In Reply to: Byron! Children's dolls are abominable idols? posted by Donny on March 10, 2003 at 12:36:50:
Hi Donny, While I believe that most customs of the people today have roots in pagan cultures I can assure you that I do not hold the extreme positions on these matters that some do. Just recently a man (an elder) at a fellowship that I incidently no longer attend tried to convince me that all representations of Jesus are evil based on the verses forbidding the making of images of things in Heaven, on earth or under the sea. While I believe that a lot of representations of Jesus are evil (Esp. When combined with pagan symbology, or used specifically to teach blasphemous concepts or are simply a gross or deliberately deceptive depiction of Him.) I found that the man's views while backed up by clear verses on the matter nevertheless were wrong because he had taken the verse out of it's context. (EI. The making of images to bow down before them as gods.)
I apply the same overall principles to images in general. I will explain that further. When such things are used as objects of worship to distract away from real worship of God (That must be in spirit and truth.)then the objects become 'images of jealousy' provoking the Lord to anger. The purpose of promoting false religions and/or the worship of false gods would make such items, 'evil'. By that I mean that God would hate the article simply because it's purpose is to promote evil. Devils you can be sure, take delight in those things that lead people astray. Its the same concept found in Satanism where everything that God loves is held in contempt. His Son, His ways, those who belong to Him, and mankind in general. (That's why human sacrifice is demanded by demons because they hate people.) On the subject of childrens toys the same principles apply that is, (1)Do they promote a false religion? (2)Do they promote rebellion against the Lord? (3) Do they contain deception that misleads children?
I have a little stuffed bear just next to me that just smiled a little, but he knows that if he starts talking back to me that he will have to learn fast how to scrounge for nuts and berries. He has been really well behaved, so far, and I am really not expecting any problems. So, thank you Jesus for cute fluffy toys. Ps. I cannot recommend any child care workers who themselves cannot pass the above test, That is (1) and (2) and (3) because they are lost themselves.
The Lord bless you and yours.