Well, since the question seems to set up a differentiation of definitions, let me ask you: what is YOUR definition of veneration? Does it involve bowing the knee before a statue or icon? Why? One poster has already proven that Roman Catholics pray to Mary; why pay any veneration (or in my view, worship) to any saint?? Who made those people saints? God? No — a group of humans elevated other humans to positions where they have no authority. Scripture states plainly that all who are saved—past, present, and future—are “The Saints.”. God and God alone confers that honorific through his election of and grace to those he calls saves through the blood of his son Jesus! Is not our duty to worship God?
Then, if so, why venerate anyone long gone from this earth? Why not do our duty and worship, venerate, and honor the one, true living God —the only one worthy of worship — instead?
We have access to the Creator of the Universe; if you take time to venerate/worship or pray to anyone/qnything else, you’re replacing God by misusing that time. That is idolatry.
Hoss
“a group of humans elevated other humans to positions where they have no authority.”
An interesting view, but entirely wrong.
The Apostles were selected, chosen, and appointed by God himself.
The most common statues are those of Joseph and Mary, both of whom were chosen by God himself.
Then you have St. Paul for whom Christ appeared to Him.
Sounds to me that they were all Chosen by God, not men. Would you deny the Damascus road?
The act of giving honor to.
Does it involve bowing the knee before a statue or icon? Why?
Why not? I bowed my knee before my intended wife. I still sometimes bow when asking to dance. Maybe it's a Southern thing. It is often cultural.
why pay any veneration (or in my view, worship) to any saint??
Why honor soldiers? We throw parades for sports teams. I think when it comes to honor, our religious 'heroes' deserve at least as much as our sports or military or sports heroes.
Is not our duty to worship God?
Out of love and gratitude and awe. We do so.
Then, if so, why venerate anyone long gone from this earth?
Bob Feller was recently given honor on his death, why?
From the Martyrdom of Polycarp (c. 135 AD):
...it is neither possible for us ever to forsake Christ...nor to worship any other. For we worship him indeed, as being the Son of God. However, as for the martyrs, as disciples and followers of the Lord, we worthily love them on account of their extraordinary affections towards their own King.
We have access to the Creator of the Universe; if you take time to venerate/worship or pray to anyone/qnything else, you’re replacing God by misusing that time. That is idolatry.
I don't worship anyone but God. I often ask others for their prayers. Worshiping anyone but God would be idolatry, but honoring and asking for intercessory prayer is not worship.
Do you have a better definition of idolatry? What makes an idol an idol?
thanks for your reply...