Veneration of Images

AveMaria12 · #1 Jun 24, '12, 3:47 pm

I know that it is appropriate to kiss crosses and crucifixes, but is it proper to kiss images of saints?

JimR-OCDS · #2 Jun 24, '12, 4:36 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by AveMaria12

I know that it is appropriate to kiss crosses and crucifixes, but is it proper to kiss images of saints?

Not wrong just as kissing a photo of a loved one is not wrong.

You're not expressing love of the image on the photo, but the person.

So the same with Saints. You're expressing love for that saint.

Jim

CountrySteve · #3 Jun 24, '12, 4:41 pm

if it is alright to kiss a statue, than why not a image

God bless

AnglicanForMary · #4 Jun 24, '12, 6:43 pm

I believe the appropriateness of the veneration of Images (primarily Icons) and Relics of Christ, Our Lady, and the Saints was answered in the definitive positive in the last of the Oecumenical Councils accepted by both East and West (though Protestants tend to discount Councils 6 and 7) Nicea II in AD 787..which in fact commanded the veneration of the same as a defense of the Incarnation (if I am not mistaken), which brought about the resolution of the Iconoclastic controversy (in the East though, the controversy extended on down to AD 842 and the death of the last iconoclastic Roman emperor).

AveMaria12 · #5 Jun 29, '12, 2:25 pm

Quote:

which in fact commanded the veneration of the same as a defense of the Incarnation (if I am not mistaken

Thanks. I think that the Incarnation was an argument FOR veneration of icons etc. One of the saints taught that God became flesh, and the invisible God was made visible and able to venerate in a visible way. Therefore the icons are then allowed.

AveMaria12 · #6 Jun 29, '12, 2:27 pm

Thanks for all your input and postings. I was wondering more specifically with the kissing, because it would be like kissing your brother or sister. I don't know if this makes complete sense, but I'm sure you can explain it to me.