Why do Catholics pray in front of statues?

Praying in Front of Statues: A Biblical Perspective

Today, I would like to address a common misunderstanding regarding the practice of praying in front of statues. Many people believe that Christians or Catholics engage in idol worship by bowing down before these statues. In this reflection, we will explore why we have statues, why we pray in front of them, and whether this practice is biblical.

The Commandment

Exodus 20:4 states, "You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." This commandment prohibits the creation of idols or statues representing heavenly beings, earthly beings, or creatures of the water.

However, we must understand the intention behind this commandment. It is not meant to forbid the creation of any statues or idols at all. Instead, it is meant to prohibit the substitution of God with a statue or idol and the worship of that statue as a deity.

Statues in the Bible

Despite the commandment, God Himself commanded the creation of statues. For example, God instructed the Israelites to make statues of cherubim upon the Ark of the Covenant and in the Jerusalem Temple.

Exodus 25:10 states, "They shall make an ark of acacia wood." And verse 18 says, "You shall make two cherubim of gold; you shall make them of hammered work." These cherubim statues were placed on the Ark of the Covenant, where God resided and spoke to His people.

Idolatry vs. Adoration

The distinction lies in idolatry, where a statue or idol is worshipped as a substitute for the true God, and adoration, where a statue or icon is used to focus the mind and heart on God and His heavenly beings.

In the case of praying in front of statues in the church, it is not the statues themselves that are worshipped, but rather, they serve as reminders and aids to direct our attention to God and the heavenly beings.

Idolatry in Modern Times

Idolatry can manifest in various forms, not just in front of statues. It can occur when we give excessive honor and glory to any creature or thing, such as money or other people, thereby replacing God as the ultimate source of worship.

It is essential to examine our conscience and ensure that we are not engaging in idolatry in any form. We must only give glory and honor to the one true God as revealed in the Bible.

Praying in front of statues is not idol worship if the intention is to direct our focus towards God and the heavenly beings. The Bible itself contains instances where God commanded the creation of statues. However, we must always be cautious not to substitute God with any creature or thing and give Him the worship and honor that He alone deserves.

Bowing down and honoring statues

Bowing down or honoring statues is not the same as worship. In the Bible, bowing down is not a sign of worship, but rather a sign of honoring and respecting someone. Even in front of kings and prophets, people used to prostrate themselves as a sign of honor and respect. Similarly, bowing down in front of statues or images is a way of showing respect and honor, not worship. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in bowing down in front of statues of Jesus, angels, saints, or Mother Mary.

Intercession of angels and saints

Angels and saints, including Mother Mary, are considered alive in the presence of God. Just as we ask for the help of living human beings, we can also ask for the intercession of angels and saints. The Bible tells us that the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Since angels and saints are considered righteous, their prayers have great power. Therefore, it is acceptable and biblical to ask for their help and intercession.

Understanding the Image of God in the Old and New Testament

In the Old Testament, God did not reveal his form or show his image. In Deuteronomy 4:15, it is stated that since the people did not see any form when the Lord spoke to them, they were not supposed to make any images of God. However, in the New Testament, God showed his image in Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Colossians 1:15. Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of all creation.

Furthermore, in Colossians 2:9, it is stated that the fullness of deity dwells bodily in Jesus Christ. This reaffirms the belief in Jesus as the image of God. In 2 Corinthians 4:6, it is mentioned that the glory of God is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the image of God is found in Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, there is also an interesting reference to an image. In Numbers 21:8-9, the Lord commanded Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Those who were bitten by poisonous snakes were instructed to look at the serpent and they would be healed. Jesus later interpreted this as a foreshadowing of his own crucifixion, where he became sin for humanity and anyone who looked upon him would be saved.

Similarly, Mother Mary is seen as the new ark of the covenant, carrying Jesus in her womb. Just as the ark of the covenant carried the tablets and the priesthood, Mother Mary carried the new covenant and the true priesthood in the form of Jesus. Therefore, it is not wrong to carry statues or images of Mother Mary in processions, as it is a way to honor her role as the ark of the covenant.

Studying the Old and New Testament together helps us understand the true sense of the Bible and the significance of images in religious practices.