Most Protestant churches do not have statues. Religious Organization. Due to the misunderstanding in regards to their veneration, a statue in a Catholic home can open the door to a discussion with family members or visitors. Catholics talk to the LIVING Jesus, not to statues. “Love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your MIND” --Matt 22:37 Chinaka Justin Mbaeri OSJ. Christians pray to God. A radio listener calls with a question she’s been asked by a friend: “My friend [who is] Presbyterian — and even my husband, [though he is] Catholic — always asks me, ‘Why do we have all of those statues in the Church? Statues and other religious icons in our churches are simply images of heavenly realities. Worship is reserved for God alone. Catholic … Because thousands of years ago, people couldn’t read or write. some of the newer churches don't and that's okay too! Catholics do not worship Mary or the saints, but ask them to pray to God on their behalf. Free standard shipping (Contiguous U.S. only) will The statues are of Our Blessed Mother, Jesus and Saints so they are our spiritual ancestors and when we have statues of them in Church or portraits they are there to call to mind our loved spiritual ancestors and remind them. Icons represent the person depicted (in byzantine, two-dimensional art) as he or she is now in heaven - transfigured by God’s light shining from within. Synagogues therefore do not have any representations of God as he is above human understanding. Free standard A statue serves as a visual reminder to keep our primary focus on spiritual realities—not earthly ones. orders already placed. Seeing Catholics kneeling before statues and other sacred art, some have accused them of idolatry — the giving to another creature or object the worship due to God alone. Not all churches do this (mine does not), but i have been to some that do. be automatically applied on orders $75 or more. This brings us to statues in Catholic churches. Please see shipping page for more Why Catholics Have Statues (And 5 Reasons You Should, Too) Throughout the history of Christianity, the Church has used art to tell its stories, teach the Faith, and educate the faithful. "Catholics worship statues!" Email or Phone: Password: ... Catholic Church. Stained glass windows, icons, paintings, and statues were the most common means of teaching the early Christians. The key to this apparent contradiction is the purpose behind the making of the statues. To a casual observer it may appear that Catholics are worshiping a statue of Mary, but this is simply a way that Catholics show her honor. How has venerating the statue of a favorite saint helped you in your spiritual life? © 2021 Trinity Road, LLC. shipping (Contiguous U.S. only) will be It is merely a representation of Christ, one that helps us keep our attention on Him, even though it falls short of His greatness.There was a time when God’s people—the Jews—did not make images of Him, because He had not revealed Himself in a form that we could see. Why do Catholic churches have so many statues? Catholic and Orthodox Christians ask Mary and other saint to pray FOR them. So Catholics make statues Saints, for no more reason than to honor and remember the actual people they represent. But none of them are being worshipped. Question: "Do Catholics worship idols / practice idolatry?" If one measured Protestants by the same rule, then by using these “graven” images, they would be practicing the “idolatry” of which they accuse Catholics. But why do Catholics have statues in their churches, bowing to the one of the Virgin Mary and all? May 31, 2018 04:24 PM. Answer: Sadly, our Catholic friends and family members have been indoctrinated to believe that the use of statues, relics, and other articles is acceptable and even necessary for worship. Other restrictions may apply. To remember the person by and to think of the person. Throughout Catholic churches, institutions, convents, monasteries, and every other Catholic-affiliated building and shrine, there are paintings of God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mary, Joseph, and a myriad of canonized saints. Most Protestant churches do not have statues. Again, this is not for the sake of worship, but rather the sake of honor and remembrance. information. We do not worship these photos. Father Dave hears from a caller whose Presbyterian friend asks her why Catholics have statues of saints, since the Bible says we should not worship statues. Does this not go against God's commandments? Most of the Catholic churches I’ve been to in our country have this, on varying sizes and kinds. Since most people at that time could neither read nor write, art was a crucial way to share stories from the Bible and to present truths of the Faith. (Original Air 08-10-17) The altar, centrally located in the sanctuary, is to be the focus of attention in the church. Therefore, the church used statues, paintings and stained glass windows to visually portray the stories in the bible and show what people from that time period may have looked like. the statue. Why do we have a statue of our favorite saint or of Mary in our home? Expires 11:59 p.m. PST on It wasn’t until the early 1900s that ordinary people could read and understand the stories in the Bible for themselves. e – e ` In many Catholic churches, these statues will have in front of them places to kneel and places to light candles to leave as physical symbols of prayer intentions. Why do we have a poster of our favorite famous movie star, rock star, scientist, or author hanging in our room? Why do Catholic churches have so many statues? Cannot be used with other coupon codes or on I would like to point out that Eastern Rite Catholics do as the Eastern Orthodox do and venerate icons. mail carriers. Feb 23, 2016 - Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Priests and scribes were the only people in the church who were educated enough to read and understand the bible. 3. Christian art is a wonderful way to beautify our homes, have a formative effect on our families, and inspire us in our day-to-day lives. http://www.catholic.comTim Staples is Director of Apologetics and Evangelization here at Catholic Answers, but he was not always Catholic. But in the West, Roman Catholics tend to venerate statues. Statues of famous people adorn our government buildings, parks, and memorials. In the Catholic Church, the altar is the structure upon which the Eucharist is celebrated.. But in the West, Roman Catholics tend to venerate statues. 12/15/20. In chapter 20 statues used in idol worship were condemned; in chapter 25 statues used for a proper religious purpose were praised. Why do we use statues, paintings and light candles? Reminding ourselves of them reminds us of the virtues we should try to pursue. RELATED STORIES Unfortunately, the attitude they assumed, ironically enough, is from Islam. In many Catholic churches, these statues will have in front of them places to kneel and places to light candles to leave as physical symbols of prayer intentions. mail carriers. Why do Catholics have images and statues? Rather, we venerate the saints, meaning that we honor them, give them respect, and show them devotion for what they have accomplished in their lives of faith. As saints, they point in the direction of Christ by the virtues of their lives. (How can a statue be dead if it was never alive to begin with?) There is great truth to the saying “Out of sight, out of mind.”. The new project already lists over 50 incidents in the United States and Canada. Due to COVID19 there may be delays with some It is a representation of a heavenly reality, reminding us of the eternal destiny to which we are called. Please see shipping page for more Catholics do not worship idols, but have a long tradition of using statues in our churches, because thousands of years ago, people were not able to read and write. The cross is a represents Jesus sacrifice for the world. Catholics often decorate statutes of Mary with roses and flowers to honor her memory. Fr. Stained glass windows, icons, paintings, and statues were the most common means of teaching the early Christians. They had beheld Him in the flesh. There are special things you own which have a distinctive character; the spaces of your home represent your individuality. A statue itself is merely a point of reference—one that allows us to meditate on and contemplate the mysteries of God more easily. Don't miss it!). Statues are powerful visual reminders of our faith. They are cast, carved, or sculpted. The Catholic Church during the Council of Trent (1545-1563) issued a clear statement concerning images and statues. Rather we carry Jesus Himself (and not just his statue) every year when we have Corpus Christi processions. It is true we don’t usually carry the statue of Jesus. Press alt + / to open this menu. Fr. When a non-Catholic takes notice of your Catholic statues, ask the Holy Spirit to help you explain what your statue represents and how the statue inspires you to remember it. orders over $35. Rather than being merely decorative, these images provide focal points during prayer; encourage deeper devotion; lift our hearts to heaven as we go about our days; and uniquely reflect who we are as followers of Christ. That is why Christians began to lovingly create images of Christ. We use statues, paintings and other artistic creations and artifacts to bring to mind the person or thing that is being represented in them. They are made of marble or granite, ceramic or plaster, wood or bronze. It can keep you engaged and nurture your prayer life, especially if you have a hard time quieting your mind to settle into prayer. Sometimes we sing songs about Mary or carry a statue or picture of her in a procession. He is the object of our love and worship, not the piece of statuary. Statues are reminders of the important place our faith deserves in our homes. Due to COVID19 there may be delays with some they are only there as reminders, depictions of something we want to remember. Nearly all Christians love nativity scenes at Christmas. Veils over sacred images keep our minds on the promise of Easter. There are a lot of town squares throughout the world that have statues of a famous person who once lived in their town too, to honor them and remember what they looked like. Throughout the history of Christianity, the Church has used art to tell its stories, teach the Faith, and educate the faithful. Tell us about it! SIGN UP AND GET 15% OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE. The seventh Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (787) justified the veneration of icons of Christ, his mother and the angels and saints. Aug 17, 2016 - Catholics do not worship idols but have a long tradition of using statues in our churches, because thousands of years ago, people were not able to … automatically applied at checkout for subtotals shipping (Contiguous U.S. only) will be Free shipping on orders over $75* | Possible Carrier Delays, 15% off orders over $35* with code: GREENMON, $10 off orders over $50* with code: YEAREND10, By using this site, you agree to the terms of our updated, Why Catholics Have Statues (And 5 Reasons You Should, Too). And there are so many choices, now that such artwork is more accessible than ever before. We live in a frenetic world and despite our best efforts to remain in the presence of God and continually lift our minds and hearts to Him, our busyness can get the best of us. Misapplication of this commandment—which claimed that statues used for veneration were idols used for worship—caused controversy within the Church. These things all serve a particular purpose, just as statutes do. information. Only Catholic and Orthodox Churches use statues and pictures of Jesus or of the saints to help them pray. 2. order subtotal of $50 or more. Do you have childhood memories of saints who were special to your family and honored in your home? Catholics have statues of Jesus, Mary and the saints in our churches, to honor them and preserve their memory, just like our nation does with statues of presidents and war heroes. Why do we have a framed picture of our spouse and kids sitting on our desk at work? See famous images used in the Catholic Church and why they are important. of $75 or more after discount has been applied. Why Catholics Have Statues (And 5 Reasons You Should, Too) Throughout the history of Christianity, the Church has used art to tell its stories, teach the Faith, and educate the faithful. It does not contradict any Bible verse to have statues. In a similar way, Catholic statues honor and preserve the memory of the important men and women whom the Church recognizes as holy. This is another way in which sacred art adds a powerful dimension to prayer. Seeing Catholics kneeling before statues and other sacred art, some have accused them of idolatry — the giving to another creature or object the worship due to God alone. The presence of statues in Catholic churches as a focus for prayer and devotion is common and See famous images used in the Catholic Church and why they are important. Religious Organization. Throughout the history of Christianity, the Church has used art to tell its stories, teach the Faith, and educate the faithful. Why Catholic Churches Have Statues. Your home is a unique reflection of you and your family. —Leviticus 19:4. A very good explanation of why Catholics use images and statues of Saints, and the biblical support for this practice is given by Rev. orders already placed. Catholic Statues And Their Meanings: Catholics are often told why they have statues and pictures in homes and chapels because they are not the true faces of the Lord Jesus. Jesus also honored Mary, was obedient to her as a child, and did what she asked when he turned the water into wine at the wedding at Cana. This is known as intercession. The images and sound bites on the evening news is also another example of the need to quickly portray a story in just a few seconds. The saints are notable people who should be honored and remembered for their incredible lives on earth and their part in shaping our history. Catholics often decorate statutes of Mary with roses and flowers to honor her memory. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri OSJ. Catholics often kneel in front of statues to pray. Catholics have statues of Jesus, Mary and the saints in our churches, to honor them and preserve their memory, just like our nation does with statues of presidents and war heroes. Same thing. 5. See famous images used in the Catholic Church and why they are important. The average person could not read and understand the stories in the bible for themselves, until the early 1900’s. And everyday Jesus is carried when the priest raises him during Mass. 01/01/21. We keep photos of our loved ones in our homes. They are made of marble or granite, ceramic or plaster, wood or bronze. Good Catholic digital subscriptions. Because we do not WORSHIP the statues. We honor these famous people, preserve their memories, and recall their contributions with gratitude when we look at their statues. Statues serve as starting points (or focal points) for prayer. Catholic Church. by Stephanie Foley. See famous images used in the Catholic Church and why they are important. Catholic AnswerCatholic Churches have statues for much the same reason that people keep pictures of their family members in the house: to call them to mind. 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