Text 13 Mar 7 notes chasing-isis asked: How do you define Idolatry? Is it the usage of of any kind of image in worship (like statuary of some kind, or sculpture, or an image such as an icon,) even when the object itself is only being used symbolically, or is it limited to the act of worshiping something such as a statue or an animal in the place of God, without acknowledged him as the creator and the ultimate divinity? Is there a difference? Can physical acts (not the actual idols) be considered idolatrous too? Thank you!

innerchrist:

An idol is any created thing, whether a picture, statue, or idea, that replaces the essence of God in worship. In this regard, there are many Hindus, who use statues and icons, who do not worship idols, and many Christians, who replace the true God with an image derived of their own human reason, who do worship idols. 

Idolatry is a sin, not because statues are involved, but because the statues, pictures, or ideas attempt to take the glory away from the Creator and give it to the creation. If one worships the true God, faithful to the spirit rather than the foolishness of human wisdom, using a statue as a means to focus your thoughts on God is perfectly legitimate. It is for this reason that when the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha held an interfaith dialogue conference, the Jewish representatives affirmed alongside the Hindus that Hindus do not worship idols. 

It’s all about what’s in the heart.

Be blessed!

via Inner Christ.
  1. chasing-isis reblogged this from azulbluedragon and added:
    Thanks for your perspective, but I’m not sure I understand your analogy of the woman?
  2. azulbluedragon reblogged this from chasing-isis and added:
    I believe that idolatry is mistaking a representation of the divine for the divine. In the bible is was any false idol...

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