| Most Recently Posted Ask a Question | |||||||
| Q: | If the Lutherans have no objection in the statue of Jesus Christ or others saints as long they are not worshiped. Is it ok to have a graven image of this inside a church? Just as Roman Catholic have in their churches. What is your stand on Exodus 20:4, the Bible plainly states that "Thou shall not MAKE any graven images...." | ||||||
| A: | Thank you for seeking information and asking for clarifications on this subject. We do not consider Exodus 20:4 or Deuteronomy 5:8 to be a prohibition against making images for decorative or remembrance purposes. What is forbidden is idolatry, the worship or inappropriate reverence for such objects. We believe and teach this largely because we read Bible texts in their contexts, and the verses immediately before and immediately after these verses make it clear that the Lord is addressing the subject of idolatry, not artwork or decorations. We are also assured that this is the correct understanding of the verses because the Lord himself gave clear instructions that much of the artwork to be used in the tabernacle (and later the temple) clearly contained images of things in heaven (e.g., cherubs) and things on earth (e.g., pomegranates). The use (and later misuse and destruction) of the bronze snake, referenced in earlier answers in this Q & A service, is also a good clarification of the issues involved. Therefore we do not bind consciences in the matter of images or statues or stained glass images of various kinds within churches or worship areas. In our freedom won by Christ our Savior we can take them or leave them, use or not use them. But if people choose to use them, they are to use them properly and avoid all forms of idolatry. This has not historically been a problem among Lutherans as it has been among Roman Catholics, but we appreciate the opportunity to clarify the Bible teaching on the subject. | ||||||
| |||||||