Question
Dear Gramps,
We are commanded against having “graven images or any likeness.” Yet I always see pictures of Christ at church, even in the visitors centers of the Mormon Temples. How does this not contradict with that commandment?
Rick
Answer
Dear Rick,
The term “graven images” originates from the Second Commandment found in Exodus 20:4, which states, “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” This commandment is not merely a prohibition against the creation of images; it is a directive against the worship of those images as deities.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in his talk “No Other Gods,” emphasizes that the commandment serves to prioritize worship toward the true God, cautioning against the dangers of idolatry, which can manifest both in physical forms and in the priorities of our hearts. Idolatry, as defined by the Church, encompasses the worship of false gods, including the veneration of images or representations that divert worship away from God.
The Church does not view the artistic representations of Christ, such as paintings or statues, as graven images when they are not used as objects of worship. Instead, these images can serve as powerful reminders of His life, teachings, and divine love. According to a response from Ask Gramps, the important factor is the intent behind the use of these images. They are meant to enhance one’s relationship with God and should never be used for worship.
The Church teaches that images can inspire faith and contemplation. For example, the artwork displayed in chapels and temples is created to invite reverence and reflection on Christ’s teachings. In this way, images serve a supportive role in worship without becoming the focus of it. The distinction between art and idolatry is underscored in the Old Testament Student Manual, which notes that God commanded the creation of certain images, such as the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting that not all images are inherently forbidden.
Latter-day Saint doctrine emphasizes that the danger lies not in the images themselves, but in the potential for them to become objects of worship. Church leaders have consistently taught that worship must be directed to God alone. President Spencer W. Kimball warned against modern idolatry, asserting that anything that diverts our trust and devotion from God can become an idol.
The Church encourages the use of art to uplift and inspire believers while avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry. As noted by FAIR, the Church does not violate the Biblical command against graven images by displaying artworks of Christ, as these representations are intended to aid faith rather than supplant it.
In contemporary discussions, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains that pictures of Christ and other religious art are tools to foster faith and devotion. These images are not seen as detracting from worshiping God; rather, they play a role in enhancing spiritual understanding. Members are encouraged to focus on the principles behind worship instead of being distracted by physical representations.
In summary, while The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges the commandment against graven images, it also provides guidance on the positive role that images of Christ can play in the lives of members. Such images are intended to inspire and remind individuals of His teachings, provided that they are not worshiped or treated as divine. It is vital for members to maintain a proper perspective in their worship, ensuring that their devotion is directed solely toward God.
As believers navigate their faith, the challenge remains to use images as tools for worship rather than allowing them to become distractions. By fostering a spirit of reverence and understanding, members can draw closer to Christ and cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
This perspective aligns with broader Christian doctrine, which views Christ as the central focus of worship. Just as early Christian communities used art to express their faith and convey spiritual truths, modern Latter-day Saints are invited to appreciate images of Christ as visual reminders of His teachings and love. The key is to ensure that these representations do not become objects of devotion themselves but serve to uplift and inspire.
Gramps
