[RnMomof7]

So if it was a photograph or painting done in the realist style it wouldn't be an idol.
This just gets sillier. I really cannot believe anyone thinks like this.

What one believes is god in his heart does not mean it is god.. every pagan believed their statures were truly gods.. that did not make them gods.. what you choose to believe does not matter..what God believes does matter and he said he did not want false Gods before Him..

I would argue that the bread in Catholic communion is an idol of mans own making even though catholics think it is god..

[D-fendr]

Well you are finally getting close to answering the only relevant question:

What is the difference between an idol and an icon; what makes an idol an idol?

Hint: It’s not candles.

[Jaded]

Um, that would be because Jesus Christ said so himself. Wait, Paul didn’t say it so it doesn’t count.

This gets more ridiculous by the hour.