This idea of statues basically equating to idolatry stems from a misunderstanding of latria, or the worship due to God alone. We make statues all the time in wider society, we let our children play with dolls and action figures, and we set up nativity scenes during Advent and Christmas, which are all philosophically identical. It just so happens that statues in churches have a different context.

What constitutes idolatry is treating something not God like an object of worship, which is what latria means, and is again different from dulia, or reverence/respect/honor. The decalog command that we honor our fathers and mothers, and that's not idolatry. To "worship" is the proper sense is to "make sacrifice to".