Lord’s Day 35
Q98. Can't images be used in churches to help teach people?
No. We should not try to be wiser than God. He wants his people taught by the living preaching of his Word — not by images that cannot even speak.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Romans 10:14–15, 17
2 Timothy 3:16–17
2 Peter 1:19
Jeremiah 10:8
Habakkuk 2:18–20
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does the catechism say images should not be used to teach people about God in churches?
- 2
What has God chosen as the main way his people are taught?
- 3
How is hearing the Bible preached different from looking at a picture?
Illustration
A letter from a friend tells you exactly what the friend wants to say, in the friend's own words. A painting someone else made of your friend gives you that artist's impression, which might be way off. God chose to teach his people through the living preaching of his Word because his Word carries his exact message. Images are someone else's interpretation.
Application
Pay closer attention to the sermon this Sunday. God has chosen preaching as the primary way to teach his people. Ask God to open your ears and heart to receive what he says through his Word.