From the Old Testament to today, idolatry manifests in various forms. Let us explore how the Bible teaches us to recognize and avoid these traps.
Numerous biblical passages refer to images and the prohibition of any physical representation of God (see Ex 20:4-6; 23:24-25; Dt 5:8, etc.). We can also mention the episode of the golden calf (Ex 32:1-35), which was supposed to represent God.
In general, for the people of Israel, worshipping a statue or an image of Yahweh or any other deity was strictly forbidden.
Indeed, Yahweh claimed an exclusive covenant relationship that could not be materialized in any form whatsoever.
Prophet Jonah and Inner Idolatry
In ancient Israel, idolatry was not only a concern for the people but also for the prophets. The Book of Jonah offers one of the most beautiful stories on this subject.
Jonah is a very endearing character because of his grumpy and sulky nature, as well as his familiar dialogue with the Lord.
First, he is the brave but fleeing prophet who deliberately boards a ship to escape Nineveh because he does not want to go there. Then, an extraordinary storm arises, putting him in danger. Jonah realizes he is responsible and thus becomes the scapegoat.
Jonah has such a clearly defined image of God that he cannot conceive of the possible conversion of the people of Nineveh. That the Lord loves him enough to save him from the sea monster and bless his word seems conceivable to him; but that He loves the inhabitants of Nineveh enough to forgive them shocks him deeply.
Idolatry in Jonah’s story appears as the preconceived image of God in his head and heart, even though his effort to love and serve God was sincere.
Modern Idols: Materialism and Ego
It is worth noting that idolatry is not merely a concept of the past. Today, it manifests in subtler ways than the ancient practices of venerating deities or statues.
In our times, vitality, success, fame, pride, obsession with material goods, and the struggle for achievement have become ends in themselves, idols. We can also mention the worship of individualism and self.
Today, self-celebration has supplanted communal and spiritual values.
All of this may seem legitimate. But we must recognize that not everything is of equal value, especially when it ultimately harms the soul.
We must avoid misguided ambitions or conversions. True conversion consists of turning our hearts and eyes to the Lord and asking Him for what we need.
Transhumanism: A New Form of Idolatry
Transhumanism is another type of idolatry today. Advocates of this ideology dream that human life could one day extend up to 5,000 years. But the Christian knows that from the moment of baptism, they receive the fullness of eternity, eternal life. They only need a life of faith to validate it.
Since time immemorial, humans have sought the remedy for immortality, the elixir of life, the medicinal plant that would grant them immortality. For Christians, this elixir of life is none other than baptism.
In this perspective, physical death does not eliminate eternal life but rather brings it to its fullness.
Ultimately, we must always remember that we do not live for a victory to achieve—it has already been won by Jesus—but for a victory to manage.
About the Author:
Fr. Joël Mambe, a member of the Missionaries of Bethlehem, explores contemporary spiritual challenges in light of the Scriptures. Learn more about his journey in this article.
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