Symbolism And Idolatry

Humans live by symbolism. Lines on the ground can mold peoples' journeys as they try to stay within the lines or perhaps on the lines. Religion is rife with symbolism. Christians frown on idolatry, believing that people bowing to graven statues to be worshipping false gods. Of course, not everyone believes that their lumps of stone would actually do things to change the world. However, what of christians who bow to their crosses?

After all, crosses are just symbols, representing the sacrifice, etc etc. Surely the act of bowing to them would not count as worship. Interesting, since that's what "idol worshippers" do. Surely bringing monetary sacrifices before a cross is not an offering to it. Strange, since that's where idol worshippers burn their incense: Before an idol, often at an altar. And of course, surely nobody prays *to* the cross... Sometimes I wonder if christians take the cross as a conduit to their God. Sort of praying *through* the cross, perhaps using it as a megaphone of sorts.

It is difficult to tell what goes through peoples' minds when they pray. Are they praying to their God, praying through an image to their God, or just praying to the image? I suppose they'd deny praying to images, given the stigma attached to that act. Still, when does one cross the line from symbolism to idolatry?