JJM wrote:Aineo wrote:
As to images the Commandment says you shall have no images before ME. Since the emoticons are not used in worship your analogy is ludicrous.
Exodus Chapter 20: 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
Emoticons are likenesses of emotions. Emotions happen on earth. Also if the commandment says no image shall be before God then ok well no catholic prefers an image of God before God himself. So no problem.
How like a Catholic to quote only portions of Scripture so they can practice what they please. Here is the full commandment from Exodus:
Exodus 20:4-6
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. NAS
Now, here is how Paul puts it:
Romans 1:18-23
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. NAS
Your example of the emoticons is ludicrous as we don't pray before emoticons or use them in worship.
I must say you have come up with a new twist by referring to John as a pompous jerk. If you knew anything about the customs of the time you would understand people did not sit on chairs to dine, they reclined. John is portrayed as sitting to Jesus' right or he would not have been leaning on Jesus' breast and the right side is the place of honor so John was not being pompous.