So, therefore, you cannot tell if an object *is* an idol without knowing the faith of an individual - that they put their faith in the object to protect them.
Is that a correct statement of your view?
Give it up D-fendr. Parsing won’t work. The legalistic approach of Catholics doesn’t work with those of us who have been freed by Christ. I realize that the legalistic mindset of the Catholic demands the rules and minutia but once freed of all of that we who are truly free in Christ put that behind us. Read what scripture says about using images and make up your own mind.