Did God command having statues and images in church? (Torah, exodus)

[painted wolf]

again I think that this comes down to the difference between 'decoration' and 'veneration'. Of cource then this buggers the question of any religious symbols in Christianity... what about crosses and the like? Are these not 'graven images' as well?

wa:do

[_salam_]

My question is, if these passages apply to Christians then why is it that they are not obligated to worship in temples?

[Bryan X]

Well, I'm still not understanding why Catholics have statues and images in their church inspite of their supporting "evidence" from the Bible.

[_salam_]

Originally Posted by Bryan X

Well, I'm still not understanding why Catholics have statues and images in their church inspite of their supporting "evidence" from the Bible.

Not just Catholics, all Christians.

[Ardhanariswar]

i dont see what the problem is. even though you dont worship the crucifix, it still sybolizes God and helps you to concentrate your prayer. same thing with hindu idols. cept we put a lot more respect into it because they are holy and have tons (TONS) of meaning.

[Linus]

1. The cross is a symbol of Jesus' death. I don't particularly see (nor do I recomend) the need for a crucifix in any church building. The important thing to remember is that He rose on the third day. Any one could die on a cross and be buried (and in fact many were). The emphasis is on His resurrection.

2. When I said that the passages apply to everyone, what I menat to say was that the fact that they are O.T. passages that don't apply anymore applies to everyone. Does that make sense?

3. Not all Christians have a cricifix in their places of worship. None of the Churches of Christ have them anywhere inside their buildings. At least, none that I have been to.

[_salam_]

what difference does it make if it's in the OT or the NT, they are still in the bible and still beleived in.

[Linus]

We christians believe that when Jesus Christ came to earth that the old Law (the O.T.) was done away with. And a new law was established. So that is why christians don't offer animal sacrifices, nor are they forbidden from eating shelfish, and that is why we do not worship in temples.

[Ronald]

Originally Posted by Linus

We christians believe that when Jesus Christ came to earth that the old Law (the O.T.) was done away with. And a new law was established. So that is why christians don't offer animal sacrifices, nor are they forbidden from eating shelfish, and that is why we do not worship in temples.

Hasatan deserves a gold star for the job he has done here!!!!!!!
I detect a sincerity, sincerely wrong though!
The law! Why do Christians scream when it is removed from courthouse?
Animal sacrifices! Jews don't do them either. Why?
Shellfish! Jews are not forbidden them either.
Temple! Jews don't worship in a Temple either!
The perfect Torah is forever.
Shellfish are still unclean, notice in the NT (he declared all foods cleanadded) The subject in the text is eating with unwashed hands!
When the Temple is rebuilt You and everyone who is on earth will go up to worship Elohim and do korbanot or suffer drought.
Anywhere your NT deviates from being parallel to the Tanach it is added attractions!!!!!!

[Linus]

Ronald, I am having a little trouble deciphering your last post. But there are several N.T. passages that describe how the Law of Moses has been done a way with.

Romans 7:1-4
Galatians 5:1-5
Ephesians 2:15-17
Hebrews 8:7, 13