Yes, we agree that both relics and icons are objects of veneration. But does that mean that a relic is the same thing as an icon?
After much reading it is clear to me that Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox make a clear distinction between worship and veneration. Only God is worshiped. Relics and icons are venerated. It seems to me that Protestants do not make this distinction between worship and veneration since neither relics nor icons play a role in Protestant churches (well, the vast majority of Protestant churches).
It seems to me that an icon is a piece of religious art, either painted or sculpted by a human hand. But relics are the remains of a deceased saint. The icon is created by a human being. The relics were once a living human being. They are both objects of veneration. But does that mean a relic is an icon?
Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the image at Guadalupe Mexico. She asked “Who painted it?”
The guide’s reply: “G-d.”
I wonder where that would fit in your definition of icons and relics.
OK, those definitions make sense - but - most of the relics I’ve seen have seemingly become iconic through lavish religious and artistic embellishment(i.e., crusted with gold and gems, adorned caskets, etc.). Now, when you want to draw a line between veneration and worship, again, I think it’s a hard one to draw. Picking up my Funk & Wagnalls practical dictionary from 1928, its main definition concludes that ‘veneration’ is the act of venerating; reverence. Secondly, it informs me that it is the act of worshiping; worship. From experience, I’d have to say that this is true. In various places around the world, I have witnessed the literal truth of this as common people were induced to worship objects regardless of what notion they were presented under.
Seeing nothing in scripture that would instruct me or anyone else to venerate or worship an object (and seeing multiple warnings against this practice), I would conclude that it’s probably best to let sleeping bones lie right where they are. From dust to dust . . .
Thank you, sir.