for outward appearances. You appeal to the fornication issue saying that a person is still fornicating no matter what he calls it.

Not quite. My analogy had to do with Moe’s inability to show a difference between his behavior and forbidden behavior. Mercygate had said it was “unlikely” that anyone could describe when a Catholic’s veneration became worship. To me, that sounds like, “I’m not worshipping, I’m venerating; take my word for it.”

Q: How can joe-catholic not think that that is not idolatry?
A: Because joe-catholic has lots of training (but not neccessarily lots of education) to know that that saint is not God.

Having now read paragraphs 2112-2114 of the Cathechism, I see that your answer is consistent with it. My response, (and I think that this would agree with most thoughtful, no-icon-type Protestants), is that the Catechism’s definition of idolatry falls woefully short. One may give idolatrous worship to a thing or person without thinking that it or he “is God.” There’s plenty of room for both God and idols in the human heart.

I might compare it to reverence for the American flag. If I salute it, lower and raise it with ritual and solemnity, fold it only a certain way, and gaze upon it with tears while I sing a song about it, nobody (except a Jehovah’s Witnesse) thinks that I’ve slipped into idolatry. Why? Because I don’t think the flag can hear me and grant me favors. Heck, I don’t even think the Republic For Which It Stands can hear me, see my tears, and grant my requests. Those rituals are just for my own satisfaction and whatever inward character they help to develop.

But if I start talking to the flag, asking The Republic for stuff while devoutly touching it, printing thank-yous in the classified ads when my requests are granted, burying the flag in the yard so my house will sell, keeping one on the dashboard to protect against car wrecks; or if some Colonel Of The Republic offers me extra points if I’ll make a pilgrimage and file by and view a certain flag – well, that sort of thing would give the willies to more than just the JWs, even though I always remember that God is greater than the flag or the Republic.

 

[mercygate]

Kevan:

Suppose that Moe is shacking up with some chick and, upon being admonished, protests that “this is not fornication, it is a Ministry of Friction.” Being a charitable guy, I want to give Moe the benefit of the doubt, so I ask “How does this differ from fornication, Moe?” If he should reply “You can’t tell by looking, you just have to take my word for it,” I’m going to be inclined to think that Moe has come up with another word for fornication.

Joe is living with some chick, and I want to give Joe the benefit of the doubt, so I ask, “How does this differ from fornication, Joe?” And Joe answers, “I’m married to her, Kevan.” Joe hasn’t shown you the marriage license but you are very likely to take his word for it.

Kevan, having spent my distant youth in a tradition which held the same view of images and invocation of Saints as you now do, I KNOW that instant melting on this is unlikely. We do not expect you to look at the responses we have given here (Thank you, Imprimartin, for supplying the *Catechism of the Catholic Church *reference which I inadvertently omitted), and say: "Wow! You guys are right! I’m gonna go out right now and buy some icons, and a statue of the Blessed Virgin, and a crucifix for my bedroom! "

But we do hope that, even if you do not agree with us, you might have come to some recognition that because of the Incarnation, Christians have an appreciation of the sanctity of all of creation, and we believe that matter can be used instrumentally in our approach to holiness. Man is made in the image of God. The image takes on new meaning because of the Person of Christ.

 

[OfTheCross]

Worship can not be defined by external acts alone. Can one walk into a Protestant worship service and tell who is worshipping God by mere externals. The guy in the front row with the big smile on his face and singing at the top of his lungs appears to be worshipping, but maybe he thinking about how hungry he is, or what game is on in the afternoon, or a million other petty things. The little old lady in the back with the somber look on her face whispering the words may appear to be “dead”, but perhaps she is contemplating the death of Christ as she sings. “Man looks on the outward appearence, but God looks on the heart” to paraphrase. How many Protestants (and Catholics) worship money, their job, themselves, their comfort, their health … more than the one true God. This is idolotry, not so far removed as you would like from a pagan bowing down and truly worshipping a wooden idol.
The duck analogy is a poor one, based on the above. It is a matter of the heart, and only God can see what any man is truly worshipping in place of himself. We as Catholics are taught explicity that worhip is for God alone, and the distinction between veneration and worship as a Catholic is as clear to me as the difference between worshipping God and venerating my earthly parents (who I love dearly) was when I was a Protestant.

Peter John

 

[Imprimartin]

-snip-
Not quite. My analogy had to do with Moe’s inability to show a difference between his behavior and forbidden behavior. Mercygate had said it was “unlikely” that anyone could describe when a Catholic’s veneration became worship. To me, that sounds like, “I’m not worshipping, I’m venerating; take my word for it.”

Having now read paragraphs 2112-2114 of the Cathechism, I see that your answer is consistent with it. My response, (and I think that this would agree with most thoughtful, no-icon-type Protestants), is that the Catechism’s definition of idolatry falls woefully short. One may give idolatrous worship to a thing or person without thinking that it or he “is God.” There’s plenty of room for both God and idols in the human heart.

I disagree with you here. The bible says (which the CCC quoted) that we cannot serve both God and mammon. We cannot have two masters. If by “plenty of room”, you mean that regular god-fearing people engage in other idolatries, I would agree with you. But I wouldn’t go farther than that. Let’s not fool ourselves. Those people have turned away from God. They are guilty of the 1st commandment and are culpable for whatever they are culpable for. Worshiping God and commiting idolatry in daily life is mutually exclusive. God is not a machine and thus reacts to external stimuli. Instead, he sees what’s in the heart. This is not any different from an earthly relationship between two persons (which is an imperfect version of our relationship with God). What’s in the heart matters.

Kevan:

I might compare it to reverence for the American flag. If I salute it, lower and raise it with ritual and solemnity, fold it only a certain way, and gaze upon it with tears while I sing a song about it, nobody (except a Jehovah’s Witnesse) thinks that I’ve slipped into idolatry. Why? Because I don’t think the flag can hear me and grant me favors. Heck, I don’t even think the Republic For Which It Stands can hear me, see my tears, and grant my requests. Those rituals are just for my own satisfaction and whatever inward character they help to develop.

(See next post)

 

[Imprimartin]

Kevan:

But if I start talking to the flag, asking The Republic for stuff while devoutly touching it, printing thank-yous in the classified ads when my requests are granted, burying the flag in the yard so my house will sell, keeping one on the dashboard to protect against car wrecks; or if some Colonel Of The Republic offers me extra points if I’ll make a pilgrimage and file by and view a certain flag – well, that sort of thing would give the willies to more than just the JWs, even though I always remember that God is greater than the flag or the Republic.

Kevan, You’re comparing apples and oranges here. No one talks to the flag because it (itself) is not sentient. And the object that it represents (the republic) also is not sentient.
In addition you are mixing abuses up with valid behaviors and asking us the accept or reject the whole lot. So let’s itemize your list so that we can see what is acceptable and what is not. Maybe you will be able to see the logic:
-Talking to flag/statue: Catholics do not talk to/revere statues (the human shaped thing made of marble) anymore than americans revere the flag (the thing made of colored cloth/nylon). Catholics talk to the saints themselves (the people the statue represents) who are still persons even though they have passed on just as americans revere the blood/sweat/tears/sacrifice/country that the flag reprents. These saints are still people and can still pray to God. God does not change their nature anymore than he would change yours, should you die.
-Printing ads: This is a public thank you to a person (much like someone would do to an earthly person) for praying to God for the petitioner. There’s also a sacrificial aspect since they paid some money too. It’s similar to you thanking your friend for praying for you. Would you take out an ad to thank someone? I suppose it would depend on the thing granted. If my wife/mother/child were saved, then I might consider it.
-Burying statues: I would call this superstition which is condemned in CCC 2111. They could not bury that statue (underground and hidden and forgotten) and pray to the saint instead (asking him/her to pray for them) and achieve the same results.
-Keeping a small (visible) mini-statue on the dashboard: This borders on superstition. It all depends on the heart. If, everytime, the person sees that statue, he prays (asking for prayer) for safe trips, then it is not superstition.
-Pilgrimages: Those “extra points” you refer to are really “extra prayer”. It’s not really the going of a long distance and viewing a certain thing which grants the prayer. It’s the idea of “Dang! You came all that way to ask me to pray?! You must really want whatever you want. I’ll pray to God extra hard for you.”

Now some (or all) of these things may give you the willies, but as CS Lewis says, it just means that you are not comfortable with it. That’s okay. It’s a matter of culture. If it’s any consolation, the burying of statues gives me the willies too.

Martin

 

[Kevan]

Thank you all for your kind replies.

When I said that one might engage in idolatry without thinking that the idol “was God,” I based it on the idolatrous practices of the ancient Near East. Human nature being uniform throughout history, I consider their example to be informative. In 2 Kings 17 the writer said that the Samaritans worshipped both the Lord and other gods as well. What I specifically contended for was the fact that one may engage in idolatry without thinking that the idol was equal to God the Father Almighty. An idolater doesn’t have to consider all of his gods equally great.

Therefore I would maintain that if one makes a graven image of anything in Heaven or elsewhere and bows himself down to it or “serves” it, the fact that he doesn’t think the thing to “be God” is not a sufficient defense.

I’d also like your opinions on another question: since (practically) nobody in history has been under the impression that his idol flew off and accomplished this or that, it is obvious that idolaters are actually addressing “spirits” who are associated with the object of veneration. (As a reference I’ll mention Yehezkel Kaufmann’s Religion of Israel, but I don’t seriously expect anyone to wade through it.) What do you think it would mean for one to “serve” his graven images, as the commandment forbids when it says “thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them”?

 

[mercygate]

Kevan:

Thank you all for your kind replies.

Not at all. Our pleasure.

Kevan:

Therefore I would maintain that if one makes a graven image of anything in Heaven or elsewhere and bows himself down to it or “serves” it, the fact that he doesn’t think the thing to “be God” is not a sufficient defense.

Picked this up off another thread (emphasis mine):

In veneration, the object of this honor is understood to be subordinate to a higher authority. Thus a saint, the object of veneration, is subordinate to God. Veneration is thus limited by its very object. In worship, the object is recognized and honored as not being subordinate to any other, but as being supreme above all else and the source of all goodness. In this case God alone qualifies for worship.

Gerry

Kevan:

What do you think it would mean for one to “serve” his graven images, as the commandment forbids when it says “thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them”?

Maybe this should have its own thread.

 

[Imprimartin]

Kevan:

Thank you all for your kind replies.

When I said that one might engage in idolatry without thinking that the idol “was God,” I based it on the idolatrous practices of the ancient Near East. Human nature being uniform throughout history, I consider their example to be informative. In 2 Kings 17 the writer said that the Samaritans worshipped both the Lord and other gods as well. What I specifically contended for was the fact that one may engage in idolatry without thinking that the idol was equal to God the Father Almighty. An idolater doesn’t have to consider all of his gods equally great.

Therefore I would maintain that if one makes a graven image of anything in Heaven or elsewhere and bows himself down to it or “serves” it, the fact that he doesn’t think the thing to “be God” is not a sufficient defense.

Well it says right there in the text. The samaritans worshiped God and other gods. That is idolatry. Whatever it is they did to consitute worship, we may never know unless we have other writings. Again, it’s all in the heart.

If a catholic kneels in front of the statue (that they made) and prays to that saint (and not the statue) asking for prayer, that is different than “making a graven image and bowing down to it or serve it.” Again, this is not a formula. It’s in the heart. This is not a matter of semantics.

Maybe I can shed some light this way: (Mat 18:22-35) Jesus tells a parable of a man getting on his knees in front of another man to beg him to release him from his debt. Notice the difference between the first man and the second man when they fall to the ground. They look very similar. Jesus makes no mention of worship or idolatry. Indeed, this is not his point. He’s talking about forgiveness here. However, I don’t think that Jesus would paint a idolatrous picture to make some other point and not mention something about the idolatry itself.

Kevan:

I’d also like your opinions on another question: since (practically) nobody in history has been under the impression that his idol flew off and accomplished this or that, it is obvious that idolaters are actually addressing “spirits” who are associated with the object of veneration. (As a reference I’ll mention Yehezkel Kaufmann’s Religion of Israel, but I don’t seriously expect anyone to wade through it.) What do you think it would mean for one to “serve” his graven images, as the commandment forbids when it says “thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them”?

Short answer: The same way one would serve God (whatever that is).

Martin

 

[Malachi4U]

Catholic Churches are full of statues and other artwork that glorify God, tell stories from our vast Tradition and remind us of our loved ones who have gone before us. There are however NO graven images in any Catholic Church. A graven image is one that is whorshiped as a God. Our artwork just reminds us of the past and helps us focus our prayers.

Protestant churches have paintings, pictures and stained glass windows too. Are they graven images? No! Do you whorship the pictures on your walls at home or do they simply remind you of loved ones and events in your life?

The graven image line used against Christ’s body, His Catholic Church is just a “vain” attempt to form schism in Christ’s body. As the Scripture fortells many will be seduced by lies but not all. The Catholics have remained loyal to God, His Church, His Gospel and His commandments and no vain lie like graven images can change that. Satan will win over many with the graven image lie but the rest of us will not fall for it.

 

[mayra_hart]

in ex 20:4-5,god prohibits the making of images for the purpose of worshipping them. but god does not prohibit image making altogether. in ex25:18-19, god commands moses to make statues of angels(cherubim). in num21:8,god tells moses to make a bronze serpent(seraph),which the israelites had to look upon in order to be healed.god bless you all

 

[Peace-bwu]

As a devout, cradle Catholic who has been blessed to have an adult conversion deeper into the faith, I would like to explain what images have meant to my life.

 I have been surrounded by art and images, statues, paintings, holy cards, rosaries, my entire life.  The incense used in Mass has become one of my favorite familiar smells, and it is in no way used to worship statues.    When I was a little girl ( age 6+) I had a box of cards with pictures of saints and images of Jesus, etc.  I would spend hours looking at these cards, and reading my Bible.  Looking back now,  I realize what an inspiration these cards were to my faith journey.    I loved reading about the lives of the saints and the way they lived their lives for God gave me ideas and inspiration in my own relationship with Christ.  I never, at any moment in my life, regarded these images as any more than images.  I was never confused with worshiping them and actually recall making this distinction at a very young age. (younger than 5)  Praying the rosary was Christ- centered prayer.  I never thought I was worshiping Mary.  The communion of saints has never been a difficult concept to me. I have never regarded them as "gods"  as Kevin seems to imply.  We are all God's creation, and God gives us all various gifts and talents.  Many of the well known saints had amazing other-worldly gifts and talents.  They were not boastful, did not want attention drawn to themselves, they simply wanted to live life according to God's Will.  The fruit of their gifts and talents and works was not of this world but designed and used by God to bring people closer to Him.  Visual art appeals to abstract thought, I am an artist and writer so both reading the Word of God and looking at images made by artists helps me focus on Jesus; to learn more about Him and ways of worshiping and adoring Him.  I am thankful for the example of the Saints, for their intercessory prayer.  I see visual artists who faithfully make works of art to express Christian beliefs or concepts as equal to theologians who interpret Scripture verbally. ( not equal to the actual Word of God, mind you)  They are two different artistic mediums for the same desire, to understand God and express and share their personal inspiration for the Glory of God.  I have a lot of imagery throughout my home.  It inspires me to stay focused on Jesus. I don't make or take requests for intercessory prayer lightly.  It isn't some kind of superstitous game to ask a Saint to pray for us, to pray with us, to use their God given talents to help us.  When you hear about people burying a statue of St. Joseph, they are making an act of faith, that they do these things is kind of a sign of faith

It gives me great comfort to contemplate the communion of saints. I desire to be a part of the communion of saints, to give all I have to worship God for eternity, connected with all of His creation. I bought my 4 year old son a statue of Michael the Archangel. He knows that this angel really exists and was a creation of God, I am teaching him the prayer to Michael the Archangel against evil. He doesnt’ think he is worshiping Michael, or the statue is the angel himself, but that Michael does God’s will to protect us from evil. My son is inspired by this. My daughter is more inspired by St. Bernadette and Our Lady of Lourdes. She likes St. Therese and I can tell that she can relate to them and their relationship with God. We have pictures of the Holy Family throughout our home which remind us of the kind of family we strive to be. I have a suncatcher of Mary hanging in my kitchen window to remind me of the kind of mother I want to be, When I am washing dishes or doing other housework I ask her to intercede for me for her Son’s grace which I need to be a better wife and mother and it reminds me to offer up my little sacrifices in prayer. I pray to God throughout the day both with intercession and on my own.

 

[Peace-bwu]

I am telling you this because I have witnessed how the Saints have inspired my young children in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Even at this young age, they understand that they are not worshiping the saints and angels but that they are God’s creation, and can pray for us and with us in our daily prayer. I think maybe you are assuming a little too much, but thought I would give examples of how these images are used in my own life and home.