When discussing the concept of idols, it is important to note that Abraham, recognized as the father of faith, originated from a family that engaged in idol worship (Joshua 24:2). God called Abram from this family, which was complicit in idol worship, and commanded him to depart and follow Him (Genesis 12:1). The Apostle Paul articulated that individuals can perceive their Creator through the magnificence of His creation; nonetheless, they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal human beings, as well as birds, animals, and reptiles (Romans 1:20-23). Although we have embraced the true faith and worship the Living God, it can be challenging to comprehend why others engage in such practices. Despite harbouring strong opposition to idol worship, many individuals have misconstrued the notion of idols and, perhaps unknowingly, become ensnared in idolatry.
Fearing Idols But Ignoring Idolatry
Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
their idols cannot speak; they must be carried
because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them; they can do no harm
nor can they do any good. – Jeremiah 10:5 (NIV)
While God, through the prophet Jeremiah, conveyed the unworthiness of idols, it is noteworthy that He admonishes individuals not to fear them. This assertion indicates that people indeed harbour fears towards the idols they themselves have crafted. In today’s scientific era, while individuals construct robots to aid them in various capacities—robots that can move—there exists no apprehension toward these creations. Conversely, individuals ascribe significant concepts to the inanimate and static idols, fostering fear in relation to them in numerous ways.
Most Idols conceptualised by humans tend to possess a terrifying aspect, and the underlying reason for the public’s trepidation towards these idols is their association with demonic power. To alleviate such fears, we ought to direct our attention to the artworks we have created and displayed in our homes; these pieces, born from our own craftsmanship, invoke no dread. Instead, they serve as a reminder of our artistic talent, leaving no space for any additional fears.
In his admonition to the Corinthian believers to abstain from idols, Paul conveyed that individuals who engage in the worship of such gods are, in fact, venerating demons. Consequently, the notion that idols possess demonic power has emerged.
No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. – 1 Corinthians 10:20 (NIV)
Paul aimed to articulate the notion that a disconnection from God inherently implies an alignment with demonic forces. Jesus Himself elucidated this concept, instructing us that there exists no neutral position in our allegiance to God; one must choose either to be with Him or to side with the adversary, the devil (Luke 11:23). In our attempts to associate idols with demonic forces, we often neglect to recognise that idolatry itself is linked to demonic power. Furthermore, while we may criticise others for their worship of idols, we too are susceptible to various forms of idolatry, which invites the devil to infiltrate our hearts.
Jesus, in the parable of the Good Shepherd and His sheep (John 10:1), admonished us about the thief who enters through means other than the gate. Idolatry in our lives acts as a beacon, luring the devil into our existence. Idolatry is more severe than the mere worship of idols, for while an idol is an object external to our being, idolatry represents an ideological corruption that affects our body, mind, and soul. It is not the idol or the concept of idolatry that invites the devil, but rather the sin within ourselves that opens the door to his influence. Individuals who may not physically venerate idols can still partake in idolatry through their sinful actions or by prioritising other matters above God.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. – Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
In contemporary society, many believers inadvertently engage in acts of idolatry when they adhere to traditions and religious norms without true reflection. Some individuals treat the Bible or the Cross as an idol by keeping it constantly beside them, yet neglect to open and read its teachings. For others, the physical structure of a church becomes an idol, as they perceive God’s presence to be confined solely within its walls. Additionally, each denomination within Christianity places significant emphasis on particular beliefs, which can result in forms of idolatry.
Foods Offered To The Idols
In a secular context, the religiosity of Christians leads them to reject food offered to idols, thereby creating a distinction between Christianity and other religions. Regardless of whether believers express repentance and seek forgiveness for their sins, they are resolute in their refusal to consume food presented to idols. It is crucial to discern the truth; if idols are indeed nothing, what renders the food unholy?
Paul argued that if I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for (1 Corinthians 10:19)? In another perspective, although non-believers may sacrifice food to their idols, their gratitude is ultimately directed towards God, for there is but one God. God bestows sustenance upon both the wicked and the righteous, and He alone is deserving of our gratitude. If idols are devoid of substance, then who is it that sustains those who worship them? The Apostle Paul addressed this issue with the believers in Corinth.
Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? – 1 Corinthians 10:19 (NIV)
Further, Paul stated that believers ought to abstain from consuming food sacrificed to idols, as doing so may lead new believers astray or create a perception that there is no distinction between their old practice and Christianity.
If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. – 1 Corinthians 10:27-28 (NIV)
We are called to bear witness to God through our unwavering commitment to holiness, striving to cultivate righteousness daily, so that those who witness our transformed lives may glorify the one true God. In times of struggle to grasp the forgiveness granted to us by His grace, we may be tempted to engage in superficial displays to project an image of righteousness. Moreover, the act of rejecting food offered to idols is fraught with greater consequences than the food itself; by abstaining from such offerings, we risk reinforcing the belief that these idols possess a power that instils fear in our hearts.
Pauline Christianity
Pauline Christianity constitutes the theology and framework of Christianity that emerged from the beliefs and doctrines articulated by the Hellenistic-Jewish Apostle Paul through his epistles. Presently, many churches place excessive emphasis on the doctrinal constructs established by Paul, consequently neglecting the straightforward and authentic teachings of Jesus. For instance, Paul’s instructions regarding abstaining from food sacrificed to idols have taken root in the hearts of believers, who, through adherence to such practices, inadvertently cultivate divisions between believers and non-believers.
With respect to dietary matters, Jesus did not advocate for abstinence from any food, nor did He permit judgments regarding individuals based on their dietary choices. The food deemed unclean by certain groups is often a staple for inhabitants of other regions, and one’s dietary habits do not define their identity; rather, it is one’s manner of living that signifies their character. God educated Peter on this matter (Acts 10:10-16). Within this framework, Jesus admonished those who adhered to the law of Moses while disregarding His teachings, as He foresaw that many believers would follow Paul rather than God in the future.
They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.
Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” – Matthew 15:9-11 (NIV)
The Repercussion Of Human Rules
When we adhere to human doctrines, we construct a formidable barrier between ourselves and others, thereby preventing them from approaching the true God, who beckons weary and troubled souls to Him to provide them with rest. God implores us not to attribute His glory to any other. Although we profess our faith in a singular God, when we follow human rules, we inadvertently imply that there exist additional gods from whom we ought to distance ourselves. It is paradoxical to assert the existence of their gods while simultaneously affirming our belief in only one God.
Jesus warned that when we share our insincere faith, we not only tarnish our own integrity through the words we speak but also have the power to hinder others from approaching the one true Living God. We must prioritise our speech over our judgments of what others consume or do. Our prayers ought to guide our words so that they draw individuals closer to God; we should be vigilant not to alienate others from our Father. Jesus came as our elder brother to restore our relationship with His Father. Should we not strive to act as brothers and sisters, helping others find reconciliation with our Heavenly Father?
The Jordan Valley 
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