09-16-2007, 03:13 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-16-2007, 12:29 PM by Director Michael.)
We have been having a similar question in regard to this portion of the "Path of the Righteous Gentile". In Part 5 regarding Idolatry it is written:
12. If one brings idols into a house, for as long as they are there the house is forbidden for use, as it is considered an accessory to idol worship. Once the idols are removed in a way that indicates a nullification of the house's use as an accessory to them, the house becomes permissible. If the idols were brought there by an idolatrous Noahide, and an Israelite removes them from the house, this does not represent a nullification, because it may be construed that the Noahide wishes the idols to remain, but the Israelite did not. Therefore, just as a Noahide brought the idols into the house, a Noahide must take the idols out of the house in order for it to be considered a nullification of the house's status as an accessory to idol worship.[66]
We recently moved to an area close to my family and are enjoying being near family for the first time in our marriage (the children love being with Nana& PopPop); however, my mom collects statues of things (non-religious) and also has an angel collection in her room. All of these are used as decorations and not for worship- most of them represent a memory or a gift. The sections quoted above trouble us because it seems to indicate that we would not be able to go to my parent's house (or anywhere there is a statue- which seems like everywhere in our society in the US).
What are we to do in this situation?
Thank you for your time,
Pat and Kristine
12. If one brings idols into a house, for as long as they are there the house is forbidden for use, as it is considered an accessory to idol worship. Once the idols are removed in a way that indicates a nullification of the house's use as an accessory to them, the house becomes permissible. If the idols were brought there by an idolatrous Noahide, and an Israelite removes them from the house, this does not represent a nullification, because it may be construed that the Noahide wishes the idols to remain, but the Israelite did not. Therefore, just as a Noahide brought the idols into the house, a Noahide must take the idols out of the house in order for it to be considered a nullification of the house's status as an accessory to idol worship.[66]
We recently moved to an area close to my family and are enjoying being near family for the first time in our marriage (the children love being with Nana& PopPop); however, my mom collects statues of things (non-religious) and also has an angel collection in her room. All of these are used as decorations and not for worship- most of them represent a memory or a gift. The sections quoted above trouble us because it seems to indicate that we would not be able to go to my parent's house (or anywhere there is a statue- which seems like everywhere in our society in the US).
What are we to do in this situation?
Thank you for your time,
Pat and Kristine