What is the importance of symbols and icons in different religions?

The usage of symbols and icons are visible representations of persons or things. Those who perform acts of worship before images often say that their worship actually is directed to the spirit being represented by the image. However, this goes contrary to the teachings of God. At John chapter 4 verses 23 and 24, Jesus stated that "true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; that is the kind of worshipper that Father wants. God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and truth." So, those who rely on symbols and icons as aids on devotion are not worshiping God "in spirit" but they depend on what they can see with their physical eyes. Later in the 14th chapter of John, Jesus Christ told us the only way in which to reach Jehovah God when he said: " I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it." Therefore, Jesus Christ told us it is only through him as mediator (no symbols or icons) can we draw closer to Jehovah God.

Hi

It's not just religions, all of us value symbols. Think of flags, national anthems, sporting logos, brands etc. They evoke ideas, values, memories etc.

Interestingly the same symbol can mean different things in different contexts. In the West we view a swastika with horror because of Hitler's Germany. But in some schools of Buddhism it represents peace.

:-)

the significance varies between religions and the individuals practicing them. I'm a Christian and even though I am Highhold no significance for any of this symbols of Christianity. the cross has no significance to me beyond what is accomplished on the day Jesus died.

1-symbol can change shapes when it changes places. different people write English in different ways. if all were to write the same manner, it would not be difficult for other people to understand, read & confirm things at 1st hand.

Whatever we do in life, we have pictures/icons besides the written words.You know the old saying "A picture means a thousand words."

Being human we must need this. :-)

Of paramount importance. Man and his symbols. Carl Jung.

Peeple are obsessed with them they are like a designer label or badge promoting something or other such nonsense.

Symbols can be sooo ambiguous can't they?

They are like mental shorthands. When you see a symbol it evokes many ideas represented by that symbol.

None what so ever! God disapproves of using them to worship him.

have no false gods before me ..... You tell me how important it is not to have any of those ...