Nativity Scenes and the Second Commandment

Yes. I meant to put that in my post.

We humans do have a problem with fixating on the creation instead of the Creator.

As far as what Jesus looked like, some of the pictures of Him are just donwright creepy. He looked like average Joe Jewish guy for a reason. God doesn't want us to fixate on what His human appearance was, but instead on WHO He was.

But I don't think it is sin to let our minds wonder what He looked like. The worship of an image comes from a messed up heart, that doesn't know the true God.

 

So true. I hear that some people even idolize the BB!

Not me though. :laugh:

 

oh Dale, I skimmed your article....okay?! Do you know why I'm not reading it? Because I know what it says. It is nothing new from that perspective that I haven't heard already. Nobody in that article is telling me anything....I'm not in a discussion with the article...so, no, I don't have to read it. You and I, however, are conversing. And I promise I have read everything you have written to me.

 

This is your opinion....which is what people here are disagreeing with. The Bible doesn't say anything about the scenarios we are discussing to be idolatry. You're having to stretch some things, and leave some things out, in order to make your opinion appear valid.

It does seem to be an easy way out to win your argument when someone plainly tells you they are not worshiping their nativity scenes....then your reply is , "oh, but you aren't KNOWINGLY worshiping".

 

Maybe some worship you!!! :laugh:

 

Ok. I can go with that. :laugh:

Just so you know, I will be falling off my pedestal. :laugh:

 

You, nor the article, has done anything to prove this.

So please stop accusing people of idolatry without any proof.

 

No need. Of course, we can start creating a huge list of things we don't NEED.

 

You have correctly shown that just because people don't literally get on their hands and knees doesn't mean we still don't idolize things....just like I brought up translations. People who idolize a translation aren't bowing down to a copy of it. Rather, it is how they hold it in their hearts. Does their faith live and die on the nativity being displayed each season? Would someone's faith be destroyed because one of the blow-up wise men popped? That is a good observation that people idolize without literally bowing down.

It still doesn't demonstrate that those with nativity scenes, and pictures of Jesus, are holding these items in their hearts this way.

 

Preferences. There is nothing unbiblical about preferences. Only when those preferences (such as your preference to not display a nativity scene) is enforced as dogma.

 

You are welcome to your opinion as well, just stop accusing people of idolatry based on your opinion.

Making false accusations about God's children does not honor God.

 

I don't think Dale-c believes Nativities are idolatry.

 

Most of the Catholics I know are not worshiping the actual statue, but the idea behind it. The statue serves as a focal point for their prayers, but they are not saying the plaster or gold it's made from is holy. It's still wrong, but it's not the way most Baptists see it, either.

love,

Sopranette