The Use of Images in the Church of Rome
One of the most striking and corrupt features of Roman Catholic worship is the use of images and statues. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a modern standard of Popish doctrine and practice, the use of images in religious worship is defended. While it refers to the prohibition of idolatry in the Old Testament law, the solemn denunciation of this great sin is greatly softened down. This is done in numerous ways, not least by the fact that the Roman Church actually makes the Second Commandment form part of the First Commandment. This naturally detracts from the stark warning which is given in the Ten Commandments against idol worship.
Again, the Catechism speaks of the cherubim, the ark of the covenant, and the brazen serpent as images which God permitted as pointing towards “salvation by the incarnate Word” and thereby opening up the possibility of using images in worship. But we must remember that neither the ark, the depictions of the cherubim in the tabernacle, nor the brazen serpent, were intended to be worshipped or used as objects of veneration. This is true of the whole range of symbols used in Old Testament worship. God commanded these specific symbols under the Old Testament but He has not commanded the use of such symbols in the New Testament, where we have a much clearer revelation of the truth and a simpler form of Divinely-commanded worship.
Further, the Catechism of the Catholic Church subtly introduces idolatry into “Christian” worship by teaching that the incarnation of Christ justifies “a new ‘economy’ of images”. It states that the “honour paid to sacred images is a ‘respectful veneration’, not the adoration due to God alone”.^1 But this surely means one of two alternatives: either, first, Christ is given a lesser “worship” when worshipped by means of an image – but this is blasphemous since He is due the exclusive adoration which belongs to God alone – or, second, such “worship” is in fact divided between the image and Christ. This distinction between different grades of adoration and worship is a lying deceit of Satan, and its practical effect is to make men into worshippers of material objects and not of the true and living God. Scripture is emphatic on this point: “I am the Lord; that is My Name; and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images” (Is 42:8).
Another consideration is that there is no possibility of knowing whether icons, statues and all such graven images actually reflect the appearance of the persons they are intended to represent. Neither the Divine nature and attributes, nor the glory of Christ, for example, can be portrayed by human art. The prominent Roman Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas (1225-74) taught that “the movement [of the worshipper’s mind and heart] towards the image does not terminate in it as image, but tends towards that whose image it is”.^2 But we must ask the question: how can it possibly be known that the image reflects the reality of the intended object?
In his important work entitled, The Doctrines and Practices of the Church of Rome Truly Represented, the Church of England divine Edward Stillingfleet (1635-99) deals with the objection that the image helps to bring the knowledge of spiritual things more readily to mind. He asks the question whether we should bow down to a good preacher or even to an apostle, because they brought divine truths to men’s minds? Should we therefore “kneel down . . . burn candles and incense before him, out of respect to his good doctrine?” He adds, “A good preacher would tell [his hearers] their duty . . . and take men off from the worship of any creature, animate or inanimate, and direct them to worship God alone, who made heaven and earth”.^3
The conclusion is obvious: material objects or anything else that reminds us of sacred truths are not to be worshipped. The poor, deluded followers of the Pope are duped and ensnared into offering a false, idolatrous worship under the pretence of great piety, but the Word of God says of this and all such idolatry, “Who hath required this at your hand?” (Is 1:12). AWM
^1 The Catechism of the Catholic Church, Geoffrey Chapman, 1994, p 463.
^2 The Catechism of the Catholic Church, p 464.
^3 E Stillingfleet, The Doctrines and Practices of the Church of Rome Truly Represented Edinburgh, 1845, p 78.
Church Information
Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood
The Religion and Morals Committee have been alarmed to discover the content of the national resource for Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood (RSHP) education for children and young people. It is approved by the Scottish Government for ages 3-18 in Scottish schools and childcare, as part of the curriculum. It is becoming increasingly popular among schools, except where one local authority has taken a firm line against it. At all levels, the core messages regarding the nature of families, relationships and personal autonomy are entirely contrary to Scripture and nature. An overall summary would be that the resource is amoral, graphic and at best confusing and inappropriate at each age and stage. It teaches a self-centred philosophy and promotes homosexuality, transgenderism and sexual activity of every kind. It generally trivialises this sensitive area.
The Religion and Morals Committee have produced a guide for parents, to identify its objectionable nature at each level. The intention is that parents will be informed, and alerted to take proactive steps to prevent their children being exposed to corrupting immoral and unbiblical values. The guide may be accessed on the Church website using the following link: https://media.fpchurch.org.uk/2021/08/Relationships-Education-for-Parents-Leaflet.pdf. We urge the prayers of all for a rising generation who will be exposed to this evil.
F R Daubney, Convener
Synod Committee Meetings
Synod committees will meet, DV, as follows:
Tuesday, October 5:
- 09.10 – 09.40 Church Interests Committee
- 09.50 – 11.20 Training of the Ministry Committee
- 11.30 – 12.30 Sabbath Observance Committee
- 12.40 – 13.40 Overseas Committee
- 13.50 – 14.50 Outreach Committee
- 15.00 – 17.00 Religion and Morals Committee
- 18.00 – 19.30 Publications and Bookroom Committee
- 19.40 – 20.40 Welfare of Youth Committee
Wednesday, October 6
- 10.00 – 13.00 Finance Committee (Rev) K M Watkins, Clerk of Synod
Overseas Fund
By appointment of Synod, the special collection on behalf of the Overseas Fund is due to be taken in congregations during September.
W Campbell, General Treasurer
I see not an instance in Scripture of any remarkable manifestation of God to man which did not instantly generate in his heart, and produce in his act, a lowly reverence and self-abasement.
Charles Simeon
Human character is worthless in proportion as abhorrence of sin is lacking in it.
W G T Shedd
FREE PRESBYTERIAN PLACES OF WORSHIP
Scotland
Aberdeen: 2 Alford Place, AB10 1YD, Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Tuesday, 7.15 pm. Rev D W B Somerset BSc DPhil, 18 Carlton Place, Aberdeen, AB15 4BQ; tel: 01224 645250.
Bracadale Duirinish-Strath: Struan: Sabbath 12 noon. Glendale and Vatten: Sabbath 6pm, alternately. Thursday 7 pm, rotating between Struan, Vatten and Glendale. Contact Rev I D MacDonald; tel: 01478 612110.
Dingwall: Church, Hill Street, IV15 9JP: Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Beauty (Balblair): Sabbath 6.30 pm, Thursday 7.30 pm. Rev A W MacColl MA PhD, 10 Achary Road, Dingwall, IV15 9JB; tel: 01349 866546.
Dornoch: Sabbath 11.30 am. Manse tel: 01862 810615. Bonar: Sabbath 6 pm. Wednesday 7.30 pm (alternately in Dornoch and Bonar). Laig: Church and Manse: no F P services. Contact Mr J Campbell; tel: 01863 766296.
Edinburgh: 63 Gilmore Place, EH3 9NU, Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Thursday 7.30 pm. Rev D Campbell MA, 35B Barnton Avenue West, Edinburgh EH4 6DF; tel: 0131 312 8227, e-mail: dcampbell1560@gmail.com.
Farr (by Daviot): Sabbath 12 noon. Tomatin: Sabbath 12 noon. Stratherrick: Sabbath 12 noon. (Each of these services is held once in three weeks as intimated). Contact Mr M J Schouten; tel: 01463 221776.
Fort William: Monzie Square, Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm as intimated. Manse: 15 Perth Place, PH33 6UL; tel: 01397 708553. Contact Mr D A McKinnon. Tel: 01397 702597.
Gairloch (Ross-shire): Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm. Prayer meeting in Strath, Thursday 7.30 pm. Manse tel: 01445 712247. Contact Rev D A Ross; tel: 01445 731340.
Glasgow: St Jude’s Church, 137 Woodlands Road, G3 6LE. Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev R MacLeod BA, 4 Laurel Park Close, Glasgow, G13 1RD; tel: 0141 954 3759.
Greenock: Sabbath 2.30 pm, held in Free Church of Scotland hall, 14 Jamaica Street, PA15 1XX. Sabbath 2.30 pm. Contact Rev R MacLeod; tel: 0141 954 3759.
Halkirk: Sabbath 11.30 am, 5.30 pm; Thursday 7.30 pm. Rev W A Weale, F P Manse, Bridge Street, KW12 6YG; tel: 01847 831758. Thurso: Duncan Street; and Strathy: no services meantime.
Harris (North): Tarbert: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm. Tarbert and Stockinsh: Tuesday 7.30 pm alternately. Rev J B Jardine BD, F P Manse, Tarbert, Isle of Harris, HS3 3DF; tel: 01859 502253, e-mail: northharris.fpc@btopenworld.com.
Harris (South): Leverburgh: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wednesday 7 pm. Sheilebost: as intimated. Rev K M Watkins BA, F P Manse, Ferry Road, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, HS5 3UA; tel: 01859 520271.
Inverness: Chapel Street, IV1 1NA; Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev K D Macleod BSc, 11 Auldcastle Road, Inverness, IV2 3PZ; tel: 01463 712872.
Kinlochbervie: Sabbath 6 pm. Scourie: Sabbath 11:30 am, Tuesday 7 pm (as intimated). Contact Dr A Ross; tel 01971 502099.
Kyle of Lochalsh: Sabbath 6 pm. Manse tel: 01599 534933. Contact Rev D A Ross; tel: 01445 731340.
Laide (Ross-shire): Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev D A Ross. F P Manse, Laide, IV22 2NB; tel: 01445 731340.
Lochcarron: Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7 pm. Manse.
Lochinver: Church. No F P services at present.
Ness: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wednesday 7 pm. Manse tel: 01851 810228. Contact Rev K M Watkins; tel: 01859 520271.
North Tolsta: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Thursday 7 pm; 1st Monday of month 7 pm. Manse tel: 01851 890325. Contact Rev J R Tallach; tel: 01851 702501.
North Uist: Bayhead: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Thursday 7.30 pm (fortnightly). Manse tel: 01876 510233. Contact: Rev J B Jardine; tel: 01859 502253.
Oban: Church. No F P services at present.
Perth: Pomarium, off Leonard Street. Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev A B MacLean, 5 Main Road, Luncarty, PH1 3EP; tel: 01738 828762.
Portree: Sabbath 12 noon, 6.30 pm; Wednesday 7 pm.. Rev I D MacDonald BA, F P Manse, Achachork, Portree, IV51 9HT; tel: 01478 612110.
Raasay: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm. Contact Rev I D MacDonald; tel: 01478 612110.
Shieldaig: Sabbath 11 am; Applecross: Sabbath 6pm. Tuesday 7 pm (alternately in Shieldaig and Applecross). Shieldaig manse tel: 01520 755259, Applecross manse tel: 01520 744411. Contact Rev D A Ross; tel: 01445 731340.
Staffin: Sabbath 12 noon, 5 pm; Wednesday 7 pm. Manse: Clachan, Staffin, IV51 9HY tel: 01470 562243.
Stornoway: Matheson Road, Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Thursday 7.30 pm. Achmore: Sabbath 12 noon; Tuesday 7 pm. Rev J R Tallach MB ChB, 2 Fleming Place, Stornoway, HS1 2NH; tel: 01851 702501.
Uig (Lewis) Miavaig: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wednesday 12 noon. Manse tel: 01851 672251. Contact Rev K M Watkins; tel: 01859 520271.
Ullapool: Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Manse: Quay Street, IV26 2UE; tel: 01854 612449. Contact Rev D A Ross; tel: 01445 731340.
England
Barnoldswick: Kelbrook Road, Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm; South Manchester: Sabbath 6.00 pm, in Trinity Church, Massie Street, Cheadle (entry at rear of building); Wednesday 8 pm, alternately in Sandbach and Gatley. Contact Mr R Middleton, 2 Emerald Drive, Sandbach, CW11 4ND; tel: 01270 761673.
Broadstairs: Sabbath 11 am, 5 pm at Portland Centre, Hopeville Ave, St Peter’s; Tuesday 7 pm at Friends’ Meeting House, St Peter’s Park Rd. Contact Dr T Martin; tel: 01843 866369.
London: Zoar Chapel, Varden St, E1 2AW. Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wednesday 7.15 pm. Manse: 6 Church Ave, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6BU; tel: 0208 309 1623. Contact Mr Hugh Campbell; tel: 01923 442497.
Northern Ireland
Larne: Station Road. No F P services. Contact Rev R Macleod; tel: 0141 954 3759.
Canada
Chesley, Ontario: Church and Manse, 40 Fourth Street SW. Sabbath 10.30 am, 7.30 pm; Tuesday 8 pm. Contact: Mr David Kuiper; tel: 519 363 0367; or Mr Gilbert Zekveld; tel: 519 363 5899. Manse tel: 519 363 2502.
Vancouver: Burnaby Community Room, 3605 Gilmore Way, Burnaby, BC, V5G 4X5. Sabbath 9.30 am, 6.30 pm, Wednesday 7.30 pm. Contact: Mr Douglas Spratt; tel: 604 990 4051, or Mr David Kuiper; tel: 519 363 0367. E-mail: info@fpchurchvancouver.ca.
USA
Santa Fe, Texas: Church and Manse, 4031 Jackson St 77517. Sabbath 10.30 am, 5 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Contact Mr Joseph Smith; tel: 409 927 1564.
Australia
Grafton, NSW: 172 Fitzroy Street. Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev G G Hutton BA PhD, 3 Martin Crescent, Junction Hill, NSW 2460; tel: (02) 6644 6174; e-mail: grafton@internode.on.net.
Sydney, NSW: Corner of Oxford and Regent Streets, Riverstone. Sabbath 10.30 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev G B Macdonald BSc, 60 Hamilton St, Riverstone, NSW 2765; tel: (02) 9627 3408; e-mail: sydneyfpchurch@aapt.net.au.
New Zealand
Auckland: 45 Church Street, Otahuhu. Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev J D Smith, 9 Pedlar Place, Conifer Grove, Auckland; tel: 09 282 4195.
Carterton: 124 High Street North, Carterton. Sabbath 11 am, 4 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Contact: Mr Hank Optland, P O Box 150, Carterton, 5743; tel: 02 7432 5625.
Gisborne: 463a Childers Road. Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev C Hembd, 14 Thomson St, Gisborne 4010; tel: 06 863 3140.
Tauranga: 45 Cliff Road. Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Thursday 6.30 pm (once a month as intimated locally). Contact: Rev J D Smith; tel: 09 282 4195.
Singapore
Singapore: Metropolitan YMCA Singapore, 60 Stevens Road, Singapore 257854: Sabbath: 9.30 am and 5.30 pm at Palm Room; Wednesday: 7.30 pm, at Cypress Room. Contact: Mr Bernard Yong, 4 Chuan Place, Singapore 554822; tel: (65) 6383 4466, e-mail: byong1@singnet.com.sg.
Ukraine
Odessa: F P Mission Station, 3 Pestelya Street, 65031. Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wednesday 6 pm. Rev D Levitskyi; tel: 00 38 048 785 19 24; e-mail: dlevitskyi@gmail.com; or contact Mr I Zadorozhnyi, P O Box 100, Odessa-91, 65091; e-mail: antipa@eurocom.od.ua.
Zimbabwe
Bulawayo: Lobengula Township, PO Magwegwe, Bulawayo. Rev S Khumalo, F P Manse, Stand No 56004, Mazwi Road, Lobengula, PO Magwegwe, Bulawayo; tel: 00263 9407131, e-mail: skhumalo.byo@gmail.com.
Ingwenya: Church and Secondary School. Postal Address: Ingwenya Mission, Private Bag T5445, Bulawayo.
Mbuma: Church and Hospital. Postal Address: Mbuma Mission Hospital, Private Bag T5406, Bulawayo.
New Canaan: Church.
Zenka: Church.