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Would this prohibition of Idols not also apply to any idol of any man or woman, creature etc. that is used in a religious manner?

Definitely. However we still have to be clear on what makes an idol an idol. I think we have established that a statute, engraving, image of human does not necessarily make it an idol.

If that is not worship than what would call it?

After the question of idols, this is the next key consideration.

Again, I'm not being facetious, just trying to illustrate clearly:

You've seen candelight vigils and parades for lost children, and candles lit, flowers placed around pictures of the lost child, etc. You've seen bowing before royalty (verbotten for US presidents); you've seen a groom bow before his bride, a young man bow before his dance partner (boy, am I dating myself.)

I realize these are not religious situations. The point is the action itself is one of honor or respect, veneration is also defined as the act of honoring.

So, the question is first: do these actions in and of themselves constitute worship. I think I've illustrated they do not. Second, can they possibly be acts of worship. I think the answer is yes (and I feel certain you'll agree with me on this one.)

I said before that from a Catholic perspective, non-Catholics have an on/off switch for honor, or rather a lack of scale for honor. We see their view as not allowing any honor in the religious sphere - the on switch is triggered, and it automatically is worship. We think this is in error. Honor should not be relegated only to non-religious people. Further, we think, if one is to scale honor, religious heroes should be far ahead of political and sports heroes.

To us the view that we cannot bow to honor a saint or a bishop without fear of worshipping them is foreign, an odd worry. Further, not to honor them, emulate them, ask for their prayers for us seems needless and counterproductive to our faith. We can honor religious figures (heroes as I described earlier) without worshipping them. [ I should note that contemplation and icons is a related subject, but for now will stick to honor/worship ]

So, when does an act become worship? When am I honoring my date and when am I worshipping her. (Don't laugh, I was a love-struck youth). Again, this is difficult to see externally, just as it is impossible purely externally to look at a religious carving and know whether it is an icon or idol.

We would have to address this question by understanding what worship of God means. Is it gratitude? Can we be grateful to someone other than God or God only. What else is it?

The key in my opinion is in our knowledge of God. If we do not know who God is, I mean deeply, then worship is meaningless and likely confused. If we mistake another for God, in whole or in part, then we have violated the commandment regardless of our worship.

The foundation of our religion is who God is, who we are and what our relationship to God is. All the questions about idolatry can be reduced to and addressed by consideration of these elements.

thanks very much for your courteous reply.