Do Protestants have a biblical basis for not smashing statues of Jesus?
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There are two questions here - one about icons and their place in people's minds and the other is about attitudes to those who use icons.
The Places of Icons
The relationship of Christians to Icons (whether 2D or 3D) has always been tricky. There was a wave of iconoclasm in Wittenberg in the 1520's that was roundly condemned by Luther and some still continue this unfortunate practice of iconoclasm. The problem is what to do with the commandment forbidding idols. The answer is simple - do what the ancient Jews did - they had lots of icons around the sanctuary, but they were never worshipped as gods. Modern iconoclasts appear to ignore the fact that the commandment in question forbids the making of idols that are worshipped as gods, as distinct from either good art or something else.
Most people are sensible enough to realise that an icon is not God and that it should not be worshipped. (There are exceptions.)
Attitudes to Others
The primary difference between a protestant and a Catholic is the source of authority. Protestants believe in "Sola Scriptura" meaning that the Bible is the last court of appeal for matters of faith. If this is true, then a good protestant will believe in freedom of choice and freedom of religion as taught by the Bible.
Freedom of religion gives all people the right to practise their beliefs without interference by others, especially the state. This idea, leads directly to the concept of the secular state where all people are granted religious freedom, protection under the law and access to the “public square”. The Bible provides a number of good examples of religious tolerance.
- Mark 9:38-40, Luke 9:49, 50. Jesus tolerated other groups disconnected from His own.
- Luke 9:52-56. Jesus refused to curse non-believers
- John 4:7-27 (Samaritan woman at the well) is a remarkable example of tolerance where Jesus made no attempt to make the woman a Jew and call her “one of us” before she became a very effective missionary.
- Rom 2:14-16 clearly says that some pagans will be saved. This should make Christians very tolerant of unbelievers.
- Rom 14:1-23 provides an extended passage about being non-judgemental and tolerant about others’ beliefs and practices.
- 1 Cor 10:31, 32 advises Christians to give no occasion for offence to Jews or gentiles.
In much of the western world, secular government has been implemented with the aid of the modern doctrine of the separation of church and state.
Thus, iconoclasm should have no place in the practice of Christians generally.
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