It's worshiping Jesus on the cross or Mary idolatry?
539704
Jesus was God. Mary was human.\n\nThe big problem with the usage of images as aids for worship is that there is a fine line between using it as an aid, and worshipping it as an idol. Consider the brazen serpent in the wilderness. It was initially used as an aid in the prevention of dying from the bite of the fiery asps. But later, the children of Israel burned incense before it (ref. 2 Kings 18:4). Today I see candles and incense being burned before these "statuary aids". Now what will happen if one of these statues in some way bleed? Do they say, "Oh dear, moisture has rusted the internal steel reinforcement and stained our statue." Or do they call it a miracle and burn incense to it? Today we see many Catholics flocking to places of miracles or "divine manifestations" whether it be a wall stain of the blessed virgin, or a burned cheese sandwich sold on eBay. That fine line has been crossed too many times. It starts innocently enough, but it opens the door for great error.\n\nHere is my take on images, icons, jewelry and the like. When a father/husband has gone to war, we carry and display reminders such as bracelets and photographs. We use these things aids to remember them. However, it produces a longing, because you cannot touch, hug, or lovingly converse with them, for they are away. When they are home, there is really no such need for such aids, because he is in the back playing and laughing with the kids. If you need a hug or a word, just call.\nThe NEED for images and icons only proves that the Father is not home. Alive? Yes. But absent in a personal way. Faith without the need for crosses, jewelry, beads, icons, pictures, or statues proves that the Father is home and interacting in a real and personal way with their beloved.
1163504
I am not qualified to make that judgment - though some things such a Yeshu idol in a manger at Christmas with 2 people who in all likelihood don't much resemble Mary & Joseph clearly are. Same for statues of Jesus with a halo or representing Mary - etc.\n\nIMO it depends how it is used. Pictures used for illustration - I would say no. Crosses - not by themselves - it is a symbol which can be used in a favorable way. Put a dead Jew on it and it becomes an idol of sorts.
331951
You make an interesting point. I have made an exclusive study of the trinity in the Christian scriptures and found it to have a solid premise, albeit that particular word isn't in the bible, and neither is the concept directly addressed. I wouldn't attempt to go into it here - it's too much - and that wasn't your question. I know  little about the Hindu religion,  so I'm not really qualified to comment.  What I find interesting about your point - the trinity notwithstanding - is that Mary, the mother of Jesus is worshiped in some Christian religions, as some  pray to various saints as well. It does indeed sound like at least some Christians have more than one god. I think that's rather odd. But...I haven't answered your question. It's a bit tricky. If you were a Christian we could discuss it.
331675
I am sad to see so many Catholics who do not know their Catechism. Catholics DO WORSHIP Mary. The word worship does not mean that we think someone is God that we worship. It means a form of honor or respect. God is given the worship of Latria-- meaning the way we serve an honor God is to Him alone, the form of worshipping the Saints is Dulia, and the form by which we worship Mary is called Hyper-Dulia. None of these theological terms are the same. Any worship given to Mary or the saints is given to God on high, to honor God's holy ones and Our Lady is to honor God for His greatness and mercy.
806534
statues and kitsch\nlike this;     http://www.pirromount.com/jesus/commercials.html
584487
Well many christians do assume cross has a power. \n\nWhat's with that all of the ghosts or vampire movies where they use cross to scare away the evil?\n\nSo this is very much an idol. The truth is everybody needs something  physical , which we can see, relate to god. be it a book, a cross or a candle or an icon. we assumed an imaginary time line and equater line. It simplifies the abstract this way.
508548
Let us take you questions one by one. I am sorry if this is long but your question is long.\n\n"The Bible says to worship and pray to Jesus Christ because He is the only one that can save you." - Catholics believe that Jesus died on the cross for ours sins.\n\n"Catholics pray to Mary the mother of Jesus. Don't you think that that's against Christ?" \n- No, Jesus talked to his mother, why can't we? Catholics believe that all Christians are part of the body of Christ and thus are intimately related to each other. This friendship or family relationship does not end at death. I may ask you to pray for me, or I may ask my deceased grandmother to pray for me, or I may ask a saint to pray for me, or I may ask another saint, the only person in all the Bible who was addressed as "full of grace" by an angel of God, to pray for me. We worship God. We honor people who have truly followed God's will, our parents, grandparents, Mother Teresa, and the saints including Mary.\n\n"Who came up with rosemary beads?" \n- There are different theories of who came up with rosary beads. Prayer counters have been used in many religions for thousands of years. It is thought that early religious monks, most of whom did not know how to read, used prayer counters as they daily recited all 150 psalms to help them keep track of where they were.\n\n"Their baptism is in the title words, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Bible plainly states to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38)"\n- Jesus' last words to the apostles in the Gospel of Matthew (28:19) were "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."\n\n"Also, they sprinkle the water on people's heads. The Bible also clearly states to be submerged underwater to be baptized."\n- I am sorry but I cannot find the word submerged in relation to Baptism in the Bible. People were baptized in a river but beyond that I not sure. Please give me a verso to look up. When Jesus talks about Baptism, he talks about it being with water but not how.\n\n"I do not mock the Catholic faith, but just clearly see Truth. Truth is that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us for our dirty rotten sins."\n- We are all looking for truth and, Catholics agree, Jesus did die on the cross to save us form our sins.\n\n"Mary, the mother of Jesus, did not die on the cross. Mary cannot save us, so why pray to her?"\n- See above. To ask for prayers only.\n\n"Why does the Pope never marry? The Bible said that if a man find a wife, he has favor with God."\n- Jesus and John the Baptist did not marry. It is a long tradition in Judaism and Christianity that some people dedicate themselves entirely to God and remain celibate.\n\n"Also, where is the pope in the Bible? Not in there. Hmm.. "\n- Matthew 16:17-19 states, "Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." This is the main passage that Catholics believe that Jesus made Peter the first pope.\n\nThe similarities between Catholicism and other Christian denominations are greater in number and more important than a few differences.\n\nWith love in Christ.
333221
As people have said, Catholicism is just a specific type of Christianity.  As for the cross bit, many Protestants use crosses as opposed to crucifixes (the cross with Jesus on it) because of the commandment that says you shouldn't make any graven images.  Catholics interpret this to mean you shouldn't worship any graven images and use the crucifix to help focus their thoughts during prayer or worship.  Some other points based on the differences between Catholics and Protestants (most Christians who aren't Catholic are Protestant):\n\n 1. Saints.  Catholics will pray to saints, asking them to intercede on their behalf.  Protestants don't do this, and don't really have saints.  I believe one reason is they sometimes think of this as worship, naturally forbidden.  Also, Catholics believe Mary was born without sin (the "immaculate conception").  Protestants do not.\n 2.  Structure.  Catholicism has a hierarchical structure with the pope at the top, then cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, other religious, and laypeople.  This is not to say Catholics follow the pope mindlessly or above God, just that he acts as a father and a guide for the Church.  Protestants do not have this structure, but rely on small self-governing communities.\n 3.  The Eucharist.  Catholics say that the Eucharist is the essence of Christ, present with them.  They worship Christ in and through the Eucharist.  Protestants (generally) think the Eucharist is bread, symbolic of Christ, but not actually Christ.\n 4. Salvation.  Generally, Protestants believe that salvation can only come from accepting Christ as your savior.  Essentially, no matter how good a person is on their own, because they're not perfect, they wouldn't be able to make it to heaven if it weren't for Chirst's sacrifice.    Catholics believe this is true, but that you also have to 'walk the walk, not just talk the talk.'  Salvation is based on the acceptance of Christ as savior combined with good works.
996175
This is a specifically Catholic belief and involves the conception of Mary, not Jesus.  I believe that most Protestants (only know for sure about Baptists, though), do not subscribe to that belief
1057330
The Bible says that only Jesus is the way to heaven. The vision of virgin Mary is real and also the Fatima, the devil can do tricks too and if you believe your eyes more than the Bible you will surely be decieved. The statue Mary and other such things are a form of idol worship and thus they should not be prayed to or look to guidance and forgiveness. Mary was a good woman as the Bible says but neither the gospel writers, the prophets before, even Jesus did not put her up as a saint or someone to pray to or make idols of.
1132014
No where in the Bible does it mention Christ being hung on a cross.  The scriptures refer to it as a stake.  As well, in the Ten Commandments as well as numerous other scriptures, we are directed not to use items of veneration or idols in our worship of God.  Therefore, the cross, being an idol, would not be used in worship.  As well, if Christ was hung on a cross, would it be right to worship the item used to put him to death?
440034
a lot of good answers I see. a lot of the catholic religion is herisey. however, they do beleive in God and Jesus. Many are good people and many of them are saved by grace. but I would never pray or bow down to Mary or say 7 hail Marys. The Bible doesn't say to do that and no code will reveil something like that. their are other things too. the bottom line is, if you are going to worship this God and Jesus, do it as the bible says to do it. Try reading it for the facts. anything else is false and heretical.
304234
There is a famous story of an English Pagan king who was visited by a Missionary. He was told about Christianity and immediately accepted it!\n\nThe missionary was curious when the King took a cross from him. He asked why did you accept Christianity without question. He took the missionary to the back of his hall and showed him a table of idols and put the cross among them. \nThe Missionary asked you will have to destroy all these idols now. The King answered, I believe in all these Gods, I do not know which is the right one so I pray to them all. At least one must be the true one.\n\nYour mother is correct there is but one God with many names. Find one image of God that suits you and pray to that one alone.
1012402
You should not pray to Mary.  She was not divine, merely favored.  God is the only one...God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Trinity.
321699
you don't worship as a catholic...you "pray to" and "honor Mary, the mother of God"..............
758352
In my way of thinking---the Muslim would be higher in the eyes of G-d.  Muslims do not worship Jesus as G-d.  There is only One G-d, whether you call him Allah, or G-d.  \n\nI believe G-d is One, not a trinity, and it is idolatry to say otherwise.
11095
As catholics, I think we celebrate a few more holy days, as we believe in the communion of saints.  I don't think the protestants do, but I could be wrong.  This month, we celebrated Saint Nicholas' feast day, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and are observing several advent traditions/customs.  Other than that, I can't think of any obvious way you'd notice a difference.  Maybe in the crosses we hang on our walls.  Catholics will have crucifix, with Jesus on it.  Protestants, I think, are more likely to have a plain cross.