The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum The Passion movie and the 2nd Commandment

Doubtless, if you would do some further reading on this subject, e.g., Calvin's Institutes (a download for your PC) and read in, II:8.13-21, and/or Ursinus' Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism in the section on the Second Commandment you would find much more information than I am able to provide you here.

In essence both these writers and the historical position of the Church has always been, until recently, that man may not create any form, image (representation), specifically of material matter nor in one's imagination any form or image of any of the three Person's of the Trinity. This would include all forms of so-called "art work", whether it be a simple line drawing, stained glass, intricate and detailed sculpture, painting, etc. This would be even more applicable to another human being "representing" God in any of the three Persons, e.g., in a skit, play, drama, movie, etc., which would be the epitome of blasphemy, IMHO.

As to your wanting to know about a "dove". That is an easy one because Scripture speaks of the Holy Spirit as manifesting Himself in the form of a dove. So, if the intent of an artist is to represent God the Spirit as a dove, then he/she has broken the Second Commandment. However, if a person were to make an image of a dove simply as a representation of the bird which God created, then this would not be a violation of the Second Commandment. The same could be said for all the theophonies described in the Bible.

As to words... they are not to be classified as "representations" in the context and intent of the prohibition of the Second Commandment. Thus, the Jews invention of the Tetragrammaton, is understandable, but no violation. One may individually choose to use such devices out of conscience. However, the Scripture enjoins us to call upon the name of the Lord, etc. It is a man-made invention which is not required or commanded of God.

Words can be spoken and/or written which are in violation of God's commandments, however. For example, the Third Commandment forbids the "taking of the name of the LORD God in vain". Teaching/preaching heresy in regard to the person and nature of God is also forbidden; but that should be obvious. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Does this help? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,