The second command forbids the making of idols and images . Strict Muslims take this to the extreme and allow no depiction of anything that looks like any kind of human, animal, or plant life. Except in Iran, where some decoration is permitted, Muslim mosques use only complicated mathematical designs. Greek Orthodox believers on the other hand use icons in their devotion. They deny that the icon of Jesus or Mary or a Saint is worshiped.
Faith looks through the icon like a window to the reality beyond.
When Cromwell and his Puritans took over Britain three centuries ago they destroyed thousands of priceless stain glass windows, and smashed any statues in the churches. But some Evangelical Christians who have no artistic decoration in their church buildings are quite happy to have a picture of Jesus in their Sunday Schools. In a dictatorship ordinary people object to huge statues of their ruler or posters of his face on every billboard. Obviously the second commandment is a rule which is given many interpretations. Three weeks ago we looked at the fourth commandment about work and rest .