Scriptural Reference:

"You shall have no other gods before[a] me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. "
Exodus 20:3-4

"All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame"
Isaiah 44:9-11

"Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."
1 John 5:21

" If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple."
1 Corinthians 3:17

Reflection:
When we read the "Homily Against Peril of Idolatry," as published in 1563 by the Church of England, we read a 16th-century treatise that argues against the use of images or objects within worship. That cites them as a source of idolatry. It does this by drawing heavily on scriptural passages. Particularly those found in the Old Testament commandments: Which speak strongly against the use of graven images. As well as historical examples of idol worship to assert that images can lead to superstition and a distraction from a true worship of God. The homily suggests that the proper focus for reverence should be on the Church as a place for scripture, prayer, and sacraments and shared worship; and not on external decorations or images themselves.

Key points of the "Homily Against Peril of Idolatry":

Rejection of Images in Worship:
The homily condemns the use of images, paintings, and excessive ornamentation in churches, viewing them as idols that incite or elicit idolatry. We can perceive how easy it is for people to focus too heavily on the object then on the Holy Spirit or on God Himself when in prayer or worship. As the object can become an intermediary between the one praying and the purpose of their prayer or worship. The tendency to rely tool heavily on a physical object becomes a prop that can lead an individual to start relating to the object. And like all props it can lead to a physical, emotional and psychological dependency.

Biblical Basis:
The homely argues that such images are forbidden by God in the Old Testament, which gave specific laws to warn against them. As God set down to Moses within the Ten Commandments. Forbidding His people from making such images or objects. Such as Those created in the early phase of the exodus from Egypt. Where, while Moses was away listening to God instruct him, the people created a golden calf so they had something tangible or physical to relate to. The object became the focus to the extent that they no longer felt a connection, or even a need for on, to their unseen God.

In a post-modern context the object can be a range of things. It could be the clothes that people where to attend services. I know of many Churches that insist people where either suits and dresses, known euphemistically as their Sunday best. Or those Churches where clothes must be bright and highlight a range of social issues that might be trending. Added these two would be the things set out within the Church to set the mood for the service. We know that almost every Church has a nativity scene set out during the month of December. Yet would a service be in any way diminished if the scene wasn't set out? Especially as almost every setting shows the visiting "Wise-Men" or "Magi" at the scene of the manger. When a read of the Bible tells us they didn't arrive until several years later when the family were living in a house. Setting the mood is one thing. Ignoring the truth for a quaint tradition is another.

Historical Comparison:
The text draws parallels between the use of images in contemporary churches and the practices of ancient pagan idolaters, arguing that the worship of saints' images with particular rituals is similar to how pagans worshipped their gods. In the past as throughout history people created such images to take the place of god's and goddesses'. Relying on the physicality of the object over the strength of faith in the hidden. For many Churches the aesthetic appeal of the building becomes more important then the spiritual purpose of the building. At the time of the writing of this homely the authours were aiming to point out the way Catholic Churches were ornate and created to inspire more awe then reverence. So a move away from the garnishing and a return to the core values was intended.

This could be deemed a move back to basics. Or a way that was intended on getting parishioners to remember the real purpose for their attending Church. If someone is surrounded by a range of fanciful objects and images they can become distracted and lose focus on the prayers. The early writers of the homilies wanted to warn against this tendency by using the Catholic Church as their example.

Focus on True Reverence:
The homily advocates for a reverence based on the church's function as a place for the teaching of God's word, prayer, and the administration of sacraments, rather than on outward and costly decorations. Essentially the Church is not meant to become ornate distracting images and ornamentation. As the real source of the Churches function is within the function of it as a place of worship and prayer. As in the previous homely, which focused on the use of the Church, this homely hones in on function and purpose as primary. Ornamentation being less important. Even to the extant that such ornaments being seen as distractions to the faith. The Catholic Church being deemed to have supplemented the true purpose of the house of God for the trappings or vibe. Many post modern Churches have followed a similar path. Creating a feel good vibe with a range of bright colours, loud modern music, trending slogans and phrases as well as a focus on attracting young people at the cost of alienating old people. Creating a shallow surface faith. One might even say similar to the seed that lands on shallow soil. It grows for a time. But soon dies from lack of proper nutritional foundations.

Hierarchical view of Images:
While condemning worship of images, the homily does not take a completely "iconophobic" stance. It maintains a more nuanced view, considering the subject matter and context of images, but still insists that those used for worship are perilous. So the use of any image within the Church is based on the principle purpose behind the image or object. If it's used to adorn but not distract from the core gospel principles and message then it's deemed to be okay. Though if it's becoming the primary focus to those who attend Church it's deemed to be a negative distraction and should not be permitted.

So as the old adage goes: All things in moderation. If a Church is able to include ornaments or artistic expressions within the building without compromising the integrity of faithful worship; then the out come is one that is encouraging and blessed. The need to keep any ornate expressions within context is as always important.

Substance over emotions is another way of expressing this. As mentioned, many Churches today seek to create a vibe or feel that will tract people to them, with an especial focus on the younger generation. They do this by using trending images and music. And sadly in most cases they miss the opportunity to engage with people on a deep significant level for the benefit of the immortal souls. As soon as trends change, and social influencers move on, so do those who were attracted to the Church.

So in closing and to repeat something that I had mentioned above. There is a need to keep the focus of those attending Church on the true source of their salvation. So that any ornate expressions within the Church is used with a strict application that is in context to worship.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I pray that my focus may always be on you.
That I may never become distracted,
By ornate objects or images.
That in all things my focus should be on,
The creator of all things,
And not on the created.

Though I will still marvel at the grandeur,
The splendour and wonder of creation.
As I give you proper and due praise,
For everything I have in the world.

May the earth and the heavens,
Continue to sing your praises,
From the rising of the sun,
To the setting of the same.

Amen