Many Christians do not have a working theology of idolatry. We tend to think of idolatry as a carved figurine of wood or porcelain; something we bow down before, light incense to, or regard with some various forms of mystical power. … So often this elevation to worship of created things is not even the “bad things” per se but the good things that we shamefully elevate to the place of God. As someone has said, “We make good things ultimate things.” This is idolatry.

As Americans we do not have a good understanding of idolatry. We name shows American Idol. We speak in glowing, unabashed terms of someone being our idol (this is intended to be complimentary).  Judging from the usage it is seen to be positive and glamourous to be an idol. This is a master work by Satan to redefine and empty a term of its biblical moorings.

I’m afraid it is not much better when it comes to the church. Many Christians do not have a working theology of idolatry. We tend to think of idolatry as a carved figurine of wood or porcelain; something we bow down before, light incense to, or regard with some various forms of mystical power. This may be something that was done in ancient history or if done today it is in places like India or a remote tribal area.

The Bible does not present idolatry as something that is specific to a historical period or even a particular group of people. Instead, the biblical perception of idolatry is that it is characteristic of all people of all times after man’s first sin in the Garden of Eden.

There are warnings against idolatry throughout the New Testament.

• (Ephesians 5:5) For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

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