How do you view the Orthodox Church?

Yep. That means no pictures of your loved ones etc. Do you really follow that?

 

It's right in the Scriptures. You have eyes but do not see, you have a mind but are not able to understand. I feel sad for you.

 

I see. So you even deny that particular scripture. Nice, very nice. See, your retort is proof positive that you are indeed way out in left field with your biblical interpretation.

 

No, he said not to worship anything else but Him - that is the difference that you fail to see.

 

'And, now with every head bowed and every eye closed, if you want to invite Jesus into your Heart''. That ritual plays out to the same blue haired old ladies at most dying Baptist churches across the U.S. every Sunday. You have ritual you aren't even willing to consider

 

So...no iconography?
Do you follow your error? Those old timers were someone's loved ones, yet you have shrines and icons dedicated to them.
Do you follow that?

 

What does "invite Jesus into your heart" even mean? You cannot find it anywhere in the Bible. The closest one can get is a massive misinterpretation of Revelation 3:20, which has literally nothing to do with salvation and everything to do with a wayward church.

 

Even if that is the case which is not clear from the passage, will a wayward church who refuses to open the door obtain salvation?

Ephesians 3:17

Let's be blunt here. People one this forum have been calling other people's interpretation "a massive misinterpretation" since the beginning of this forum. It doesn't help and it provides no helpful information.

 

Which Augustine are you talking about?

 

yep

Augustine of Canterbury - Wikipedia

Augustine of Hippo - Wikipedia

 

I see no problem in holding up as an example for the rest of us to follow those people who have dedicated their lives completely for Christ. Those that have been martyred are but one example, plus the others who have given their all to the Lord. We have beautiful stained glass windows that tell the salvation story in pictures in our churches, are they forbidden in your world too?

 

Jesus himself followed all the Jewish rituals, so we can see that rituals in themselves are not wrong in any way, shape, manner, or form.

 

Just because something isn't found verbatim in the bible does not mean it can't be done. I don't see a problem with doing things like was said in my quote if it help one becomes closer to the Lord.

 

Not true. Jesus and his disciples did not follow the hand washing ritual before eating and it lead to a discussion with the legalists who viewed tradition as more important than scripture.