The concept of Idolatry in Christianity
Idolatry is the practice of worshiping idols or false gods, which is condemned across various theological perspectives, including Christianity, Protestantism, and Catholicism. It encompasses the act of placing value on physical representations or created beings instead of God, leading to spiritual unfaithfulness and violations of the first commandment. Idolatry is viewed as a significant sin that distances worshippers from divine righteousness and is highlighted in biblical scriptures as a primary concern, with consequences for communities that engage in this practice.
Synonyms: Idol worship, Worship of idols, Image worship, False worship, Worship, Adoration, Reverence, Veneration, Devotion
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Idolatry'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This is the practice of worshiping idols or other gods, which is explicitly forbidden by God and is a violation of the covenant, according to the text.[1] (2) The worship of idols or deities, often seen as a rejection of the worship of God.[2] (3) Worshiping physical representations of deities, which Paul argues against in proclaiming the one true God.[3] (4) The worship of created things rather than God, seen as a departure from a higher spiritual understanding.[4] (5) The worship of physical idols or deities, often mixed with the worship of God, resulting in a fragmented belief system among the new settlers.[5]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) This refers to the worship of idols.[6] (2) This refers to a type of worship, and the text suggests that the Macacus Arabicus' characteristics and behaviors were adapted for it in its grossest and most debasing aspect.[7] (3) Idolatry is the practice of worshiping idols, the very approval of which even in thought polluted the heart, by discontinuing to bear the heavy yoke of the law.[8] (4) Idolatry is described as the most heinous offense against Mosaic law, with particular definitions of the acts that constitute the crime, as well as the punishments for committing such an offense.[9] (5) The worship of false gods, characterized here by Ahab and his people, leading to God's anger and the prophet's confrontations.[10]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This term refers to the worship of idols or false gods, which was a transgression, thus resulting in a penalty.[11] (2) This describes the idolatry of the golden calf, which the Levites' actions were in response to, as stated in the text.[12] (3) This was rampant during Manasseh's reign, with altars for various gods, including Baalim, and was not fully eradicated despite his repentance.[13] (4) The practice of worshiping idols, which the presence of the Ark was intended to exclude, emphasizing God’s unique divinity.[14] (5) The worship of idols or false gods, which is condemned in biblical scriptures and leads to spiritual unfaithfulness.[15]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This is the practice of worshiping idols, which took place in gardens, suggesting their role as sites for religious practices and rituals.[16] (2) The prophet utters woes against the idolatry of the heathen power.[17] (3) Idolatry is not denounced in the Book of Haggai, setting it apart from the earlier prophets, and this is explained within the text.[18] (4) The worship of idols, which Jeremiah's companions reverted to, showcasing a departure from their faith.[19] (5) The worship of idols, referenced in the context of Solomon’s actions at the Mount of Offence.[20]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Idolatry is identified as being linked to covetousness, and the text suggests that certain trades which are related to the soul and spirit of idols fall under the charge of it.[21] (2) A destructive element of the way of darkness that is among the things that destroy the soul and lead to ruin.[22] (3) Idolatry, which is part of the mind of the flesh, involves the worship of something other than God, leading to a departure from spiritual principles.[23] (4) This is condemned by God, and the form of it surely shares the condemnation which is offered to the elements of nature.[24] (5) Idolatry is what the text discusses, and it questions whether someone who catechizes about idols commit idolatry, and whether a believer understands what idolatry is.[25]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The practice of worshipping idols or images as divine, regarded as a form of superstition and a significant moral failing.[26] (2) The act of ascribing divine qualities to something other than God, highlighted in the context of receiving Holy Communion without proper reverence.[27] (3) The worship of idols or false gods, which continues to be a challenge for humanity, particularly in relation to the power of the devil.[28] (4) The worship of idols or false gods, which was a detour from the earlier faith in one God following Abraham's revelation.[29] (5) The worship of physical objects or creatures as gods, which is deemed a fundamental error in true religious practice.[30]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The devil was necessitated to preserve the notion of God, without which he could not have erected that idolatry, which was his great design in opposition to God.[31] (2) The worship of idols or created beings instead of God, which signifies a rejection of God's sovereignty and power.[32] (3) The worship of false gods, a practice that arose after the fall and represents a significant departure from true worship of God.[33] (4) The act of worshipping created objects or images rather than God, which is considered a sin and distracts from true devotion.[34] (5) The worship of images or representations of God, viewed as a serious sin against the true nature of God.[35]
The concept of Idolatry in local and regional sources
Idolatry, as defined in the text, represents the worship of idols that re-emerged under Sabert's sons following their father's death, indicating a shift away from Christian principles and a return to pagan practices.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The worship or deep admiration for deities or beautiful creations, highlighting the connection between beauty, acknowledgment, and the divine.[36] (2) The worship of idols or false gods, regarded as a significant concern in Judaism that rejects such practices.[37]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The worship of idols, which was openly resumed by Sabert's sons after their father's death, signifying a regression from Christian teachings.[38]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text mentions this in conjunction with low ideas, indicating a practice or belief system that the Swami attempts to reconcile with a religion, which is not viewed favorably.[39]