Why do we have statues in our church?

[jonespera]

Hi! I just want to know why do we have pictures and statues in our church if God have told us not to create any images from heaven. My second question is why to we pray to the saints if we can pray straight to God? thanks bye

 

[Reginald_Plum]

jon,

These links should explain why images, icons, and statues do not constitue idolatry and why we ask for the saints’ intercession. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

Recommended Reading:
What is an example of idolatry?
Carving statues and Images
Where are statues and saints in the Bible?
Where does the New Testament allow for graven images?

Do Catholics Worship Statues?
Verse by Verse: Statuary
Statues of Limitations by Tim Staples
Second Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (787)

Recommended Reading:
The Intercession of the Saints by the Early Church Fathers
Any Friend of God is a Friend of Mine by Patrick Madrid
Praying to the Saints
Saint Worship?
What happens to us between death and judgment day?

Why Mary?
When do I pray to our Lord and when to Mary and the saints?
Should I pray directly to Jesus?
May Christians pray only to God alone?
Communicating with Saints to intercede for us