[Brian Kopp DPM]

Then, Please, please, please explain icons to me in a simple, easy-to-understand-and-accept way.

Where's the Orthodox Caucus when you need them?

[ejonesie22]

Let me see if I can help. As one who was raised Methodist, converted to Orthodox and now attends Methodist again due to family issues but occasionally still goes to Liturgy I have dealt with this a few times

Iconography is not idol worship. The Icons simply represent significant members of the faith such as the saints and it is common practice to pray THROUGH the saints (not to) for their intercession on our behalf to God. They become advocates of a sorts.

It is the same as Protestants asking their minister or a particularly devoted and blessed friend to pray for them since they are “closer to God”.

There are those that are a bit zealous about it and similar to what we see at times with some Catholics and Mary it creates the appearance of worshiping the intercessor not the intended target and that has led to great protestant misunderdlstanding, but the reality is all three traditions Catholic Orthodox and Protestant all worship the same Truine God and only him.