How Does The Catholic Church Justify Use Of Images?

[Eternal CB]

Well I am a firm believer in Catholicism as the one true faith among all. But, i have been pondering why the church allows images within its confines. In the O.T., one of the 10 Commandments God gives is, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [i]of any thing [/i]that [i]is[/i] in heaven above, or that [i]is[/i] in the earth beneath, or that [i]is[/i] in the water under the earth". The Church has many images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Angels and Saints which are now in Heaven above. How do we as Catholics justify the use of these images to other denominations or people who challenge our faith?? Thanks and God Bless.

Edited October 6, 2011 by Eternal CB

[CatherineM]

God commanded Moses to carve the images of golden cherubim onto the Ark of the Covenant. Why would that be different than the golden calf? Because, there is a difference between having decoration and worshiping an idol as if it is a god. I have pictures of my Dad and Godmother and favorite former priest prominently displayed in my home. I loved them. I miss them. I want to remember them, the lessons they taught me, the love they showed me. I want to see them everyday to inspire me.

That's what the images in our churches are for. Whether they are stained glass windows, carvings, paintings, or statues, they serve the same purpose. They remind us of saints that have gone before us. They are to inspire us to be better people. Seeing a picture of my dad makes me want to go out into the world and do some good. Seeing a picture of Our Lady or St. Joseph does the same thing. There's not much difference between praying in front of a statue of Mary asking for her help and guidance, and talking to a picture of my deceased father telling him I wish he were here still to ask advice.