“CALL NOW, IF THERE BE ANY THAT WILL ANSWER THEE: AND TO WHICH OF THE SAINTS WILT THOU TURN?” (Job 5:1)

Ask a Christian that question and you will hear a resounding “NONE”! For we who serve the Living God worship the Creator, not His creations. However, ask a Catholic “to which of the saints wilt thou turn?” and their answer will sound somewhat like this, “Well...depends on what you want...we have over 9,000 patron saints!” They will quickly point out though that they don’t “worship” the saints or angels that they invoke...at least, not with the same “worship that we give to God.” Interesting. They DO worship angels, saints and Mary, but justify it by supposedly dividing worship into three different categories. The first being “latria” which is the worship given to God alone. This is said to be the highest form of worship. Next we have “dulia”. This form is what is given to saints and angels. Thirdly, and most disturbing, is the last form of worship called “hyperdulia”. This is higher than that given to the saints and angels, for this is the worship that is given to Mary, whom is believed by Rome to be higher than all creation. Now any honest Catholic will readily admit they know of no such distinction regarding different levels of adoration.

“They tell us that the reverence which the Romish Church gives to saints and images does not amount to idolatry. They inform us that there are distinctions between the worship of ‘latria’ and ‘dulia’, between a mediation of redemption, and a mediation of intercession, which clear her of the charge. My answer is that the Bible knows nothing of such distinctions; and that, in the actual practice of the great bulk of Roman Catholics, they have no existence at all” (John Charles Ryle (1815-1900), Anglican Bishop of Liverpool).

When a Catholic is bowing before a statue of Mary, singing to her, praying to her, crowning her with flowers, lighting candles at her feet, and saying the rosary, their heart is totally given over to the worshipping and praising of Mary. No distinction is made between ‘latria’ and ‘hyperdulia’. Should a heathen walk into a Roman Catholic Church during one of their rituals honoring Mary, they would assume that Mary was a goddess, for the people bow and pray before her as if she were God!

“FOR ALL THE GODS OF THE PEOPLE ARE IDOLS: BUT THE LORD MADE THE HEAVENS.” (1 Chronicles 16:26)

Here we hit the heart of the problem. A Catholic truly does not understand that when they bow before Mary, saints, or angels, through images or icons or simply through prayer, that this is idolatry! Just listen to what St. Joseph’s Annotated Catechism has to say on page 129:

“104. ISN’T THE VENERATION OF IMAGES CONTRARY TO THE BIBLE? Veneration of images is not contrary to the Bible, because the Bible only forbids the making and worshipping of idols (representations of false gods). Veneration of images is not worship of images.”

Well, we had better look up the words “worship” and “veneration” in the Catholic Dictionary, so as to not breed misunderstanding of their terminology.

“VENERATION. The word commonly used to express in English that worship given to saints either directly or through images or relics....”

“WORSHIP. Adoration and reverence paid to God...also for the honor paid to the saints...veneration.”

I don’t know about you, but it appears to me the words “worship” and “veneration” are interchangeable according to Rome herself. But let’s go back to their defense of “it is a different type of worship”. They say it is “dulia” when worshipping saints. Yet, in Galatians 4:8-9 the word “duleuo” is used in a negative sense:

“Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye DID SERVICE [duleuo] unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again TO BE IN BONDAGE [duleuo].” (Emphasis mine)

Notice that not only is “duleuo” equivalent to “did service” to, but also “to be in bondage”. Are Catholics aware that these idols they call images and relics, which they admittingly pay “duleuo” to, have caused them to remain in bondage? Sadly, the answer is no. The average Catholic cannot see it, even though in their own writings they admit not only the pagan origins of their images, but also the futility of prayers to those images.

“In every temple, at every crossroad, paganism was displaying the image of some goddess. The Christian liturgy knew nothing of the cult of saints” (Catholic Encyclopedia VII, 667).

“To avoid even the appearance of idolatry, no statues were placed in the early churches” (Short History of the Catholic Church, 65).

“And I do not undertake to prove to you that when we pray before a picture or a statue of a saint, that that saint infallibly hears or knows what we are saying, or even what we are doing” (Plain Facts, 170).

Rome does not stop there though! She goes on to say in St.Joseph’s Annotated Catechism page 129:

“The New Testament has nothing for or against veneration of images. But though not in letter, it is certainly in the spirit of the New Testament to venerate images of our Lord, and of His Blessed Mother, His Apostles, His Martyrs and Saints.”

Now I find this statement quite amazing especially in light of the

“2nd Council of Nicaea’s [decision to] use the word ‘proskunei” of the veneration due to images” (Catholic Dictionary, Addis and Arnold, 423).

They didn’t choose to use the word “dulia” but chose a totally different word. This Greek word can be found in Acts 10:25, 26. If it wasn’t so sad, it would be almost humorous that Rome would choose this particular word, for it is the same word used for the worship that Cornelius tried to render to Peter.

“AND AS PETER WAS COMING IN, CORNELIUS MET HIM, AND FELL DOWN AT HIS FEET, AND WORSHIPPED [proskunei] HIM. BUT PETER TOOK HIM UP, SAYING, STAND UP; I MYSELF ALSO AM A MAN.” (Emphasis mine)

So, the same worship that Cornelius wrongfully tried to give to Peter, is the same worship that Rome wrongfully gives to idols. WOW! Doubly amazing considering the claim of the pope to be Peter’s successor, yet Peter refused to be bowed before or worshipped in any way. Yet the pope is bowed before, kissed, and carried about on men’s shoulders as if he were a god himself. Such blatant idolatry! But let’s return to the statement Rome has made that the New Testament says nothing for or against the veneration of images. The following are just a few examples to prove that Rome has once again lied.

¨ ACTS 17:16-29

¨ ROMANS 1:25

¨ 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9,10

¨ COLOSSIANS 3:5

¨ ACTS 15:20-29

¨ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:14

¨ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:20-22

¨ 1 JOHN 5:21

¨ ACTS 14:13

¨ 1 CORINTHIANS 5:11

¨ REVELATION 21:

¨ REVELATION 22:15

As I said, this is just a few examples. But to leave out the Old Testament condemnation of idolatry is to deny that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb.13:8) If God hated idolatry then, rest assured, He hates it now! Just look up a few of the following references from the Old Testament:

¨ DEUT. 12:31; 27:15

¨ JOB 31:26-28

¨ PSALM 44:20,21; 97:7

¨ ISAIAH 42:17; 45:16

¨ JEREMIAH 3:1-11; 32:34,35

¨ EZEKIEL 16:16-63; 42:7-9

¨ HOSEA 1:2; 2:2-5; 4:12-19

¨ HABAKKUK 1:16

Judges, Chronicles, Leviticus, Ecclesiastes, Kings, etc...all speak against idolatry. C’mon people! The entire Bible is about who the One True God is and how to worship Him. It does so by contrasting pagans and their false gods and how they worshipped them with the command to those who know, really know God, to “worship Him in spirit and in truth”. (Jn.4:23) But how does one worship God in spirit? In truth? To worship God in spirit is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. Worship itself is a rather hard thing to explain for it is done internally. You worship God by making Him Lord of all your life, obeying Him, trusting Him, giving your entire being into His loving care. Worship is not a show. It is not external. Rituals, rites, ceremonies, candles, incense, images, icons, relics, and the such are not tools of worship but rather tools of idolatry. Pagans make a great show of their worship claiming their gods require such things. Our God has clearly commanded us NOT to worship Him as the heathens worship their gods. (Deut.12:29-32). Unfortunately, many have not hearkened unto the words of our Lord!

“PROFESSING THEMSELVES TO BE WISE, THEY BECAME FOOLS, AND CHANGED THE GLORY OF THE UNCORRUPTABLE GOD INTO AN IMAGE....WHO CHANGED THE TRUTH OF GOD INTO A LIE, AND WORSHIPPED THE CREATURE MORE THAN THE CREATOR, WHO IS BLESSED FOREVER. AMEN.” (Rom.1:22, 23 and 25) (Emphasis mine)

The second commandment strictly forbids us to make an image of God. Yet on the following illustration you will see the Catholic version of what the “Father” looks like. Another blatantly disobedient act on the part of Rome.

“TAKE YE THEREFORE GOOD HEED UNTO YOURSELVES; FOR YE SAW NO MANNER OF SIMILITUDE ON THE DAY THAT THE LORD SPAKE UNTO YOU IN HOREB OUT OF THE MIDST OF THE FIRE: LEST YE CORRUPT YOURSELVES, AND MAKE YOU A GRAVEN IMAGE, THE SIMILITUDE OF ANY FIGURE, THE LIKENESS OF MALE OR FEMALE.” (Deut.4:15,16) (Emphasis mine)

“FORASMUCH THEN AS WE ARE THE OFFSPRING OF GOD, WE OUGHT NOT TO THINK THAT THE GODHEAD IS LIKE UNTO GOLD, OR SILVER, OR STONE, GRAVEN BY ART AND MAN’S DEVICE. AND THE TIMES OF THIS IGNORANCE GOD WINKED AT; BUT NOW COMMANDETH ALL MEN EVERY WHERE TO REPENT.” (Acts 17:29, 30) (Emphasis mine)

In The Constitution on The Sacred Liturgy, the Second Vatican Council says:

“The practice of placing sacred images in churches so that they may be venerated [worshipped] by the faithful is maintained” (no.125).

Obviously Rome could care less what the word of God has to say! Maybe she should read 1 Corinthians 5:11 which tells us “not to keep company...[with] idolaters", as does 1 Cor. 10:19,20. Or maybe read 1 Corinthians 10:14 warning us to “flee from idolatry”? 1 John 5:21 tells us to “keep yourselves from idols” and Acts 14:15 commands us to testify against idolatry. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 directs us to “turn” from idolatry. But by far, my favorite scriptures concerning idolatry would have to be Isaiah 44:6-20 for it is the logic of God Himself.

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of Hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. THEY THAT MAKE A GRAVEN IMAGE ARE ALL OF THEM VANITY; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together. The blacksmith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint. The carpenter stretcheth out his rule: he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house. He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself: yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto. He burneth part thereof in the fire: with part therof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me: for thou art my god. They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? Shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?” (Emphasis mine)

To bow before a piece of stone, wood, silver, gold, or a piece of bread, is IDOLATRY. To pray to that idol, or the demon behind that idol, is an abomination before the Lord your God who is Holy!

When Paul and Barnabas went to Lystra (Acts 14:8-20) they were mistaken as Jupiter and Mercurius. The people shouted:

“The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men...But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that YE SHOULD TURN FROM THESE VANITIES UNTO THE LIVING GOD, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things therein.” (Emphasis mine)

Do you really think that men such as Peter who rebuked Cornelius, or Paul who rebuked the idolaters would ever want an image of them erected in “honor” of them? Even the angels refuse such nonsense!

“And I John saw these things and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I FELL DOWN TO WORSHIP BEFORE THE FEET OF THE ANGEL which showed me these things. Then he saith unto me, SEE THOU DO IT NOT: For I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the saying of this book: WORSHIP GOD.” (Rev.22:8-9) (Emphasis mine)

A Catholic will try and say “we don’t worship images” but just listen to what the “treasured” “St.” Bonaventure had to say concerning an image of Mary:

“I WOULD DIE NEAR HER IMAGE, AND BE SAVED” (Glories of Mary, Liguori, 75) (Emphasis mine).

Rome has weeping madonnas which thousands upon thousands rush to see in hopes of catching a glimpse of or possibly even a chance to capture a tear on a hankie. They have “miracle-working rosaries”, crucifixes which are said to have talked to “St.” Thomas (Catholic Ency.XI, 222), corpses and bones of “saints” and “martyrs” being preserved and also said to be miraculous. Pieces of this and pieces of that...all of which can do no good! As A.W. Tozer quite eloquently put it:

“Christ calls men to carry a cross; we call them to fun in His name. He calls them to forsake the world; we assure them if they but accept Jesus the world is their oyster. He calls them to suffer; we call them to enjoy all the bourgeois comforts, modern civilization affords. He calls them to self-abnegation and death; we call them to spread out like green bay trees or perchance even to become stars in a pitiful fifth rate religious zodiac.”

Why are people so easily led astray into idolatry? Because men love outward signs. Visible signs. Shows, pageants, ceremonies, rituals, images, etc. They have an attraction to the natural heart. Unfortunately, the natural heart cannot perceive the spiritual dangers and realities of what they are experiencing. You see, to me, it is idolatry to have images of God or His saints and angels in your churches! To me, it is idolatry to bow before things made with man’s hands and to light candles before them, or sing before them, or pray to them. To me, it is idolatry to invoke Mary and the saints in a language exclusively reserved for God alone. To me it is idolatry to think that a rosary, a cross, or any object is capable of warding off evil.

It IS idolatry to take that which is God’s alone and give it to anyone or anything else, whether it be praise, honor, glory, whatever you want to call it...it belongs to God alone! (Isa 42:8. Rev.4:11)

Put away your idols! Destroy them! Not only from your homes and your churches, but more importantly, from your hearts. God does not want to be worshipped through idols and vain images. He commanded all idols to be destroyed!

“Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto DUMB IDOLS, even as ye were led.” (1 Cor. 12:2) (Emphasis mine)

“...what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God....” (2 Cor.6:16)

There is a call to all believers who love their Creator to clean up their ways. To forsake the idols of the traditions which they have inherited from their fathers. Now is no time to be indulging Satan with cross adoration, worshipping of saints and angels, or any other form of idolatry!

“Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker? Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly.” (Job 4:17,18)

Put your trust in Jesus Christ and Him alone! He is the ONLY mediator between God and man. Put away all your external props and worship God in spirit and in truth!

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” (John 4:23)

by Diane M. Schoeppner

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page