Praising and kissing statues, is it a sin?

As a fellow Christian I know you have seen this scenario or you may have really done it. I am writing this in order to educate the ignorant or I may as well know what the Christian community has to say about this. I know some of you may object regarding this matter, but it's okay, I'm open to all comments and reactions but please leave them below with respect and your values.

Photograph credits: Luis Sinco                                     

“You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God."

-Leviticus 26:1

 2nd Commandment:

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."

-Exodus 20:4

Regarding the verse above, it is no doubt contradictory on what we are doing. Yes. I too have done this. But, am I to blame? Why are there so many statues at different Churches? What is their purpose? Where is God? 

The answer? It has always been written on the most read book in the whole world, The Bible. The Bible, in my opinion, is a manual authored by God, written by prophets and published by time, in order for us to be guided in living our day to day lives.

Praising and kissing statues, is it a sin?

Regarding the first 2 verses mentioned, and on the question, "Kissing,hugging, and praising statues, is it a sin?", I do not want to condemn anyone for those who are innocent by as what they say, "Ignorance of the law excuses no one" my answer would be "Yes. It is", and I do not exclude myself.

Why are there so many statues at different Churches? What is their purpose?

Statues on the church were not made to be praised, rather, they were made to remind the people and let them see (although just portrayed) the kind of life Jesus Christ has lived and, the passion and sacrifice God had given us in order for us to be freed from sin. Most people who are troubled and experiencing heavy burden would be longing for the comfort they expect from God. The pain they're feeling will make them blind about the truth on where God really is, and who He really is.

Where is God?

God is everywhere. By the new covenant He made by sending His only begotten son Jesus Christ, He is most present in the Holy Eucharist. Through transubstantiation, the bread becomes His body and wine becomes His blood. He cleanses our soul, mind, body and He sets us free from the chain of sin. You never have to praise any statue or believe on a certain "thing" that would protect you (Agimat/Anting-Anting). He is there in you heart. Have always been.

WRAP UP:

Summarizing it all, yes, it is a sin. The purpose of those statues are to remind the community about the lives of the saints who have lived a holy life and may it remind each one of us how they strive to become one, and to remind us how our Lord God sacrificed his own begotten son Jesus Christ. They are not supposed to be praised, hailed, and hung jewelries for.

"Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

-Matthew 17:20

Hate the sin.

Love the sinner.

Need I say more?

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Reminder: Please keep your respect and values. Thank you!