The Sin of Graven Images

The Sin of Graven Images

How different denominations have interpreted this concept

One of The Ten Commandments states that we should not make “graven images”, but the details of what that implies get a bit fuzzy. Also, given our current technology and the seeming inability of this god who gave this command to ancient people to predict how far we’d advance technologically, we’re left with a bit of a question mark here on the exact interpretation.

Exodus 20:4–6 (NASB)

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected — even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.”

An idol or an image… would seemingly ban paintings, drawings, photography, and even television or other digital screens displaying anything if it includes “images” in a transient sense.

Sure, the next verses go on to say you also shouldn’t bow down and worship these idols or images, or he’s going to curse not just you, but your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids just for good measure. If you obey this one, he’ll bless 1,000 generations of your lineage, apparently even if they turn to idol worship…But many have interpreted this rule as both not creating these graven images as well as not worshipping them.

Alternatively, we could interpret that this commandment means just not to make these idols or images if your intention is to worship them, but what if we’re wrong? Also, what constitutes “worship”?

For instance, if you have a set of collectible figures, statues, or trophies that you treasure that feature human or animal figures on them, are those graven images that breach this commandment?

What if you give your children dollars or toys that are figures of animals or people, and they in theory love those dolls more than God?

Or what about if you spend most of your day staring at a screen, ignoring most other aspects of your life? That sure seems like “worship” to me.

There are a few ways to interpret this but rather than rely on conjecture, let’s just see how it has been interpreted by various denominations of Christianity.