Quote:
Originally Posted by gmw
I find it a strange contradiction to hear a Christian speak of "holy things". Since when have any "things" been holy? I thought that's what the commandment about graven images was about.
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I think the "things" in this context are ideas not so much objects. As in that book title,
"If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things".
That said there definitely are are holy objects in some Christian traditions. "Holy" means something like "kept separate and dedicated for God's (/religious) use." So the cup used for Communion is holy because it's use only for that and it won't turn up on the priest's dinner table during an ordinary meal.
The commandment against graven images is about not making objects the subject of worship but holy doesn't mean "to be worshipped". Though it is true that because of their special status Christian that believe in "holy things" tend to treat them with at least care and often reverence. This can lead to charges of idolatry from other Christians from more "puritan" traditions. Especially when it comes to objects like icons or statues or relics.
But as I say, from what you quoted I suspect that's not what Carroll was referring to.