i agree muffy... im not as well versed as some, but this is my understanding: that Jesus, thru the Father (and i do have issue calling God male, female, or any gender, but more on that later maybe) made a statement similar to "worship no icons"

this i think was in response to the previous history of worship which included idolotry... he witnessed people practicing worship of many gods (as in Hinduism) and beleiving there was only one great Spirit, his statement is interpreted as condemning of worshiping objects versus spirit, which, imo, is a transending thought.. but also, this doctrine appears to disrespect and alienate anothers belief system (still in existence today) ...

others will know more than i, but its my current understanding and i want to add... understanding intellectually and believing spiritually have not always met easily for me..

not to get too many topics going at once, but chocolate (or others) ... i'd like to hear more about your view of "spirit quest" ... i have my own thoughts, but i'd enjoy hearing others ideas... thank you...