Idols and objects...accessorized religion... organized superstition

by Gregor 17 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  Gregor

  Wine, unleavened bread, menoras, rosary beads, crucifixes, icons, pictures, statues, incense, blessed water, prayer wheels, the list goes on and on. Indispensable for "pagans", Christians and Jews to 'connect' with God. Not to mention the eleborate rituals that accompany their use.

  Isaiah 44:15-17 (New International Version)

  15 It is man's fuel for burning;
  some of it he takes and warms himself,
  he kindles a fire and bakes bread.
  But he also fashions a god and worships it;
  he makes an idol and bows down to it.

  16 Half of the wood he burns in the fire;
  over it he prepares his meal,
  he roasts his meat and eats his fill.
  He also warms himself and says,
  "Ah! I am warm; I see the fire."

  17 From the rest he makes a god, his idol;
  he bows down to it and worships.
  He prays to it and says,
  "Save me; you are my god."
• 

  Xena

  and????
• 

  Gregor

  Now that's an interesting response. Do I need to draw a picture?

  Just pointing out the irony of needing to have "stuff" to be "spiritual". Isaiah thought it was funny.
• 

  Xena

  Not everyone needs stuff to be spritual. And those items, while helpful to some, aren't necessary to all.

  Curious...do you ever use music, candles or anything like that to set a mood?
• 

  Gopher

  Many Catholics sincerely believe these items help them connect to their God.

  Protestants feel they don't need to have these items.

  No matter. In any case, religion basically is superstition, defined as 'believing in things you don't understand'.
• 

  Gregor

  Curious...do you ever use music, candles or anything like that to set a mood?

  You seem determined to ignore the point of the thread. No big deal. Sorry you don't get it.
• 

  Xena

  I get your point I was just trying to get a discussion started so your thread wouldn't die an untimely death. It's not easy being a saint you know...but it's nice to imagine someone might use me as an accessory one of these days.
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  Gregor

  Sorry Xena. Guess I was the one missing the point! Well this thread seems to be dying a quick death regardless... I should have worked the word SEX into the title somehow.
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  myelaine

  dear Gregor...

  "I should have worked the word SEX into the title somehow."

  well...let's have a peek at your new title then...

  michelle
• 

  Xena

  It's an interesting topic Gregor. I guess I wish you would expand more on your take on religions using icons and whatnot and why you feel that way.

  Personally I understand using certain things as a focal point for medication and/or worship. I think it's when you rely on them that you start to slide into the absurd. Or like when people see the image of Jesus on a piece of french toast and then worship it.