Idolatry

[cardero]

When does idolatry begin? What would be the difference between paying homage as oppose to collecting or creating effigies? Do teenagers who imitate celebrities conform to a sort of idolatry? What about individuals who become idols for others to follow? The Bible warns of worshipping idols and the commandments speak of not putting anyone before God. Yet many religious people will collect statues of the Virgin Mary, display their favorite saints out in front of the yard or wear religious ornaments. Is following Christ a form of idolatry? Should we imitate anyone? Is there a difference between idolatry and inspiration?

 

[michel]

When does idolatry begin? What would be the difference between paying homage as oppose to collecting or creating effigies? Do teenagers who imitate celebrities conform to a sort of idolatry? What about individuals who become idols for others to follow? The Bible warns of worshipping idols and the commandments speak of not putting anyone before God. Yet many religious people will collect statues of the Virgin Mary, display their favorite saints out in front of the yard or wear religious ornaments. Is following Christ a form of idolatry? Should we imitate anyone? Is there a difference between idolatry and inspiration?

Good question, and one that goes much deeper than at first glance.

Religiously, I remember my Mother being totally against my buying a cross with Jesus upon it, because she warned me of the sin of worshiping idols (I think that was the one and only time we ever spoke about religion).

I guess as long as the efigy is merely as a 'trigger' to remind us occasionally (if we need to) of certain people - along with the cross (These are all in ivory, BTW (and pre- no more ivory items please days)), I have figures of two nuns; they are so 'calming' and remind me often of those who give up their material lives for religion.

Is following Christ a form of idolatry?

I would say 'no' because Christ is'part of God' - actually, the LDS term comes in handy here, as in he is part of the 'Godhead' - which for some reason is much more descriptive of the trinity (although I am aware that the two aren't the same!)

I think the difference between Idolatry and inspiration is great; Idolatry is actually praying to the object, or person, whereas inspiration, I would suggest, is much more about'drawing' from those people's lives.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

When does idolatry begin? What would be the difference between paying homage as oppose to collecting or creating effigies? Do teenagers who imitate celebrities conform to a sort of idolatry? What about individuals who become idols for others to follow? The Bible warns of worshipping idols and the commandments speak of not putting anyone before God. Yet many religious people will collect statues of the Virgin Mary, display their favorite saints out in front of the yard or wear religious ornaments. Is following Christ a form of idolatry? Should we imitate anyone? Is there a difference between idolatry and inspiration?

From Saint Wikipedia:
"Many religions hold that the purpose of worship is to bring one into connection with divinity. Any set of beliefs or practices which significantly interferes with this may, at some point, be termed "idolatry". Examples might include:

• A very strong attachment to one's country that a religion considers inappropriate. In this case nationalism could be considered a form of idolatry.
• A very strong desire to gain sex and wealth that a religion considers inappropriate. In this case greed could be considered a form of idolatry.
• A very strong desire to gain fame or recognition that a religion considers inappropriate. In this case egocentrism could be considered a form of idolatry.
• A belief that the Bible is inerrant is a form of idolatry. It puts the Bible, which was written by man, on an equal level with God.
• Worshipping one of God's creations (The Sun, moon, water, a cow, sheep, or king) instead of the One God who created them.
• An obsessive desire to earn money could be classified as idolatry."

 

[YmirGF]

I find Michel's view very interesting, but I diverge slightly from it.

I have always interpretted the Idolatry thingy as meaning that all we need is within us already. Focusing on outward symbols will only ultimately lead us away from "the truth", regardless of what the symbols are.

 

[may]

When does idolatry begin? What would be the difference between paying homage as oppose to collecting or creating effigies? Do teenagers who imitate celebrities conform to a sort of idolatry? What about individuals who become idols for others to follow? The Bible warns of worshipping idols and the commandments speak of not putting anyone before God. Yet many religious people will collect statues of the Virgin Mary, display their favorite saints out in front of the yard or wear religious ornaments. Is following Christ a form of idolatry? Should we imitate anyone? Is there a difference between idolatry and inspiration?

Become imitators of me, even as I am of Christ. 1 corinthians 11;1 paul was an imitator of Christ i think the bible wants us to imitate christ