Is religious iconography considered idolatry?
Broadly speaking, religious iconography is the artistic
depiction of religious figures, often using symbolism. In Christianity,
iconography features subjects such as Christ, Mary, or the saints. An icon is
an image, usually painted on wood, that is to be venerated as a sacred object.
Icons can also be engravings, mosaics, or embroideries. Although people who use
icons in their worship would deny that they are practicing idolatry, it is
difficult to see how “venerating” an object as “sacred” is different from
idolatry.
Although Catholics also venerate
religious images, iconography is most often associated with the Eastern
or Orthodox Church, which teaches that the use of icons during prayer helps
the worshiper know God, be united with the holy saints, and develop the fruit
of the Spirit. When an Orthodox Christian enters his church, he lights a
candle, makes the sign of the cross, and then kisses the icons of Christ, the Theotokos (Mary),
and the saints. The church sanctuary will contain many other “Holy Icons,” as
they’re called. Orthodox Christians are to have icons at home, too, and the
place where the icons are kept is where family prayers are offered. Icons are
seen as an illustration of the Incarnation of Christ, who left His spiritual
abode to dwell in a material world. The devout also believe that an icon is a window
into heaven, and their veneration passes straight to heaven, where it is
received by the person depicted in the icon. Some claim that icons have
facilitated miracles.
John Calvin and the other Protestant
Reformers were iconoclasts;
that is, they demanded the removal of icons from churches and homes. According
to the Reformers, the veneration of icons and other religious artifacts was
idolatry, and they were right. Any kissing of, bowing down before, or praying
toward an icon is certainly idolatrous. Members of the Orthodox Church insist
that they are not worshiping the paint and wood, but they admit that they give
veneration, adoration, and reverence to the saints and Mary depicted in the icons.
They pray to men and women; they ascribe to the icons a spiritual power that it
does not possess. This is unbiblical.
There is nothing wrong with producing
or enjoying religious art, per se. Viewing a painting of a biblical scene in an
art gallery and admiring the artist’s technique cannot be considered idolatry.
Having a picture of Jesus or of angels in one’s home may not be idolatry,
either. Iconography can be studied as an art form, and icons can be viewed as
fascinating examples of historical religious art. But using icons to aid one’s
worship or viewing them as a “window to heaven” is definitely idolatry.
The Bible strictly forbids idolatry (Leviticus
26:1; Deuteronomy
5:9). God alone deserves to be bowed down to and worshiped. Icons are not
intercessors before the throne of grace, and neither are the saints they
represent. People in heaven do not have the power to hear our prayers or grant
our requests. Only Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit can intercede for us before
the Father (Romans
8:26–27, 34).
We should stay as far away as we can from anything that could possibly lead to idolatry.
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