Commandment Quote by Matthew Henry
““This practice was forbidden in Rome by Numa, a pagan prince; yet commanded in Rome by the pope, a Christian bishop, but, in this, anti-christian. The use of images in the church of Rome, at this day, is so plainly contrary to the letter of this command, and so impossible to be reconciled to it, that in all their catechisms and books of devotion, which they put into the hands of the people, they leave out this commandment, joining the reason of it to the first; and so the third commandment they call the second, the fourth the third, &c.; only, to make up the number ten, they divide the tenth into two.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1708
The Church’s use of images contradicts biblical commandments, showing how religious rules are often reinterpreted for convenience.
In simple terms: Church images clash with biblical law.
Key Takeaway
Question how doctrines are applied.
Themes
religion
interpretation
authority
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church services
- art education
- theological debate
- personal worship
Key Concepts
biblical law
iconoclasm
institutional adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do institutions alter commandments?
- Can symbolism coexist with doctrine?
A Different Perspective
Images can also teach and inspire faith.
