The issue of statues of Jesus is one that Christians have wrestled with throughout history. There are good arguments on both sides of this issue, with some Christians feeling comfortable with statues of Jesus while others oppose them. Ultimately, there is room for disagreement among believers on this matter. However, looking carefully at what the Bible teaches can help provide wisdom and perspective.
The Second Commandment
One of the most common biblical arguments against making statues of Jesus points to the second of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:4-5 says, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them.” This command clearly forbids making idols or images that would be worshipped as false gods. Throughout the Old Testament, the people of Israel struggled with idolatry, often incorporating statues and images of pagan gods into their worship practices. God strongly condemned this as breaking the second commandment.
Those opposed to statues of Jesus argue that any statue intended to represent him risks violating the second commandment. A statue, even if not worshipped, is still a “likeness” or a “carved image” that should be avoided according to a straightforward reading of the text. There is also a concern that statues may become the objects of idolatrous practices over time, even if that is not the original intent. On this perspective, it is safest and wisest to avoid statues of Jesus altogether.
Statues in the Bible
On the other hand, those comfortable with statues of Jesus point out examples in the Bible where objects depicting spiritual figures were created and viewed positively. For example, God commanded Moses to create statues of cherubim to sit atop the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18). Also, the temple later built by Solomon contained many carved and molded images, again at God’s command (1 Kings 6-7). Clearly, statues and images were permissible in certain religious contexts according to the Bible.
Advocates of Jesus statues argue that there is nothing inherently wrong with a three-dimensional artistic rendering of an important religious figure. The biblical prohibition, they contend, is against the worship of idols as false gods, not against all religious art and decoration. As long as a statue of Jesus is not treated as an object of worship, it does not violate the second commandment.
It is also argued that statues can play a helpful role in visually reminding people of Jesus and directing attention and devotion toward him. Religious art has long served this purpose in churches. Just as it is biblically permissible and helpful to have paintings of Jesus, so statues can serve the same function of turning our thoughts toward Christ.
The Danger of Idolatry
Those concerned about statues of Jesus counter by saying that it is a very small step from a physical depiction of Christ to an idolatrous regard for the object itself. While the original intent may be to create art that reminds people of Jesus, the statue itself can easily become the focus rather than Jesus. Throughout history, idolatry has consistently been a live temptation for followers of God. So while statues may not be intrinsically wrong, they nonetheless open up the serious danger of diverting worship away from God.
There is good reason for caution, this perspective argues. In our human nature, it is all too easy to transfer reverence and sacred awe from the true figure of Jesus to a statue representing him. The concrete, tangible statue can hijack worship of Christ in subtle ways. It is often harder to keep the true Jesus as the sole object of devotion when a physical likeness is present.
Maintaining Focus on Christ
This debate will likely continue among believers. Strong arguments abound on both sides. Perhaps the most helpful perspective is to maintain a clear focus on Christ himself, who transcends any artistic representation of him. Our worship and awe belong to the risen and reigning Son of God, not to any statue depicting him. Approaching the issue with humility, thoughtfulness and Jesus-centeredness is key.
Some additional biblical principles may provide guidance:
- Avoid idolatry and anything that could become an idol (1 John 5:21).
- Be careful and thoughtful about any visual representations of God (Deuteronomy 4:15-19).
- Make Jesus Christ alone the object of worship, not any physical item (Matthew 4:10).
- Show grace, understanding and freedom to Christians who view this differently (Romans 14:1-8).
- Aim in all things to love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-40).
Christians have wrestled with the appropriateness of depicting Jesus through art for two millennia. There are merits to arguments on both sides. Wise and humble Christians can disagree agreeably on this issue while maintaining clear focus on the surpassing worth of Christ himself.
The Purposes of Art
Those who support statues of Jesus emphasize the value of art in Christian faith and worship. God has gifted many with artistic abilities, and their talents can serve to illustrate spiritual truths, portray biblical events, and inspire reverence and devotion.
Religious art fulfills several meaningful purposes:
- Reminding people of Jesus – Statues, paintings and other art depicting Jesus help keep the Savior at the forefront of people’s minds and hearts.
- Teaching biblical events – Artistic renderings of Bible stories, whether through painting, sculpture, or other media, reinforce these accounts of God’s work in human history.
- Enhancing the beauty of worship spaces – Statues and religious art adorn places of worship in ways that create awe at the glory and majesty of God.
- Inspiring reverence and gratitude – Thoughtfully crafted art helps people sense the transcendence and grace of Jesus, producing emotions of gratefulness and devotion.
Those who embrace statues and other art argue that God is honored when artistic gifts are exercised with wisdom and clear focus on Jesus himself as the sole object of worship.
The Concern for True Worship
For those Christians cautious about statues of Jesus, a chief concern is safeguarding the purity and integrity of worship. They argue:
- The priority is worshiping Christ in spirit and truth, not venerating a statue (John 4:23-24). An object, no matter how well crafted, must never upstage the Son of God himself.
- Artistic skill can produce alluring idols – The greater the talent of artisans, the more beguiling their works become. Such allure dangerously distracts from true worship.
- Well-intentioned religious art can shift subtly into idolatry – Even art created with pure motives risks becoming an idol over time. The slide into idolatry often happens slowly and imperceptibly.
- God is best honored through obedience, not artistry – While artists mean well, God cares far more about hearts of obedience and lives of service (1 Samuel 15:22). These please him more than impressive works of art ever could.
These Christians argue that avoiding statues of Jesus, though it may deprive worship of some aesthetic enhancements, is a small sacrifice to ensure purity of worship. The decrease in artistic merit is more than compensated by the increase in unadulterated devotion to Christ.
Differing Christian Perspectives
Within contemporary Christianity a variety of perspectives exist regarding statues of Jesus:
- Catholic and Orthodox traditions – Statues and other artistic depictions of Jesus have a well-established place in Catholic and Orthodox churches. Their use for veneration and worship is an accepted part of these traditions.
- Reformed perspective – Most Reformed and Presbyterian churches avoid statues of Jesus and religious art in their worship spaces due to the second commandment and the danger of idolatry.
- Some evangelical churches accept statues – A number of evangelical congregations display statues and other art as enhancements to their facilities while keeping worship focused on Christ.
- Many avoid statues – Other evangelical churches steer clear of any statues or artwork depicting Jesus or other biblical figures out of concern that these objects could become idols and distractions.
This range of viewpoints shows that committed Christians interpret the Bible differently on this issue. While perspectives vary, what matters most is keeping Jesus as the sole object of devotion and guarding against anything supplanting complete worship of him.
Ancient Christian Debates Over Art
Controversies over depicting Jesus date back to the earliest centuries of church history. In the 8th century, a major dispute arose over the use of religious images and icons during the period known as Byzantine Iconoclasm.
The iconoclasts sought to prohibit visual representations of Jesus, saints, and biblical events in churches. They cited the second commandment and argued that these images easily became idols. In 754, the iconclasts gained imperial support and began removing icons and religious artwork from churches.
But in 787, the Seventh Ecumenical Council at Nicaea condemned iconoclasm and affirmed the use of icons and statues in worship. However, the council was careful to specify that the honor shown to these objects should not be confused with the worship due to God alone. Debates continued for decades before icons and art were fully reinstated in Orthodox worship.
In the 16th century Protestant Reformation, major leaders like John Calvin and Huldrych Zwingli actively removed statues, religious art, and decorations from places of worship. They associated these objects too closely with Catholic idolatry and excesses. Many Protestant churches have maintained this artistic simplicity to the present day.
Through the centuries, committed Christians have arrived at different conclusions regarding the place of art in worship. Yet when debates are carried out with grace and humility, they can strengthen the church’s discernment and honor God.
Historical Context and Cultural Influence
It is worth considering how cultural and historical context may shape perspectives on religious art. Some factors that likely influence views on this issue include:
- Association of icons with Eastern Orthodoxy – Using icons and statues is closely tied with Orthodox traditions, which can make some Protestants uncomfortable.
- Reformation response to Catholic abuses – Reformers associated religious art with idolatry and excesses of the medieval Catholic church.
- Modernism’s emphasis on simplicity – Contemporary minimalist design values may preference unadorned, plain worship spaces over ornate decoration.
- Accessibility to biblical teaching – In eras of limited biblical access, art played a bigger teaching role, which some view as less essential today.
While Scripture should be the primary authority, cultural contexts do shape assessments of particular practices. Awareness of this promotes grace and allows diversity over issues where the Bible is not absolute.
The Primacy of Christ
One helpful way forward in this debate is to allow freedom where the Bible is not explicit while also emphasizing some key biblical principles:
- Christ alone deserves worship, honor and praise (Revelation 5:9-14).
- Idolatry in any form is dangerous and prohibited (1 Corinthians 10:14).
- Human artistic gifts have value but are prone to misuse (Exodus 31:1-6).
- Focus on Jesus; all else is secondary (Hebrews 12:1-2).
If discussions of religious art begin fracturing Christian unity, it is wise to set debates aside and refocus on Christ. He alone must have supremacy in the church and the Christian’s heart (Colossians 1:15-20).
When Christians keep Jesus primary, treat each other with grace, and allow freedom where Scripture permits diversity, the church can gain from thoughtful engagement with issues like religious art. Most importantly, Christ will be honored and glorified in the process.