hatsoff

Yes, I can see how someone might misinterpret the second Commandment. Those who do are quite mistaken.

Amaleq13

No, their interpretation of the commandment is correct. It is prohibited to worship a painting. What is arguably incorrect is their interpretation of the actions of the Russians "praying to" paintings of saints.

hatsoff

Oh, my gosh...

That is true. Since the people are obviously not praying to the paintings themselves, it seems acceptable. On the other hand, why push the envelope?

Toto

Have you ever observed the Orthodox conduct relating to icons? Of course they deny worshipping the image itself, and claim that it is only used to remind them of the divinity behind the image <wink wink>, but to an outside observer it sure looks like idolatry. You can find some places where the icons are considered to have supernatural powers.

Amaleq13

What you intend by this is unclear but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume it reflects a sudden realization of your misunderstanding of my position.

Just in case it reflects continuing confusion on your part:

Worshipping paintings of saints is obviously just as prohibited as worshipping paintings of gods or even worshipping paintings of unicorn ponies. As you pointed out, the broad context is a prohibition against worshipping anything except the god of the Jews.

I. C. Unicorns

The graven image implies a carving. Russian Orthodox icons are paintings, except that the paintings are often inset into elaborate carved frames surrounding the figure being depicted, for decorative effect representing an aura. I think this is their loophole around the "graven image" clause. Catholics make statues of the saints and are clearly flirting with a trip to hell.

hatsoff

Sorry, no. You seem to misunderstand my position (again!), which is the reason for my dismay.

Amaleq13

No question about it. Now what does "or any likeness" imply?

It sounds to me like a lawyer attempting to avoid any possible loophole by broadening the prohibition to include the worship of anything except the god of the Jews.

I. C. Unicorns

I have to agree. All the commandments sound reactionary, so it is a good starting point to ask what is "or any likeness" reacting against. The only place I know that had elaborate paintings, carvings and statues of gods, people and animals at the time was Egypt. Perhaps it is a blanket denunciation of their decadence, not to be followed today. (yes I know it's a lame idea)

Or one could argue that drawings were not considered likenesses, and the likeness had to be statue-like, such as a fetish or the golden calf, since this was the "typical" form of an idol.

Joan of Bark

Not to derail the thread, but what does an omnipotent god have to be jealous about? And why would he punish the innocent descendants of a sinner? The second commandment is one of my favourites for turning Christian beliefs into a pretzel.