Using a crucifix as a symbol of faith is idolatry

I am going to make this very short because sitting up is very painful. First of all I would like to thank my opponant for accepting the challenge and for offering a well thought out response. :1. My opponent's point can only stand IF the crucifix becomes the focus of reverence. : The act of holding onto the crucifix as a symbol of faith is placing the focus on the symbol. In particular in the Catholic faith, upon entering the cathedral one is expected to kneel to the crucifix hanging on he wall. Further those that practice this faith will make the symbol of the cross (forehead to chest and left to right) in asking God for pretty much anything, protection, forgiveness, etc. This type of reverence is not limited to Catholicism either. Further, in giving the crucifix the power to represent the whole of the faith, those that do so are revering it. My opponent has conceded that with this reverence my point stands. :The crucifix symbol is not the focus, it merely draws attention TO the focus, that is, Jesus Christ and Him crucified (if you are a protestant the cross will be empty, representing the resurrected Christ).: The United States Court has agreed that the wearing of the cross is a religious foundation and is an active part of exercising religion. http://www.pawd.uscourts.gov... :2. In the Bible God appreciates many such symbols of faith. For instance, the Nazirite vow in which the adherents would not cut their hair as a symbol of faith to God (Samson is the most notable)(1).: :Jesus himself told us to practice such symbolism when he established the Eucharist – he said, "Do this in remembrance of me (3)." Such symbols are not objects of reverence, but symbols of remembrance. God sets into place symbols of his glory and covenant with man. For instance, he put into place the rainbow to remind man that he will not flood the earth en masse again (4).: These as act of devotion. There is a district difference between actions and physical symbols of faith. Prayer is also an action, and I would easily concede that this is certainly worship, however actions and physical objects can not be compared. :3. My opponent defined idolatry (the worship of idols), but conveniently forgot to define idols. An Idol, by definition, is "a statue or other object that is worshiped as a god (5)." Therefore, it must be shown that object of worship is not merely being worshiped, but that it is being worshiped as a god.: I contest this definiton of idol and offer instead any of the following: A graven image or representation of anything that is revered, or believed to convey spiritual power; A cultural icon, or especially popular person en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Idol a material effigy that is worshiped wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn An idol is a representation of something in the heavens or on the earth. (Exodus 20:4). A graven image or representation of anything that is revered, or believed to convey spiritual power en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Idol Ladies and gentlemen I offer that using an object to symbolize faith is revering said object, physical objects and personal actions are not the same thing, and my opponents definition of idol should be replaced with one that would actually fit the resolution. if I badly misspelled anything I apologize. If I missed any of me resources I will post them after I get much better pain meds on Monday.