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According to the Bible, I am not only going to hell for this photo (taken by my sister) but additionally I am condemning my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.
In fact it is quite clear that only the Amish and some Older Mennonite colonies still honor the commandment against images of anything living or that was living, while other Christians claim to honor it (but don’t), and others, the Catholics, have dismissed it altogether.
A graven image is basically an image of anything alive, or that was alive. Deuteronomy makes this quite clear. “the likeness of any male or female, the likeness of any beast that is on this earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, the likeness of anything that creepeth under the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth.”
The Amish and Older Mennonite groups actually seem to be the only Christians who follow this completely, not even allowing their photos to be taken. Other Christians not only indulge in photograph, but there are very few Christian Churches that do not include graven images in their stained glass or other features. I have not met one Christian who does not have photos of their children or won’t all them to have school pictures taken.
If we are to follow the word of the Bible literally photography of rocks is okay, although I am not so sure about the grass. The photo is by my husband.
It would seem that Christians have decided some rules are better/easier to follow than others.
One excuse for allowing the use of living things to be photographed, drawn, or otherwise recreated is that this commandment is sometimes tweaked to change its meaning.
The commandment is “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them” For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shrewing any mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” This from Exodus 20:4-6.
What happened to allow some Christians to accept making of images was that they inserted the word “AND” between the two parts of the commandment, thus changing its entire meaning. These people assert its okay to make images, just as long as they do not worship them. By changing “the word of God” they now play host to getting around the original intent of the second commandment.
This is meant as a thought provoking article, if it has caused you to think about why we follow some rules and ignore others, or change them, then it has accomplished its goal. Feel free to add comments.
As you say thought provoking. I guess the question is what we do with images. Images are so easily created now and our world is almost entirely bathed in them. I have images of my children on the wall in front of me – that cannot be wrong. I think that relgion aside – it is the notion of slaving and dedicating our lives to any sort of image/fashion/celebrity that has been created (not now by man) but by commerce that is the problem – not necessarily a sin but certainly an assault on our well-being.
This is definitely a thought provoking article.
Evelyn said its what we do with the pictures that counts, this is I think ignoring that Christians were told NOT to make pictures of any kind. My parents did NOT have pictures of me. They were told that loving me above Jesus was wrong. Needless to say, I am not Christian any longer.
Terrific link thanks
Sorry, but this is a straw-man. Your argument is based on the specific wording of the old King James translation. The New International translation (which is academically acknowledged to be more accurate) specifically refers to “idols” to clarify the concept of a “graven image”.
Since Exodus comes from the Torah and the oldest manuscripts are in ancient Hebrew, it is Jewish scholars who are best positioned to give an accurate translation; they interpret it as an injunction against worshiping idols.
Moreover the word “idol” was chosen because it accurately reflects the meaning of the original phrase (which I believe is “avodat elilim” – lit. the service to likenesses/images) – inherent in the definition is the concept of a likeness (specifically a statue or carving) that is intended to be revered.
So no, there is nothing biblically wrong with the creation, ownership and/or use of photos, art, statues, etc. But elevating them to a position of reverence where they are worshiped, served, etc. is right out.
In general it is not philosophically valid to argue against the bible (or any text, not just scripture – this goes for poetry too!) on a narrow interpretation of a specific translation. Such an argument can only be valid against those few who believe in a literal interpretation of that specific translation. Even then, English words often have multiple definitions – you cannot validly pick one definition that doesn’t work when you could have picked one that does.
Great article. Much to think about.
This is a great article and very thought provoking.
Thanks,
-Resounding Glass
The original text says likeness- but when that text was written, they had no concept of photographs.
They were talking about statues- which we have lots of anyway.
I enjoyed this article- I love something that makes me think.
Twylite has the Biblically correct comment. A graven image refers to an idol which was made by man for worship. A photo of your children, or a statue as a piece of artwork are not idols as long as you are not worshipping them.
In the modern context – whatever we worship is an idol – money, clothing, celebrities, even our jobs.
We tend to break the third commandment more – do not take the Lord’s name as a swear word or an “expression” ie: “Oh my god”. This one is broken constantly and many people seem to have no idea that using God’s name this way is an offense to Him.
#4 – Twylite is has the right idea and is using a Bible that has for more in common with original documents. That said, every church I’ve ever been in has a big Jesus on a cross right at the point where the congregation focuses. In their interpretation (the trinity) that should be an affront to god; therefore they (and the next three generations) get punished.
What hypocrisy!
#8 – Hebrew magic (the basis of many Judaic superstitions) puts much power in the true name of things. God, Lord, Savior, etc are titles that circumvent the usage of the true name. After men decided that Judaic religions were excellent methods of control there was a concerted effort to suppress the aspects of belief that were considered actually possessing power.
Russell seems to have access to some dubious information and seemingly misunderstands the use of a crucifix in Church. Christians (including Catholics) do not, have not and will never worship an idol. The crucifix, the statues, the banners on the wall, the crosses, etc. are simply visual reminders and help us to worship God with our senses and remind us of those who have gone on before us. Are you forgetting that God told his people to put an image of a snake on a pole in the desert? Or the Ark of the Covenant had images/statues of cherubim as commanded by God? I often find that this type of argument that Christians pick and choose what to believe and obey is based on a lack of knowledge or a misunderstanding. I feel that it is a shame that the Atheist has abandoned everything in Christianity because of the misunderstanding and somewhat strange practises of his parents. I am also inclined to agree that the KJV is a pretty inaccurate translation made worse by the use of old English terms.
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I tend to agree with twylite’s comments. I don’t think that having a picture of my grandchildren is worshiping or idolizing them. It is my LOVE for them that I think about when I look at their pictures. How can pictures of Nature by considered Idols? Is not God all nature? The world would be a dull and empty place without art. Now if a teen has a picture of a friend, and a picture of a rock star say, that teen might tell another friend, “This picture is of my friend so and so, and this picture is of “MY IDOL”, Now there is a problem. We are so brainwashed with the very word “Idol.” Like the show, “AMERICAN IDOL”. God gave us all talents, and if we want to express those talents, we need to give him the glory, Say call the show. “Americans with God given talents.” When we use the word IDOL and we get wrapped up into worshiping the rich and famous who seek to be worshiped, we stray away for God.