Using Objects to Assist in Worship

The catch-all forum for general topics and debates. Minimal moderation. Rated PG to PG-13.
Post Reply
_zeezrom
_Emeritus
Posts: 11938
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:57 pm

Using Objects to Assist in Worship

Post by _zeezrom »

People use objects to help them worship. Examples are:

1. Symbols in clothing
Image


2. Illustrative art
Image


3. Literature

4. Architecture
Image

This is very important because we simply cannot internalize abstract concepts without using something tangible to base our constructs on.

I believe Mormonism would benefit from using objects that represent God to help believers come closer to God. What if you had a statue of God and were given opportunities to snuggle with it when you need comfort, kick it when you need to vent, watch it when you need to find inspiration, and hide it when you need to sin? How would that improve your religious worship?

Image
Oh for shame, how the mortals put the blame on us gods, for they say evils come from us, but it is they, rather, who by their own recklessness win sorrow beyond what is given... Zeus (1178 BC)

The Holy Sacrament.
_Blixa
_Emeritus
Posts: 8381
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:45 pm

Re: Using Objects to Assist in Worship

Post by _Blixa »

I've always liked the Roman Lares:

Image
From the Ernest L. Wilkinson Diaries: "ELW dreams he's spattered with/ grease. Hundreds steal his greasy pants."
_Quasimodo
_Emeritus
Posts: 11784
Joined: Sun Oct 24, 2010 1:11 am

Re: Using Objects to Assist in Worship

Post by _Quasimodo »

Idolatry!!! :biggrin:

I have no problem with that. The Old Testament has warnings against idolatry. Yet, Christianity overflows with it. From the plastic Jesus on dashboards to the Pieta.

I don't think I've ever ridden in a taxi in Mexico that didn't have a Lady of Guadalupe hanging from the rear view mirror. I guess that having a visual image is comforting for believers. Also, good luck (whatever that means).

It's not just visual. I'm listening to Beethoven's ninth symphony (Ode to Joy) while I type (curious coincidence).

Image

Image
This, or any other post that I have made or will make in the future, is strictly my own opinion and consequently of little or no value.

"Faith is believing something you know ain't true" Twain.
_zeezrom
_Emeritus
Posts: 11938
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:57 pm

Re: Using Objects to Assist in Worship

Post by _zeezrom »

Thanks, Blixa! I never would have looked into Lares had you not mentioned it.

It got me started on a little investigation into Mormon Lares, which DarthJ has alluded to before...

Latter Day Designs offers some 3" and 6" figurines, which unfortunately, do invite a little warmth and opportunity for worship. http://stores.lehi.com/StoreFront.bok

King Benjamin is somewhat inviting, standing with open arms. He makes for a nice Lares Compitalicii, Lares of communities:
Image

Lares Domestici, Lares of the house (Sariah):
Image

Lar Militaris (Stripling Warrior):
Image

Lares Permarini, protector of seafarers (Brother of Jared):
Image

Lares Praestites, Lares who stands before (Laman):
Image

Lares Rurales, Lares of the fields (Samuel the Lamanite, the missionary):
Image

Lares Viales, Lares of roads (Moroni, the wanderer):
Image

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lares#Lare ... ir_domains
Oh for shame, how the mortals put the blame on us gods, for they say evils come from us, but it is they, rather, who by their own recklessness win sorrow beyond what is given... Zeus (1178 BC)

The Holy Sacrament.
_zeezrom
_Emeritus
Posts: 11938
Joined: Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:57 pm

Re: Using Objects to Assist in Worship

Post by _zeezrom »

Quasimodo wrote: I'm listening to Beethoven's ninth symphony (Ode to Joy) while I type


Very nice.. :)

(curious coincidence).

Maybe not! :)
Oh for shame, how the mortals put the blame on us gods, for they say evils come from us, but it is they, rather, who by their own recklessness win sorrow beyond what is given... Zeus (1178 BC)

The Holy Sacrament.
_ludwigm
_Emeritus
Posts: 10158
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2007 8:07 am

Re: Using Objects to Assist in Worship

Post by _ludwigm »

zeezrom wrote:Lares Praestites, Lares who stands before (Laman):
[#img] http://stores.lehi.com/media/00/a64739f ... 40ef_m.JPG[/img]

Sheik Ilderim (Hugh Griffith) from Ben Hur...
A luciferic (is there such word?) character.
[#img] http://www.monologuedb.com/wp-content/u ... 50x150.jpg[/img]
[#img] http://www.movieposter.com/posters/arch ... /1/b70-584[/img]


Why do I like these types?

Hugh Griffith
[#img] http://files.mymovies.dk/Photos/b7eacd1 ... 52cdac.jpg[/img]

Jack Nicholson
[#img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9 ... kQHX9SH_pv[/img]

David Suchet (yes, someway similar...)
[#img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9 ... qG_2tDMOgn[/img]
- Whenever a poet or preacher, chief or wizard spouts gibberish, the human race spends centuries deciphering the message. - Umberto Eco
- To assert that the earth revolves around the sun is as erroneous as to claim that Jesus was not born of a virgin. - Cardinal Bellarmine at the trial of Galilei
Post Reply