Art and Worship

Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke in pieces the pillars and cut down the Asherim and broke down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, and in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. 2 Chronicles 31:1

In 2 Chronicles 31:1, the people went through the cities and country to break the altars to other gods and cut the Asherim and tear down the high places. How would we view that today? We would probably say that it was horrible that we were destroying art and history. We would be appalled. Think about trying to destroy totem poles in the Pacific Northwest or disturbing sacred grounds in Hawaii. The public outcry would be great.

But some of the reformers tried the very same thing with icons, statues, and breaking stained-glass windows. Luther had to stop them. Why? Wasn't this the pattern or principle established in the Old Testament? Other reformers prevented musical instruments from being used in church; some still do that today. I think this boils down to 3 categories.

1.    Public – we are not a Christian nation with rules that govern objects of worship as did Israel. So, we don't have the right to break down public idols, we can protest if they are immoral such as some of art exhibits have been.

2.    Churches – since the only places this would happen now is if a church suddenly believed their stained-glass windows were idolatry. They would have to see that it was leading to idolatry and if so, yes, they should destroy them.

3.    Personally – in our homes this is where each of us have all the authority to destroy art if it becomes or is an idol. Some art such as Tiki Idols from Hawaii maybe considered art, but why have one in your home?

While all three have their place in history #3 is what I must consider for my life regardless of what the world or church is doing. Lord, help me to always put you first and have no idols before me.