Image worship
Encyclopedia
Image worship is the practice of venerating images or idol
s representing divine figures. Common in a number of ancient religions, the practice continues most prominently today in Hinduism
. The Abrahamic religions
, on the other hand, specifically ban image worship, which they describe as idolatry
.
Cult image
In the practice of religion, a cult image is a human-made object that is venerated for the deity, spirit or daemon that it embodies or represents...
s representing divine figures. Common in a number of ancient religions, the practice continues most prominently today in Hinduism
Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. Hinduism is known to its followers as , amongst many other expressions...
. The Abrahamic religions
Abrahamic religions
Abrahamic religions are the monotheistic faiths emphasizing and tracing their common origin to Abraham or recognizing a spiritual tradition identified with him...
, on the other hand, specifically ban image worship, which they describe as idolatry
Idolatry
Idolatry is a pejorative term for the worship of an idol, a physical object such as a cult image, as a god, or practices believed to verge on worship, such as giving undue honour and regard to created forms other than God. In all the Abrahamic religions idolatry is strongly forbidden, although...
.