The issue of religious iconography and idolatry is a complex one that has been debated for centuries among Christians. At its core, idolatry refers to the worship of idols or images as gods. The key question is whether the use of religious images, statues, and icons constitutes idolatry and is prohibited by God, or whether it can serve as a helpful aid in worshiping the one true God.
On one side of the debate are those who see any use of images or icons in religious contexts as idolatry. They point to the second of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them” (Exodus 20:4-5). This commandment seems clear in forbidding the creation and worship of idols. Other verses like Deuteronomy 4:15-19, Psalm 115:4-8, and Revelation 9:20 are also used to argue against the use of religious imagery.
On the other side, those who support the use of religious imagery make a distinction between veneration and worship. They claim veneration of images is permissible as long as the worship is directed towards God. They see icons and statues as tools to aid in worship, not as idols themselves. The bronze serpent created by Moses in Numbers 21 and the temple in Jerusalem with carvings of angels, trees, and flowers are used as biblical examples of approved religious art and imagery (Exodus 26:1, 1 Kings 6:29). The incarnation of Jesus is also sometimes used to defend the visual depiction of the divine.
One of the key questions in this debate is whether the second commandment is an absolute prohibition of images used in religious contexts, or whether it is specifically targeted at the worship of idols. If the commandment is absolute, then even creating images of Jesus or cross necklaces could be considered idolatry. If the commandment is restricted to idols, then religious imagery could have a place in properly directed worship.
This issue remains controversial in Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and some Protestant churches take the view that religious imagery is permissible as long as it is not worshipped in itself. Other Protestants, including many evangelicals, take the position that any religious imagery constitutes idolatry and should be avoided. Within denominations opinions can also vary. Ultimately, Christians have to search the scriptures and follow their conscience on whether religious visual arts and iconography have a place in worshiping the biblical God.
Old Testament Warnings Against Idolatry
The Old Testament contains repeated warnings against idolatry and using images in worship of Yahweh. The second commandment’s prohibition of idols and carved images is the most well-known (Exodus 20:4-5). But the surrounding context shows how serious this command is. In Exodus 32, while Moses was receiving the commandments on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew impatient and built a golden calf idol to worship. This provoked God to anger at their idolatry, which violates the very commandment they had just received. Through Moses God declared his jealousy, saying “you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).
In Deuteronomy God again warns the people through Moses not to make idols or “the form of anything that the Lord your God has forbidden you” because they saw no visual form when God first spoke to them (Deuteronomy 4:15-19). God is adamant that idolatry will lead to destruction, saying “it is because they have forsaken me and worshiped other gods” that they will perish (Jeremiah 16:11). The Psalms also mock the useless nature of man-made idols: “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see” (Psalm 115:4-5).
These Old Testament texts and warnings provide a strong argument against any use of images or visual depictions of God. If the commandment was taken literally, then any creation of religious visual art could constitute idolatry. This position was taken by most Protestant reformers, like John Calvin, who strictly forbid imagery in places of worship.
New Testament Warnings Against Idolatry
The New Testament also contains multiple warnings against idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14 instructs the church to “flee from idolatry” and 1 John 5:21 concludes the first epistle with a similar command: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” In Acts 17:16 Paul was distressed to find the city of Athens full of idols. And the central message Paul preaches to polytheistic cultures is that they should “turn from these vain things to a living God” (Acts 14:15).
The book of Revelation also specifically mentions idolatry as a sin of those who refuse to repent (Revelation 9:20). This idolatry is linked to demonic influence: “The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood” (Revelation 9:20).
Paul too directly associates idolatry with demonic activity: “What pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20).Participation in idolatry meant participation with demons for early Christians. So the New Testament, following the Old, contains strong accusations against idolatry in its many forms.
Jesus on Idolatry
Interestingly, Jesus does not directly address idolatry very often in his teachings and ministry. His Hebrew roots would have ingrained in him the dangers of idolatry that permeate the Old Testament. But in reaching out to a Greco-Roman audience where polytheism and idols were more culturally accepted, Jesus focused more on the positive aspects of the kingdom of God.
But Jesus does accuse the Pharisees of neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness while being too concerned about outward cleanliness and appearances (Matthew 23:25, Luke 11:39). He cared more about the heart than outward forms. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also taught that material possessions and desires can become idols: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Jesus saw how money, greed, and possessions could become stumbling blocks to pure worship of God.
While Jesus may not have directly prohibited visual art and religious iconography, his teachings emphasize worshiping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). For those who oppose religious imagery, Jesus’ relative silence on the issue and focus on the heart is further evidence that the Old Testament prohibitions remain valid. But others see his lack of condemnation of idolatry as permission for images if the intention and direction of worship remains centered on God.
Differing Christian Perspectives on Religious Imagery
Based on their unique histories and interpretation of scripture, different Christian traditions have taken varying approaches to religious imagery that remains evident today.
Eastern Orthodox: The Eastern Orthodox churches are the most prominent Christian branch to make use of religious imagery and iconography in worship. Icons of Christ, saints, and biblical events decorate their churches and are an important part of personal devotion. The Orthodox adhere to the seventh ecumenical council in 787 AD which approved the creation and veneration of images as long as the worship is directed to God.
Roman Catholic: Catholicism also strongly endorses religious art and imagery while prohibiting worship directed at the images themselves. Catholic churches are filled with artistic renditions of Jesus, Mary, saints, and angels. Catholics embrace statues and icons as visible representations of the divine that can enhance spiritual devotion. But they are careful to clarify that adoration should only be directed to the subject represented, not the object itself.
Mainline Protestants: Most mainline Protestant denominations like Anglicans, Lutherans, and Methodists allow varying degrees of religious imagery. They do not use icons like the Orthodox but will often incorporate crosses, paintings, stained-glass art, or sculptures in their places of worship. They see them as helpful tools for directing worship towards God, not idols that are worshiped.
Evangelicals: Evangelicals are the most skeptical Protestant branch when it comes to visual religious imagery in churches. Historically they have removed statues, ornate crosses, candlesticks, and other iconography from sanctuaries in order to prevent idolatry. Evangelical concern about violating the second commandment often leads to very simple and sparse church environments.
Dangers & Benefits of Religious Imagery
For those who support the careful use of religious imagery, they see several benefits that enhance worship and devotion:
- Imagery makes scriptural stories and saints more vividly accessible
- Symbols and statues can aid focusing prayer and contemplation
- Religious art inspires awe through its beauty
- Life of Christ is visualized to better imagine his presence
- Reminder of the divine and biblical truths
However, critics counter that these benefits do not outweigh inherent dangers:
- Easily slips into idolatry and worshiping the image itself
- Obscures the spiritual nature of God
- Violates the 2nd commandment’s prohibition
- Limited human portrayal cannot capture the infinite divine
- Focus shifts to physical depictions rather than God himself
Both sides likely have reasonable concerns. Religious imagery can enhance devotion, but also risks dangerous idolatry. Discernment and moderation are needed. For religious traditions that permit visual arts, the line between veneration and idolatry must be vigilantly guarded. But those who forbid imagery also run the risk of promoting sterile worship environments lacking beauty and imagination.
Practical Wisdom Moving Forward
Debates about idolatry and religious imagery will continue. But here are some principles Christians could focus on going forward:
- Remember that the greatest commandments are loving God and neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). Imagery should not hinder this.
- Avoid judgment and extend grace to those with differing views on imagery (Romans 14:1-12).
- Focus on worshiping in Spirit and Truth more than physical symbols (John 4:24).
- Remove imagery if it is a barrier preventing devotion to God himself.
- Be open to beauty and art that inspires awe without idolatry.
- Aim for simplicity and moderation over excess.
- Keep imagery out of sanctuaries if it hinders unity and offends believers.
The healthiest approach is likely one that thoughtfully acknowledges both the benefits and dangers of religious art. Rather than perpetually debate, Christians could focus on promoting worship that directs attention to God in ways both beautiful and rooted in scriptural truth. Idolatry should be vigilantly avoided, but humble diversity in practice could be encouraged. Then the church universal would mirror the masterpieces of a Creative God rather than the creations of limited human artists.
