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by oldielocks on March 4th, 2009

oldielocks

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Why does the church have so many "graven images,"

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  • by hunterer on March 4th, 2009

    hunterer

    SUPPOSEDLY to ward of "evil". LMAO

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  • by dmanondrums on February 2nd, 2011

    dmanondrums

    This is an old posting, but I don't see that it was ever answered. Firstly, what church? One you've attended in your hometown? Or do you mean The Catholic Church?
    If you mean the latter, then I would remind you that a church doesn't HAVE TO have statuary or paintings, or stained-glass art. You could very well have a Catholic Church with none of that.
    But, since it is the norm for a Catholic Church to have all of these things I would put it like this; Don't think of it so much as "why do Catholic Churches have statues" think of it as "why do other churches NOT have any art of any kind?" It is unnecessary to restrict it. Having a place of worship decorated by art is not a forbidden practice, as many claim it to be. So, strictly restricting it from a church, or a home, or a person is totally unnecessary and a made-up law by Protestants of the Reformation. Still, it's not essential to have any of it to have a place of worship. So, no problem if you don't. I'd be just as comfortable in a simple church with bare walls and no statuary as I would be in a lavish cathedral. So, if you don't like religious themed statuary, or painting, then simply don't have it. Personally, I love art and music, and I prefer having those things that remind me of passages from the Bible. It helps to concentrate on my reason for being there. Instead of simply sitting in a seat and listening to a preacher, you are in a state of constant contemplation and meditation while hearing the Word.
    For many, many centuries, The Church has had a tradition of being one of the great patrons of the arts. Musical, literary, painted, sculpted, stained glass, etc. (especially in the Dark Ages when much knowledge and art was lost otherwise) The Church simply continues that tradition in the modern age. That's why most Catholic Churches have much of it.
    Plus, if you've ever been in the presence of any of this artwork, you'd notice that it helps focus your mind on the stories of scripture. Stations of the cross actually tell the Biblical story of the passion in sculpted or painted form. Other statues and icons help a person focus their mind on remembering the great faith and devotion that the apostles or a particular saint must have had by following all of Christ's teachings, being so close to Christ, and that we should do no less. (for example) Perhaps the image of St. Peter reminds you that he gave his life rather than deny the truth of Christ's teaching. Why should I love Christ any less? Perhaps the image of the crucified Jesus makes you feel small and unworthy of His immense and perfect sacrifice and that you should strive everyday to be worthy of it. And therefore reminds you to give yourself to Him and worship Him fully right where you sit.
    These are the reasons why the Church has them. Hope this helps answer your question.

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