Bible Discussion Thread

The second Commandment, regarding images. Does this mean that we shouldn't create any image of anything? Example, I crochet toys in the likeness of animals for children. Is this wrong in God's eyes?

Children love animals. I believe God loves his animal also. Animals will be in the third heaven age. In Ezk. we are told the child plays with the adder (snake), and the bear and sheep are there.

Karen.

Part 2

mandalas, mazes, fairies, elves, gnomes, griffins, phoenixes, dragons, unicorns, gargoyles, and other mythical things.

For me, I made a mental list of the things I will avoid having in my home and also learned about popular images and figurines as to their origin and uses in the people who originated these ideas. I took inventory of my home to eliminate anything that was even 'iffy'. But the main thrust of the commandment is to avoid anything associated with paganism, occultism, mysticism, or idolatry.

And I think that God gave this commandment to warn us to guard our imaginations, mind, heart, and eyes when it comes to images because He knows that such things can begin in innocence, but in time can become something we give to much respect of consideration to, maybe even thinking one cannot part with something one considers valuable in an inordinate way. This could easily apply to family heirlooms or momentos of things from loved ones alive of dead.

I think the bottom line is not to think too highly of anything that God created or man has imagined and created beyond its function, usefulness, beauty, artistic aesthetic, and meaningfulness. Nothing should draw us away from God's pre-eminence in our lives or be substituted for Him, nor should anything we have or view or treasure go beyond what is rightfully and righteously due them.

God warns us of this because He knows our sinful nature better than anyone else. He knows how easily we can fall into a mindset that breaks this commandment concerning images and also the commandment concerning idolatry. They are interrelated.

Karen, I don't think that you have anything to be concerned about with these crocheted items. Those who receive them will most likely think of you and the time you spent making these items for them. But I will always say, be godly in all we do, honoring God above all, avoid being worldly minded, and hold all things in balance before God.

Karen S.

Richard has given you good advice. Each person does need to examine themselves before God as to any images they have in there mind and in figures and paintings.

But, what you are speaking about is depicting animals for children. If you look at any children's book geared towards the very young, they are rightly called "picture books" because younger children need visual pictures to relate to the words they hear read. Kids love stuffed animals. Are these any different than what you are creating? Not really.

We love to see photographs of many things in our world, often giving us a visual image of some things in the world or space that we will never see in person. And before photos, there were paintings to depict a person or event or scene of significance to the artist. Are these to be eliminated in our present lives? How about videos?

When I read in Exodus and Leviticus about the furnishings of the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant, and the images carved on the temple walls, it causes me to ponder the commandment to not make graven images. But here, God called for these images to be engravened upon the curtains of the tabernacle and walls of the temple, to be crafted out of metal as the cherubim on the mercy seat, which did not break the commandment.

This does not mean that we can do anything we want with images and objects. We should certainly check with God before we create or use any image or objects in our homes. Home decor and yard art comes to mind. How do we know what is acceptable for us to use?

I think that Richard spoke wisely on this. The commandment is for God's people to not create images of false gods, first of all. This is idolatry. But we should also be careful of what we have as 'art'. Things that come to mind are: gazing balls, charm bracelets, figurines that are from pagan societies like totems or depictions of things the society revered, angel depictions, even fairies, gnomes, gremlins, gargoyles, elves, 'mythical' beings.

Addendum

I should clarify on my statement on not showing art representing God then allowing the exception for the Last Supper. I stated that the purpose for such is to represent as accurately as possible a particular event which all the disciples shared that is foundational to a scriptural event of importance. Other than the halo around our Lord it usually isn't overemphasizing His appearance (as He was a man of sorrows and otherwise humble of low degree as Isaiah 53 described; despised and rejected and marred during the crucifixion more than any man). Also the appearance often has that of a caucasian which would be as many European men would appear with a Middle Ages depiction. It is not ornate and such; but if one were to think it was inappropriate I certainly wouldn't want to split hairs over it.

Perhaps the description of Lucifer appearing as an "angel of light" in his now fallen state ( 2 Cor. 11:14) shows how outer beauty and its representation can be seen in it's darkest effigy. Hence; even in the occult we see much beautiful imagery and depictions of angels but it is buffeted by myriads of demons and full of darkness at its core. The same thing can be said for those ancient animal idols and gods; which may not be as common today but probably is getting more so with Satanism and the occult. We must keep in mind the fallen angels that are mentioned contaminating human DNA in Genesis 6 and later accounts; as well as their likely messing around with animals (hence all animal and human life except for Noah and his family were destroyed). And also we have animism which causes people to worship animals attributing some magical powers to them.

May He grant you wisdom in this subject; and all things. Glad to hear you have a tender heart and not wanting to offend Him in any way. Hope this helps.

Agape; Rich P

1 Kings 6:29 indicates cherubim; winged creatures and plants being carved into the Temple; there are other verses in Deutoronomy and 1 Kings as well. Clearly; we are not to worship angels either but God's presence was to be replicated on earth in a pattern or type of the heavenly throne.

Worshipping an object is different than creating a likeness thereof; and it is the essense of something that is of concern; i.e. the demon spirit of some created life that is exalted or worshipped that is the danger.

I would say in regard to any member of the Trinity that we should NOT make any representation. No matter how well we could represent Christ (probably middle eastern complexion); we cannot show His divinity no matter how artistically accurate or talented we are.

An example I'd use is a picture of the Last Supper. Usually it is used as a reminder of Christ's last day on earth before His sufferings in the garden as well as the interaction of all the Disciples. We don't usually worship it per say. There are icons and such which are of Jesus that some want to use to perpetuate His sufferings; or to worship an image. I would guess in your case it is more likely your kids would do violence to your animal stitching rather than keep it neat and clean in effigy.

Personally; I can't keep pictures of anyone who I am fairly certain died lost; or any other physical keepsake. There are spirits of darkness which will use these things in our minds to try to convince us of the presence of that loved one; THAT is where the danger exists as well. I can say based on the experience of a former pastor's wife that such items can indeed be surrounded by evil spirits (in her case a particular set of silverware that started shaking in her kitchen). It's not certain that will happen of course with any object left over; but my point is that whatever things are associated with can bring what you may call family curses.

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