An article by Josh

On the Issue of Idolatry

From the Wikipedia entry for idolatry:

1) A very strong attachment to one's country that a religion considers inappropriate. In this case nationalism could be considered a form of idolatry.

2) 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.

3) 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.

It's the same text copied and pasted, but with country, sex, wealth, fame and recognition filled in. Isn't idolatry more than just those things? It can be anything.

Most fail to understand this issue, and falsely accuse all art. Idolatry is worshipping worthless nothings. Calling all art idols is stupid. My shirt is nothing, not God, so I should utterly destroy it? People might worship it.

"But is it art?" is an internationally popular question. Professional artists and art professors repeat this question like a mantra. It accuses expensive art. The price tag doesn't matter. To think it matters is idolatry - and oppression, too.

There is a lot of idolatry, but the ignorant people pick out and mislable the few things that are not idolatry. Sad.

This is an interesting phenomenon. It shows a complete and utter lack of understanding about the concept of idolatry. How do people miss such an obvious point?

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