Apologetics

IDOLATRY EXPOSED

by Morris Inch
02/08/17
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IDOLATRY EXPOSED!

The Mosaic Covenant was adamant in its repudiation of idolatry: "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below" (Exod. 20:4). Moreover, in Jewish tradition it is said that idolatry gives rise to a wide variety of evil practices. It was with this in mind that I recently authored Idolatry Exposed! (E-BookTime, available in both print and e-book format).

We are immediately struck with the seriousness of the offense. By way of confirmation, Paul "was greatly distressed to see that the city (Athens) was full of idols" (Acts 17:16). Consequently, he reasoned in the synagogue with Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, as well as in the marketplace daily with any who happened to be there.

"We are also alerted to its complex nature. It appears multifaceted—whether associated with anything in the heaven above, the world beneath, or in the waters below. Accordingly, whether animate or inanimate, abstract or concrete, intentional or not" (pp. 7-8).

"Materialism serves as a prime case in point. In this regard, Jesus insisted: ‘No one can serve two masters. You cannot serve both God and Money’ (Matt. 6:24). Here our material possessions take on the imagery of an idol to which some are manifestly devoted" (p. 8).

Some instances are more subtle. Such as with the prohibition of covetousness: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor" (Exod. 20:17). "In brief, covetousness concerns inordinate desire. We want what does not belong to us, nor can be gained in some legitimate fashion. This may readily eventuate in stealing. Stealing, in turn, is applied in the Jewish tradition to a wide range of practices—such as defamation of character" (p. 29).

Having spent most of my adult life in higher education, erudition can also take on the form of idolatry. "The linkage between erudition and material gain is intensified when stress is placed on the financial return anticipated from education. It is then cast less in terms of providing some worthwhile service than a readily available means of self-advancement. The quality of education is calculated to suffer as a result" (p. 99).

Whether in this regard or some other, it is more often the lesser good than the blatant wrong that inhibits our pursuit of the greater good. Which is said to glorify God and enjoy his blessings. What we substitute as an alternative amounts to idolatry. Since it is indicative of our ultimate concern.

As otherwise observed, "To live is to change." However, not all change is beneficial. Consequently, one must critically evaluate the alternatives. Then, too, not fall prey to one fault while attempting to avoid another. As C. S. Lewis reminds us, error characteristically takes the form of opposites" (p. 129). So when we attempt to escape one perceived error, we fall prey to its opposite. Consequently, when we promote continuity at the expense of change or the reverse, we may indulge in idolatry.

"Choose you this day whom you will serve," Joshua admonished the Israelites. "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:15). "The choice remains, whether to foster idolatry or reality. As for the former, it must by the very nature of things to end in dissolution. As for the latter, it holds out the promise of eternal life. As for the interim, it eventuates in service—by way of engagement rather than escape" (p. 182).