Mike's Question Commandment "2"

Mike asks;
2. Do not make any idols. Well for Catholics that wear a cross around their necks, isn't that the definition of an idol? I know what it represents, but isn't this still a violation? What makes it different?

OK, this question is a little easier to answer than the last and will be much shorter - everyone including Mike said; AMEN To Shorter Blogs!!!  There is however a "read into it" question I will answer also, just in case Mike or anybody else was thinking it.

Lets take a look at the Second Commandment along with the First;

Deu 5:6-10 AMP
(6)  I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
(7)  You shall have no other gods before Me or besides Me.
(8)  You shall not make for yourself [to worship] a graven image or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth.
(9)  You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
(10)  And showing mercy and steadfast love to thousands and to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

The Mosaic Law is built upon the Ten Commandments, and the law was built upon the first commandment in verses 6 & 7.  The first four commandments tell us how to properly worship the One True God (which we discussed last time).  Verses 8-10 are the Second Commandment.  Here we see not only God’s prohibition against idolatry, but His reasons for that prohibition.  It was the Lord God who had and still has the power to bring His people (whom ever they are) out of bondage (wherever they are) in Egypt.  He alone cared enough for them to choose them (and you) to be His own, and He alone delivered and protected them (as He desires to do for you).  For all this, He declares that He alone deserves to be worshipped and reverenced.  Isaiah 44:18 (paraphrased) Idols are powerless, blind, deaf and dumb.

OK, we have defined the commandment, now Mike specifically asks about "Catholics" and "crosses worn around the neck".  The Catholics will be part of the "read into it" question for later, however the cross necklaces we will do first.  The dictionary defines "idol" as; "an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship."  Are these crosses worn around the neck idols?  Quite possibly yes, however, some are worn either as just jewelry (sad) or paraded to mock Christians.  I personally believe most are worn as a "symbol" of the persons Faith in Christ Jesus.  A symbol is not the same as an idol.  If you are wearing a wedding ring, that is a symbol of your bond with your spouse - not idolatry.  The dictionary defines "symbol" as; "a thing that represents or stands for something else."  In the context of what we just wrote about, the wearing of a cross as a symbol would not make it an idol nor a violation.  What makes it different is the intent of the wearer.

The "read into it" question is about Catholics.  Mike, if I am reading into it to much, forgive me.  I won't go deep or long here.  We must always be careful not to interchange people (Catholics) with either religions (Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses) or denominations (Baptist, Lutheran, AOG, COG, and so on).  Without going to far, I think we both (Mike & Ernie) would agree most people are extremely ignorant of their Faith and Beliefs, which makes for terrible witness for Christ and His Kingdom and creates much confusion for unbelievers looking at us.  Further, lumping all people into groups (although convenient) including "religious" groups (that word turns my stomach) can be considered prejudice.  In other words, not all Blacks are..... just as not all Catholics are.....  See what I mean?  Finally, there is a difference between religion(s) and denominations - that is for another study.

Blessings Brother Mike

ernie