'Regarding icons, I think it is interesting to note that despite the commandment against graven images, God HimSelf commands Moses to put statues of the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant. Not only does this disprove the idea that the command was against religious statues/images as such, but also implicitly approves the concept of veneration. Processions anyone?'

Exactly, Joshua; that is a very valid and fitting insight.

As stated at the outset of this entry series (and again this has nothing to do with my particular 'weight' as an arguer or writer), I would warn a 'Protestant' person against getting too heavily involved in reading stuff like this entry series if a change isn't desired. I'm really not saying that to be cocky, though of course I could say such things and take vain pleasure out of the whole thing. There have been many curious interactions ever since I began this series, and I feel like there's been fair warning. I just can't stress that warning enough, though obviously it would be great to see the Church more and more united. I'm among many who don't want anyone getting 'ambushed' unless the person knows that it is he/she stepping into the 'trap' of Truth herself/himself. Priests don't nab people off the street and zap out their hearts or brains; I've noticed that we're generally flocking to the priest with hunger. But don't flirt with seeking unless you truly want to find; it's just the nature of the situation and the subject.

The next entry will deal with confession, with a general nod to John 20:19-23 among many other things.

-Rick