Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: Biggirl
The divisions among Christians must stop.

Lovely idea. To implement it, either Catholics and Orthodox must abandon images/icons, or Protestants must accept them.

Which do you suggest?

97 posted on 03/01/2012 5:44:50 PM PST by Sherman Logan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies ]


To: Sherman Logan

“To implement it, either Catholics and Orthodox must abandon images/icons, or Protestants must accept them.”

That’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it? Now, which is a greater compromise?

To a Catholic, iconography is an optional thing, since they can pay respect to the saints without them. There were periods of time when worship was performed in their basilicas without a single statue present. So, there is no obstacle to performing the same type of services again, unless they are unwilling to accept that the optional observances they have instituted are truly optional and can be reversed for the sake of unity.

To a Protestant, iconography is idolatry, and therefore one of the most hated things to our jealous God. All sin may be equal in the eyes of God, but it’s clear that God reserves a special distaste for this act, which He has demonstrated willingness to expunge entire nations from the face of the Earth for. From that point of view, there can be no compromise, idolatry is not optional in any way, shape or form.

By my reckoning, reconciliation could only be achieved if those who are able to compromise make the compromise. Those for whom compromise is not an option can never breach that divide. To speak of a true reconciliation without tackling these issues is mere daydreaming.


102 posted on 03/01/2012 8:29:00 PM PST by Boogieman
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 97 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson