Please take careful note of the subject line. Sometimes we become so engrossed in our own self importance that even in church we unwittingly portray ourselves as images, idols, and iconoclast. We spend so much time remembering titles and accomplishments that we give Christ second place in the very house we say is His sanctuary. I strongly recommend the reading of Malcolm Muggeridge's books and autobiographies to you. This was a brilliant man who became a Christian (Roman Catholic) when he met Mother Theresa. He was given an assignment to interview Mother Theresa and the experience changed him from an atheist to a believer. He saw the Christ we glibly speak about being lived out in Mother Theresa.
Oh how I yearn for more of Jesus and less of self.
Pax Vobiscum <
Robert A. Stewart
Elder,
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it, the 'iconoclast' was the person who attacks cherished beliefs and institutions, who destroys images used in religious worship. This was particularly seen in the early centuries AD, where symbols, esp. in the catholic church were destroyed because others did not subscribe to them.
However, while I understand the import of your post, the fact is that icons and images are important as these link us (present) with the past, our history, struggles and accomplishments. True, these should never replace Christ as our centre, but we must never be judged as our own iconoclasts...
Peace
Doc Brown
Interesting comments by both Elder and Doc. My take on the matter is that we should be very careful as almost anything can become an idol and we are not to have any idols. Many cherished beliefs and accomplishments often lose their significance and become a dogma and if others don't believe as we do-kill the infidels. We have Apostolics and other Evangelicals who behave that way and it is not just an Islamic thing.
ReplyDeleteThe main thing is, always to keep our perspective and not listen to the lies of the evil one. He is a subtle whisperer.
Naomi E. Jack