Date: 5/11/2002 8:09:00 PM
From Authorid: 47584
Check out this post: unsolvedmysteries.com/usm247529.html  |
Date: 5/11/2002 8:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 49150
I think they would be considered more of an icon, which is a representation of faith, where as an idol it the object of the faith. Does that make sense?  |
Date: 5/11/2002 8:12:00 PM
From Authorid: 15394
I have always thought that crosses worn were symbols IE an idol... interesting thought. and isn't a prayer to mother mary also worshipping an idol... IDOL=an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed. hmmm definitely debateable! 
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Date: 5/11/2002 8:15:00 PM
From Authorid: 33925
They are not worshipped..GOD is worshipped..they are just symbols of the Christian faith..xoxo  |
Date: 5/11/2002 8:23:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
I thought an idol represented the God, or Goddess BEHIND the faith, after all, no one really believes Buddah's spirit is in the statue, they worship Buddah the God, and the idol (statye) is giving the adoration in absence of Buddah's presence.  |
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Date: 5/11/2002 8:23:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
I mean "statue" |
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Date: 5/11/2002 8:25:00 PM
From Authorid: 33925
I know nothing about the Buddhist faith so I cannot say..I dont believe that the Cross is considered God behind it..It is merely a symbol of respect..considering our Lord was crusified on a cross..I will admit though to not understanding why people feel they must pray to the virgin Mary..that has never made sense to me..We pray to God himself..Not the woman who gave birth to his only son..IMO..but then again I am not catholic so Im not sure of their beliefs on that either...LOL..xoxo |
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Date: 5/11/2002 8:30:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
thank you for helping me to try to understand the difference, LadyLuck...I thank everyone else for there comments too....I will be back~ |
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Date: 5/11/2002 8:35:00 PM
From Authorid: 53649
In the OT God commanded a golden serpent to be made and called for all those who were snakebitten to gaze upon it.He makes it clear it is only the WORSHIPPING of images that is a problem. He whose handle is a symbol that is not on his keyboard |
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Date: 5/11/2002 8:36:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
WOW!!!! I never heard that one before.Neat story..... |
Date: 5/11/2002 8:36:00 PM
From Authorid: 49101
When I went to Church, I often wondered the same thing... I do believe they are...  |
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Date: 5/11/2002 8:38:00 PM
From Authorid: 53649
Catholics believe Mary is an intercessor, how many times do you see people of all faiths asking individuals to pray for them. If I ask someone to pray for me it does not mean I am praying to them. He whose handle is.... |
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Date: 5/11/2002 8:43:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 15070
Why, Hello Miss C! So. glad to see you back!! (We missed you)*smiles* |
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Date: 5/11/2002 9:04:00 PM
From Authorid: 53649
Mistake earlier the serpent was bronze Numbers 21:4-9 |
Date: 5/11/2002 9:17:00 PM
From Authorid: 30200
good post!!i 2 have wondered that same question:~)  |
Date: 5/11/2002 9:29:00 PM
From Authorid: 52692
I have wondered this too. I believe a necklace could be if you think of it as a good luck charm or something, but if you wear just so people will know you're a Christian isn't idolatry. It's basically how you personally feel that figure or figurine. I know some Catholics think that St. Joe helps people sell their homes faster. At least that's what Catholics from Greenwood, IN believe, because I work at Christian store, and they're always asking if we have a St. Joe statue so they can sell their house. That to me sounds like idolatry. I think anytime you put a superstition upon the statue or whatever or if you think that it can help you out more than God Himself can. Great post! Yeshmeshuan  |
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Date: 5/11/2002 9:44:00 PM
From Authorid: 52692
The difference between what I said, and that about the bronze snake is this: The bronze snake was made because God commanded it. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we should pray to and keep statues of past saints or of Jesus Christ. I understand why Catholics do that, but they need to question whether or not what they are doing is biblical. I'm not going to try and bash Catholics are any other religion, because I really don't think that it is my place. I'm just saying that I disagree or don't understand why and how certain things are done in the Catholic faith. Thanks, Yeshmeshuan |
Date: 5/11/2002 9:54:00 PM
From Authorid: 48128
Wow this is the same quistion I had back a few years ago I never got an answer! Good post  |
Date: 5/11/2002 10:50:00 PM
From Authorid: 17525
JMO: Wearing 'symbols' around ones neck is a form of talisman. I can be viewed as a superstition also. Personally I wear an Ankh. I don't worship the symbol. It has no power of itself. I keep it near to remind me of my spiritual self because I forget quite often. I did much the same thing when i was Catholic with crosses and such. Although, I was taught that these little 'things' were somehow sacred. The only thing sacred about them is the notions we keep in our minds, as it now is with my Ankh. I still don't understand the little statue in the front of peoples cars. Statues, in their proper place serve as a focus or thought, just as the big cross in a church. It is meant to direct the thought in prayer or meditation. A optical mantra, as it were. But I think it has taken on much more importance than it was intended to. Just my opinion. Good observation LSG, Peace,  |
Date: 5/11/2002 11:04:00 PM
From Authorid: 22080
i agree i hate hipocrits  |
Date: 5/12/2002 11:24:00 AM
From Authorid: 16671
If one is using these item to worship in place of God, then yes, they are idols. A door knob can be an Idol if you bow down and pray to it and it alone.  |
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Date: 5/12/2002 2:15:00 PM
From Authorid: 53326
I have jewelry and such to show my faith to others as well as when I look down personally I say a little prayer about whatever hits me at the time. I dont pray to or worship the jewelry that bears the cross or whatever. I worship my God. And I dont see then as anykind of good luck symbol. I however am against little statues of Jesus to people pray to even if they are praying to God. And i am totally against anything in reference to anything that would give any undo glory to Mary who was just like any other good Jewish girl of the time that the only dif was God had a speical plan for her. (I am NOT catholic can you tell). If you arent careful you will begin to worship the image rather than the God. Thats why I dont do it. |
Date: 5/13/2002 5:58:00 AM
From Authorid: 46266
I almost completely agree with the most recent post. Just remember that the symbols you wear are identical to statues of Buddha. Statues of 'saints' and apostles are also identical. I wear no symbols, and use nothing to remind me to say a prayer because the Holy Spirit is in my heart - and we are advised to pray without ceasing, by directing every thought to God's throne.  |
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Date: 5/13/2002 6:03:00 AM
From Authorid: 46266
Yes, Religious Relics, Crosses, Cruifixes, and Statues are IDOLS - nothing more, and contrary to popular belief, nothing less. Unfortunately today's Christians have this wierd idea that something is only an Idol if you worship it and only it. As usual, no offense intended at all, Firstborn! Ask any heathen if he/she worships the symbol, OR uses it as a reminder of the god it represents. The answer will shock you, and you'll come to know what an idol really is. Deception is rife! |
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Date: 5/13/2002 8:41:00 AM
From Authorid: 52262
IDOL: an image of a god, used as an object or instrument of worship; IDOLATER: a person who worships an idol or idols; IDOLATRY: worship of idols. (Webster's New World College Dictionary)====PAVE |
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Date: 5/13/2002 9:26:00 AM
From Authorid: 46266
The dictionary also tells us that "gay" means "happy" and there's no such word as "can't." Religious icons are idols because they represent a God in every way that a buddhist idol represents Buddha, except we do not know how God looks so we use other relics. A cross is a symbol of death, upon which countless thousands of people were killed. |
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Date: 5/13/2002 10:07:00 AM
From Authorid: 16671
vert, none taken. Lots of people wear things like this just to wear them. Not because of any God or diety. I like you vert, wear none. Not because of any reason, I'm just not a jewlry person unless its a ring or bracelet. I too have the holy Spirit inside to lead and guide me. |
Date: 5/13/2002 10:08:00 AM
From Authorid: 25828
well, i don't know if the cross is really worshipped, but certain figures of the virgin mary are i think - and the rosary beads.....those are sort of idolic...so yes, in some ways i think you're correct.  |
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Date: 5/13/2002 2:18:00 PM
From Authorid: 53326
I agree with most of the new posters and let me clear up the remind me to say a prayer thing. Yes we should always be in a state of constant prayer, well, when I see my cross jewelry I dont just pray then. Usually I come up with one special prayer request during the day like someone who is sick or something or someone who is traveling or doing something so whenever I see it I pray a special prayer about that. Its not that that is the only time I am praying! And as I also said I use it to show other people my beliefs, not just that I try to be a good person, but that the reason I try to be good is because of God And also the cross isnt so much a sign of death for the thousands that were punished for their crimes on it. Thats not why I wear it. I'd rather wear something to show the resurrection, but that wouldnt make a good charm ... a rock ... humm! LOL! It makes me think about what God did and even though I deserved to die He went up there are did it for me so that I wouldnt have to. And then He rose again on the 3rd day because not even death can stop MY God! When I think about the cross it reminds me that I am not so great and I am not so smart so dont be arrogant bc I couldnt even save myself God had to do it for me. So I am a little nicer to people in affect |
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Date: 5/23/2002 9:41:00 AM
From Authorid: 53326
I am outtie. If there are any new good posts in here message me please. Thanks! |
