Misinterpretation of the Ten Commandments

The concept of 'graven images' in the Ten Commandments is often misunderstood, particularly in how it relates to idolatry versus religious art. The Hebrew word 'pesel' emphasizes idolatry, not the prohibition of all images, as demonstrated in the biblical context where God commands the creation of the Ark of the Covenant with cherubim above it. This indicates that the commandment does not forbid all forms of imagery, but rather warns against the worship of idols. The distinction is crucial in understanding that Catholics’ use of religious statues does not equate to idolatry.