“In accordance with these principles it will readily be understood that a certain worship may be offered even to inanimate objects, such as the relics of a martyr, the Cross of Christ, the Crown of Thorns, or even the statue or picture of a saint. There is here no confusion or danger of idolatry, for this worship is subordinate or dependent.”
Aaron and the Israelites had much the same excuse for the golden calf.
Throughout the Old Testament God ordained or permitted the making of images that pointed symbolically toward salvation such as with the Nehushtan (bronze serpent), the ark of the covenant, and the cherubim. God Himself used images to reveal Himself and convey specific messages. This included Jesus as a Lamb, the Holy Spirit as a Dove, and God the Father as a Burning Bush. Catholic iconography expresses in images the same Gospel message that Scripture communicates by words. Image and word illuminate and compliment each other. Both are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
From the Catholic Encyclopedia under the heading “Christian Worship”,
“In accordance with these principles it will readily be understood that a certain worship may be offered even to inanimate objects, such as the relics of a martyr, the Cross of Christ, the Crown of Thorns, or even the statue or picture of a saint. There is here no confusion or danger of idolatry, for this worship is subordinate or dependent.”
Aaron and the Israelites had much the same excuse for the golden calf.
Indeed. And RELIGIONISTS have been the galactic best at rationalizing—particularly re such hidiocies—throughout the ages.