using statues to pray is idol worship

CATHOLICS

Catholics would disagree and argue that it is not worship because God allows the use of statues. In the Old Testament, God instructed the Israelites to make ‘two cherub angels’ and the Catechism supports by explaining that God ‘permitted the making of images’. Furthermore, Catholics believe that the ability to create sculptures and art is a ‘God-given talent’ (CCC) therefore people should use them e.g Michelangelo. This is a weak argument because the making of statues, he did not necessarily say that they are to be used during worship.

CATHOLICS

Furthermore, Catholics would also disagree because they would agree it can help with prayers. Having statues during prayer can act as an reminder of the incarnation and they can also be a focal point when praying to a saint e.g Mary and Catholics may ask her to intercede with their prayers on their behalf. By having a statue of this Saint in front of them, it may help them focus on what they want the Saint to intercede with and is not idol worship as they are not worshipping the statue

JEWS

Jews would agree that using statues is idol worship because it goes against the 10C ‘do not worship false idols’ and threatens their belief in monotheism. Their belief in monotheism is shown through their reciting the Shema daily with the opening line saying ‘Hear O Israel , the Lord your God, the Lord is One'.’ Their belief that this is idol worship is reflected in their synagogues where you will find no statues. This is a weak argument because having a statue in front of you while you pray does not mean you are praying to the statue, therefore it is not always idol worship.

CHRISTIANS

Other Christians would also agree with the statement because they believe it is disrespectful. This is because they would know we don’t know what God, Jesus or the Saints actually looked like, therefore you could end up engaging in idol worship as the statues would not be an accurate representation. They too, believe it goes against the 10C to use them.

MCA

The most compelling argument is the Catholic one as having a statue present during worship does not mean you are partaking in idol worship.