Does islam teach not to show image of living things?

[Valjean]

Exactly. Thank you.

But it does not connect the two ideas. Your interpretation is a convenience. There were numerous public images of other gods. Exhorting Jews not to bow down to them seems a more likely interpretation.
Of course, fundamentalists who take the Bible literally would have to conclude that the Bible means exactly what it says -- that Christians should make no images whatsoever of real things.

 

[Valjean]

It does. When you read the entire paragraph, it is abundantly clear that this is what it is saying.

It is not. The Bible clearly states:
"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" Period. Full-stop.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

But it does not connect the two ideas. Your interpretation is a convenience. There were numerous public images of other gods. Exhorting Jews not to bow down to them seems a more likely interpretation.
Of course, fundamentalists who take the Bible literally would have to conclude that the Bible means exactly what it says -- that Christians should make no images whatsoever of real things.

I've never known a protestant who was adverse to images of Jesus. They produce all sorts, like Jesus playing soccer with kids.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

It is not. The Bible clearly states:
"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" Period. Full-stop.

AGain, you cannot pull the verse out of the context of the paragraph. Paste the entire paragraph, and then we'll talk about what it means.

 

[Valjean]

I've never known a protestant who was adverse to images of Jesus. They produce all sorts, like Jesus playing soccer with kids.

Yes. Christianity, and pretty much all religion, is interpreted to reflect the current values of the social élites.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

Yes. Christianity, and pretty much all religion, is interpreted to reflect the current values of the social élites.

LOL social elites. It is the working class that is more devout, not the upper class.

 

[Valjean]

LOL social elites. It is the working class that is more devout, not the upper class.

The élite is not devout. They manipulate the devout. They feign camaraderie and common values to maintain the status quo that supports them. They see the religious as useful idiots.

 

[Valjean]

I've never known a protestant who was adverse to images of Jesus. They produce all sorts, like Jesus playing soccer with kids.

Of course not. Religion is interpreted to reflect the current social situation and values. People ignore the inconvenient parts and cherry-pick what supports the current status quo.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

The élite is not devout. They manipulate the devout. They feign camaraderie and common values to maintain the status quo that supports them. They see the religious as useful idiots.

Although the working class as a whole tends to be more devout than the rich, that's just a statistical generalization. There are plenty of elite that are religious. About 75% of college graduates identify with an organized religion. Most charitable foundations are supported by very generous donations from these elite.

I think your claim that they are "feigning" religion is groundless. I know there are some who only attend church in order to network for their business, or to come across as a more appealing political candidate. I'm just saying that is not usually the case.

 

[IndigoChild5559]

Of course not. Religion is interpreted to reflect the current social situation and values. People ignore the inconvenient parts and cherry-pick what supports the current status quo.

Sure. That is true of every ideology. People adapt to new circumstances. In 1860, the Democratic party was firmly pro-slavery. Today the Democratic party has fighting racism as a MAJOR part of its platform. In 250 CE, there was no New Testament and Christians depended on the authority of the bishops for their doctrine. Today, Christians have a New Testament and Protestant groups give it all theological authority, with no authority to the bishops. It's just the nature of life for groups to adjust.