[fidelis]

When you have to differentiate a special word called venerate because it looks like worship, It is a slippery slope.

We have to make many distinctions in our lives to keep straight on a multitude of issues, not just religious matters.

Many people DO worship Mary and artifacts.

No doubt some do, but it's because of ignorance. How many and which ones do by external observation is impossible to say unless one is a mind reader. I may see me kneel down in a posture of prayer before an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but I assure you I am not worshipping her (or the image, for that matter) as I do God because the Bible and the teachings of my Church explicitly forbid it.

[PeterPrinciple]

as I do God because the Bible and the teachings of my Church explicitly forbid it.

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yet you do it and acknowledge it is explicitly forbidden.

IT is GOD that forbids it. Your church says it is wrong yet permits it. Doesn’t correct anyone, encourages it.

My question to you, is WHY would you kneel and pray to an IMAGE of Mary when God invites you into a personal relationship with him as FATHER through the Holy Spirit and Jesus.