Immoral Idolatry

A statue, painting or picture of a deity has neither life nor power. Even if we knew exactly what God looks like, it would still be impossible for us to create iconic images of Him that would accurately portray the awesomeness of the glory of God, as well as His many facets. Sometimes God is gentle and shows mercy, but at other times He acts with wrath and might. It would be wrong for us to perceive Him in just one character trait. We need to see Him in and acknowledge all his facets and this cannot be done through an idol.

God explained to the Israelites how they were to worship a living God and not an idol. He also told them to always direct their worship toward their Creator and never toward objects within His creation. He commanded them, "Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you" (Deuteronomy 4:23)

In idolatrous religions of the ancient world, various gods and goddesses were believed to influence or control things such as fertility, weather and the land. For example, to encourage greater fertility, worshippers participated in fertility rites that included sex with other worshippers and priests of these false gods. Consequently, immorality became the focus of their worship. In some religions girls were initiated into womanhood by being forced to become temple prostitutes, and men were expected to frequent the temple brothels. Quite simply, immorality and degeneracy were dressed up in religious nonsense and considered to be respectable.

This is the reason why idolatry and immorality are so frequently linked together in the Bible. Paul wrote, "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5) Peter linked self-gratifying behaviour to idolatry, "For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles. When we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they may think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipitation, speaking evil of you" (1 Peter 4:3-4)

Idolatry in any form is rightfully condemned throughout the Bible. Paul praised Christians who had been successful in turning away from idols and towards God to serve The living and true God ( 1 Thessalonians 1:9)

The reason that we should shun idolatry is that within it, Satan is at work. Satan conditions people to visualise even the Son of God as a lifeless, inanimate image. Satan's aim is to divert attention from Jesus, and by blinding most of mankind to the importance of the commandments, he has successfully deflected much of the Christian world's adoration for Christ towards icons and pictures.

We need to remember that God is far greater than anything we can see or imagine.