It truly gladdens my heart to learn that we share even more core beliefs in common.
I can tell you, what I am sure you have heard many times before, that I (speaking as a 55 year old cradle Catholic) do not, and no one has ever encouraged me to worship idols and that statues are merely physical representations of Saints and Martyrs that remind us (as we kneel and pray) of their commitment and sacrifices made spreading the Gospel throughout the ages, encouraging those of this age to emulate their example. Religious metals and scapulars are only an outward sign of an internal disposition. They have no magical power other than to be a constant reminder of our own personal commitment to living and spreading the good news, as the apostles did. Any promises or guarantees associated with such are the result of a full life guided by the Holy Spirit, well lived, all for Jesus.
Even if you can’t accept that answer I feel that we still hold the most important Christian beliefs in common and consider you my brother in Christ Jesus.
7
You can see only that which you've seen since birth.
And of course, you turned down the challenge to approach God's Word to see what it says, with the willingness to follow it unreservedly - even when you learn it contradicts what you were raised to believe.