[QUOTE="solely"]I've been reading the Bible from quite awhile now.. and I am really confused, and I have a lot of questions. I haven't read all yet, but these are some questions are coming into mind:
Exodus 20 (the commandments) ....you shall not make any graven images of me, why do Churches have statues, different sacraments?
call anyone idols.. the word idolizing, idol is forbidden?
it also says that the bible is impeccable, it's written there that there are people who lived for 500 years, some 900 years before they died..
and in the old testament God talks directly to Saul, Jonah, why doesn't He do this now?
I grew up around Catholics, going to church every Sunday, joining rosaries, but I never had the liking to do these.. I prefered to read the Bible from time to time, to know God, but as I read more, only confusion comes to me..
am I becoming a Christian/Protestant?
jshaas
Idoletry is putting anyone or anything before God. Whether it be a "gold calf" or video games. The Word teaches us that we should love God more than even our children, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, but with the same love that we love our spouses. It's going back the metaphor of Christ being married to His bride, the church. I believe God still talks directly to His people. But, I also believe it's much harder for us to hear Him now because we struggle with making Him our top priority in life. So, the closer your relationship is with God the easier it will be to hear His voice. To understand the Bible better, you can't just take a few Scriptures and try to make sense of them. You need to read the whole chapter or book to get the full meaning of what God's Word is telling you. Let's take the book you referenced... Moses went to Mt. Siani and received the Ten Commandments directly from God. Why did God do this? Because His people were not living for Him any longer... worshipping the sacred calf at the base of the mountain. Moses came down shining brite white with God's glory upon him, and then threw the law at the people. The ground opened up and swallowed 3,000 men/women, and killed them. God doesn't want us to worship Him by bowing in front of some statue or picture. We worship Him in the spirit, because it's His Spirit that lives in us. On a side note... I don't really think Catholics are Christians. I don't remember Jesus telling people to pray to His mother or His disciples. But that's my opinion... take it for what it's worth.it is a common misconception that Catholics pray to Mary or the Saints. infact many Catholics are confused and misinformed about this. Catholics do not pray to Mary but instead ask for Mary to pray for them, same with the Saints. It is no different than asking a friend to pray for you about something of importance. I know my mother who is a devout Catholic feels like Mary would have a direct line to her Son and would then be a very good person to ask to pray for you. Jesus first miracle was one he did not even want to do but the only reason he did it was because Mary told him to, turning water into wine.
I consider myself Catholic although i dont go to church as much as i used to. It still bothers me when people make claims that are incorrect about Catholicism. It even bothers me more when Catholics themselves misunderstand their religion. Catholics were the original Christians. Really though i think people can get much too hung up on the small details that seperate the denominations of Christianity. I think that as long as there is good in your heart and you strive to do good then it should not matter where you go excatly to worship.
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