The Meaning of the Idolatry - Essay Example

Idolatry
These two viewpoints are explored here in greater detail.
According to the Hebrew conception of the term, the proper approach to the term ‘idolatry’ is one of strict definition and persistent vigilance. God’s very shapelessness or indefinable nature thus makes it impossible for him to be represented by any shape or form that might be imagined. Likewise, there are no shapes or forms that can take the place of God in the material world. This approach definitely includes the Christian tradition of representing the image of Christ and the Catholic traditions regarding the form of the Virgin Mary. “Worshipping G-d in the form of a man would constitute idolatry for a Jew; however, according to some sources, the Christian worship of Jesus does not constitute idolatry for non-Jews” (Rich, 2006). It can be seen that the definition of idolatry used by the Hebrew people conforms strictly to the directives laid out in Exodus 20:3-4: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thy self to them, nor serve them.” Under this definition, any actions that combine serving the idol, such as offering it gifts or sacrifices, that demonstrate love or devotion with any kind of ceremony or ritual can be considered an idolatrous action (Dolphin, 2004).

Other than determining specifically how to define the concept of the idol, the Christian tradition holds to the same beliefs regarding the necessity to avoid any kind of idol worship. In the Christian tradition, though, as has been mentioned, venerating objects such as statues of the Virgin Mary, sacred symbols of the Divine Trinity, and images of Jesus on the cross is not considered to be an act of idolatry. This is because these symbols or images are perceived to be the mere ‘representations’ of God and therefore are not replacing him, but are instead enhancing our ability to experience him. “Idolatry is the universal human tendency to value something, or someone – anything – in a way that hinders or rivals the love and trust we owe to God. Real idolatry is a matter of what we love and treasure in our hearts that is other-than God. One of the subtlest idols for us is another human being” (Paul Moser cited in Dolphin, 2004). Because the images used within the Christian church are presented as mere representations of that which is being worshipped (the One True God) rather than the thing itself being worshipped in his stead, it is determined to be acceptable for a Christian to venerate any symbol acknowledged by the Church, but nothing else.