The Heidelberg CatechismThe Heidelberg CatechismQ. 96. What does God require in the second commandment?
A. That we should not represent him or worship him in any other manner than he has commanded in his word.
Q. 97. Should we, then, not make any images at all?
A. God cannot and should not be pictured in any way. As for creatures, although they may indeed be portrayed, God forbids making or having any likeness of them in order to worship them, or to use them to serve him.
Q. 98. But may not pictures be tolerated in churches in place of books for unlearned people?
A. No, for we must not try to be wiser than God who does not want his people to be taught by means of lifeless idols, but through the living preaching of his Word.
