Re: Is Jesus honored when people make a lie in His honor?

in article [EMAIL PROTECTED], Jon Houts at
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote on 12/1/03 10:46 PM:

> 
> On Fri, 28 Nov 2003 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> 
>> Scott Bryce <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
>>> Jon Houts wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Actually, Jeremiah's talking about an idol
>>>> carved of wood, covered in gold (and
>>>> silver) leaf.
>> 
>>> Oh, there you go throwing monkey wrenches
>>> into people's arguments by correctly
>>> interpreting scripture!
>> 
>> Incorrect: you miss the point. The shape of
>> the idol is not mentioned, because it's
>> irrelevant.
> 
> Right. The shape isn't important, but it is "shaped," not whole, and
> condemning the use of Christmas trees using this verse is a leap.
> 
>> If the heathen brought their idol inside
>> whole, rather than carved, then Jeremiah's
>> condemnation is equally applicable.
> 
> Sure, but he's referring to idols.  I've had potted palm trees in my home
> before, and I have some figurines carved of wood even now (and a Christmas
> tree, too...but that's not really a tree, it's steel and plastic).  But,
> none of them are idols.
> 

Which I believe satisfies all requirements. We are not "learning the way of
the heathen" by bringing a tree or a statue into the house any more than we
are if we were to eat "meat offered to idols" (as in 1 Corinthians 8-9).

The Christmas tree is not an idol. It is not worshipped. It is not prayed
to, or expected to intercede for us. It is a symbol only, albeit a special
one. It is true that the world has rather taken to it, misused and
misunderstood it (like it does any real spiritual value). But the world's
misuse of this symbol is no reason for me to not use it.

The more dangerous idols are those which are unseen, the idols of the heart.
Greed, lust, even legalism can be idols. Some people serve money. Some serve
their jobs. Some serve their "faith". Whatever is put before the Lord
Himself can be an idol.