Markbsnr referred to the Gospel of Matthew -- you know of the Gospel of Matthew, right? you then quote Exodus.
Secondly, Exodus clearly talks later of graven images.
These images are not worshipped, neither are the statues you've indicated.
The major difference between the two (Catholic and Protestant) is the definition of Worship. God seems to feel that bowing is worship, as it states this in the 10 commandments, as well as the many stories in the Old Testament in how God’s anger burned against those who bowed to idols. I know that this is not how the Catholics see it, as I’ve been told this many times.
Yes, I’m very familiar with the Gospel of Matthew.
Correct. An argument from a previous poster centered around the Gospel of Matthew as opposed to other Scriptural sources. We Catholics hold the Gospels to be the pinnacle of Scripture - the Word of God and the word of God all in one. The NT is to be viewed through the Gospels and the OT through the New. That is the order of importance. Jesus as God and Saviour. Those whom He taught on earth. The earlier revelations which did not quite make it because they were viewed through men's eyes and not God made flesh on earth.