The making and using of images is idolatry. "But that's your interpretation." Oh! Well I do not know anyone who can read a newspaper who even needs to check a dictionary to know what the very simple words of this commandment mean. In the second place, it does not make any difference what translation of the original Hebrew text you use—it still comes out you shall not make. Are there any explanatory phrases attached? Yes, indeed! Each one is used to build an unbreakable and all inclusive defense around the simple command, you shall not make any graven image.

Whether one builds an argument by simply saying that it is not idolatry is beside the point. The Bible says much about idolatry, but right here in the Ten Commandments it simply states you shall not MAKE an image. Whether the image is an accurate representation, a stick figure (modern art) representation or a picture of some object and it is used in worship it is condemned in this commandment. This commandment also plainly says, you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them.

The use of images is sometimes justified by saying, "We do not worship the image, it is simply used to focus our attention on the reality behind the image." This is only an attempt to justify disobedience to a plain command. That command is very simple—you shall not make and you shall not bow down yourself to them.