New Church Logo of Jesus in a Bell Jar?

[Shulem]

Let's be perfectly clear that this is Mormonism. This is a clear break from the tradition passed down by Moses that Israel was not to fashion graven images of Jehovah and that symbolism of the LORD's similitude was to remain in the heart and mind only.

In my opinion, the above is a violation of the Ten Commandments. This practice was never authorized by biblical prophets of either Testaments. This is entirely a Mormon construct and ignores the strict command given by the God of the Bible and has absolutely no precedent from teachings handed down from Moses, Jesus, or Peter -- whereunto fashioning images of the LORD into a graven image to admire -- for whatever reason was forbidden.

I believe the above is a form of idolatry and a break from biblical prophets.

[Shulem]

QUESTION: What did Joseph Smith think about graven images of Jesus?

ANSWER: Not much. He never erected one or authorized their making.

QUESTION: Did Joseph Smith approve of graven statues of Jesus?

ANSWER: Seems not.

TIMES AND SEASONS.
Vol. IV. No. 23.] CITY OF NAUVOO, ILL. October 15, 1843 [Whole No. 83.

BROTHER TAYLOR:-

But these things were clearly predicted by the prophets, and their downfall foretold Isaiah, XLII: 17; 'They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, ye are our gods.' When we see the graven statues of Virgin Mary, and even that of the Savior, St. Paul, &c., adorning the churches of all who are able to procure them, we think of this passage of scripture. When we enter into these churches, and behold these images, golden vaces [vases], &c., it brings to our mind the time that 'Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers . . . .

Joseph Smith did not think kindly of statues of the Virgin Mary and "even that of the Savior" that adorn the churches and cathedrals abroad. Smith's temples in Kirtland and Nauvoo were void of those kinds of Christian trademarks. A statue of Jesus in Nauvoo? Not if Joseph Smith had anything to say about it!

[Shulem]

The apostle Paul was somewhat distressed when he went to Greece and saw graven images firsthand. Beautiful stone statues that represented their gods in a figurative fashion whereas the Greek gods lived in the tops of Mount Olympus and beyond. The Greeks were famous for their gods and they took joy in making graven images to honor their gods. The stone statues were on public display for everyone to witness Greek faith, including the travelling St. Paul, a Christian apostle who was strict to abide by the Ten Commandments.

St Paul expressed his displeasure in the making of graven images (idolatry) to represent God which according to the Hebrew prophets can never be represented by the work of man's hand:

And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

Poseidon in Stone




Christus in Stone




Now, the big difference I see between the stone gods is that Poseidon is showing both his nipples including his belly button but Christ is only showing a single nipple and his hiding his belly button.

[Shulem]

Los Angeles Temple Visitors' Center

Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God.

Los Angeles Temple Visitors' Center

Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,

Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the Lord thy God hath forbidden thee.

This *is* a violation of the Ten Commandments

[Shulem]

Nauvoo Visitors' Center

Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the Lord thy God, which thou shalt make thee. Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the Lord thy God hateth.

Cumorah Visitors' Center

Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.

"Neither shalt thou set thee up any image; which the Lord thy God hateth."

[Shulem]

Rev’rently, quietly, lovingly we think of thee;

Rev’rently, quietly, softly sing our melody.

Rev’rently, quietly, humbly now we pray,

Let thy Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts today.

[Shulem]

I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

If God will not give any praise to a graven image then why should you?

[Shulem]

Now you don't have to go to a Visitors' Center to admire a graven image of Jesus. At an affordable price, you can simply order a 3D miniature version packaged within an admirable display of President Nelson's tomb arch! Set the idol up anywhere in your own home.

$30.00
Christus LDS logo



Or:

They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed. Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?

[Shulem]

Image from byutv.org:
Worship Service - BYUtv



This imagery shows how hand in hand the subtle use of idolatry is in play. The very word "WORSHIP" overlaid on the Christus gives special meaning and a spirit of reverence to the statue.

One can't help but look at the statue and feel a sense of reverence and perhaps even feel like they are closer to God by looking at the statue through spiritual symbolism and representation of the Divine.

Folks, this is a form of idolatry, much like what was practiced by the ancients who used idols to get closer to their gods. Here we see, Mormons do the same through their own brand of idolatry which I suspect will probably intensify and spread as the Church has fully succumbed to the practice of making graven images to honor their God. Mormons haven't advanced their brand of idolatry like the Catholics but they are well on their way of establishing their own corner of the market.

[Shulem]

Children are indoctrinated with the idea that the Christus is a sacred image that represents the Savior. The graven image of Christ depicted below is regarded as a sacred statue in the similitude of Christ and anything short of showing it respect, honor, and reverence -- would be unacceptable.

Why so? Because it's an idol!



You don't have to kneel before the idol but you may sit and reverence it while you pray silently in your heart.