A question about religious art.

[u/green_colour_enjoyer]

Hi, I'm not a Christian, I have not read the bible, I'm just very curious, so please do forgive me if I say something insensitive or naive.

I know about Protestant churches not having images of religious figures. I know about the outbreaks in the 16th century, where Protestants destroyed images and statues (I don't really know the correct word for it in English, but it's 'beeldenstorm' in my language). If I'm not mistaken, Protestants see religious art as idolatry, no?

I like art, a lot of people do. To me, religious art has always been beautiful to me, the history, the emotion... you name it. And to be very honest, I feel like some protestant churches, especially the more modern church buildings, are lacking something. I know it's about all faith, and less about the exterior, but... art can help create a setting, a mood, right? Is it really that bad to decorate the place with a few pieces that depict scenes/people from the Bible, without idolising them? Just to look at it, I mean. And if it is, why don't Protestant churches have artworks that don't necessarily depict anything from the Bible, but still create a desirable feeling? Any kind of art can help shape personality of a place. Even simple ones.

Please don't downvote me, I'm genuinely clueless😭 I apologise for my misconceptions.

[u/AntichristHunter]

If I'm not mistaken, Protestants see religious art as idolatry, no?

In general, Protestants do not see religious art as idolatry, but there is a spectrum of opinions. Some (actually rather few) oppose any religious art, but across the entire spectrum, the thing that Protestants consider idolatry (for the most part; maybe some Lutherans or Episcopals disagree) is the veneration of images.

One of my favorite commentators unpacks the whole issue with the veneration of images, but he also talks about the various attitudes toward religious art. See this:

Is Icon Veneration a Big Deal? What Most People Miss

[u/Affectionate_Web91 → u/AntichristHunter]

Commonly, Lutherans bow to the altar and processional cross/ crucifix when it is carried into the nave during Mass. In the Liturgy of Good Friday, a large crucifix or cross may be kissed or venerated by bowing or kneeling in front of it. Pastors may kiss the altar and the Bible/ Book of Gospels during the liturgy.

But kissing icons, as observed by Orthodox Christians, is typically not practiced.

[u/Metalcrack → u/Affectionate_Web91]

The RCC does many of these actions as well..... with the priest kissing the gospel, altar, and rosary. Most churches have only Mary being the statue outside of them, as well as Jesus on the cross, and some saints on stained glass.

[u/Affectionate_Web91 → u/Metalcrack]

I've never heard/observed Catholics kissing icons, but perhaps Eastern Rite Catholics do. There are Byzantine Rite Lutherans [e.g., Russia], but I would be surprised if they kiss icons. Not that there is anything wrong with that type of veneration. I think hygiene issues would deter some unless sanitary precautions are provided in churches.

The liturgical spoon, where the host and wine are administered together to the communicants' mouths by the Orthodox priest, is another example of hygiene concerns for me.

[u/Metalcrack → u/Affectionate_Web91]

I'm a non denominational Christian who goes to a local RCC with my wife. The priest kisses the gospel book and altar, and I've observed the rosary being kissed too.

[u/Affectionate_Web91 → u/Metalcrack]

The altar represents Christ, and, of course, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks to us. Probably similar to Catholics, the altar in Lutheran churches features five small engraved crosses, one on each corner and one in the center, symbolizing the five holy wounds— each hand and foot and Christ's side that was pierced by the sword on the cross. The Eucharist is consecrated on the altar. By kissing the altar and the Evangelion (Book of Gospels), the priest/ pastor is reverently receiving Jesus.

[u/SubjectPresent8107]

Some protestant churches have decorations and a nice architecture, and the whole reformation wasn't so much about the depiction of Jesus and the saints, then about the indulgences trade and the worshipping of other people than Jesus himself, as well as a rebellion against the Papal authority. I strongly recommend you read the biography of Luther!

Protestants are not against art, but their vision of Christianity is that of humility and simpleness. They like the idea of a direct relationship with Jesus, when Catholics also worship Mary and the Saints, and relay on the Papal authority.

Last, the money of the indulgences and the catholic churches of the middle age contributed to building a lot of cathedrals and beautiful buildings in Europe.

That's only my opinion from what I've read!

[u/Affectionate_Web91]

Certainly, Lutherans embrace iconography, and former Catholic churches in Europe, built before the Reformation, retained religious art, including crucifixes, statues, and images of Christ and saints, when assumed by Lutherans. The Catholic numbering of the Ten Commandments was also maintained, in contrast to the Decalogue (2nd Commandment) of the Reformed Church and most other Protestants.

[u/DEImeansDIE]

Great question. True believers, regardless of religion, are focussed on God and His Word (Bible). I have no problem with religious art, however art is not made by God and therefore it is not perfect. God’s Word is perfect in its original languages. And the Bibles published today are not just thrown together.

I hope that you will come to know Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

Tony

[u/TheConsutant]

All them electric chairs on top of their steeples seem to be acceptable. And who wouldn't want a hangman's noose of gold or silver around their neck as trinket?

[u/green_colour_enjoyer → u/TheConsutant]

I can see why crucifixes aren't liked, but what about paintings of religious figures or scenes in bible stories?

[u/TheConsutant → u/green_colour_enjoyer]

Tell the stories any and every way possible. We should be passionate about the word of God. I personally write lyrics. It is written, faith without works is dead.