Today's post is by Guest Writer Joanne Beckley

We have all read our Old and New Testament condemnation of idolatry in all its forms. But

right now I would ask you to read of man’s worship of idols in today’s time throughout the

world. Idolatry is not dead! It is next door and yes, in our politics, often disguised or blatant in

our face. Is America, her people of all races and creeds, really “One Nation Under (one) God”?

1Sa 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and

idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from

[being] king."

The following paragraphs are internet AI overviews.

Idolatry, in a religious context, refers to the act of worshiping or giving undue reverence to

an object, person, or idea as a god or something divine, rather than to the true God or divine

being. Examples include the worship of celestial bodies like the sun and moon, statues, or even

inanimate objects, physical items to represent who or what they worship. In modern times,

idolatry can also manifest as excessive focus on material possessions, fame, or pleasure, where

these things become the primary source of value and happiness.

Polytheism is the belief in many gods and is characteristic of most religions except for

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which are monotheistic. In polytheistic religions, gods can

have various roles and attributes, and sometimes a supreme creator or a dominant god exists,

such as Zeus in Greek religion. Polytheism can coexist with other beliefs and often includes

belief in demonic and ghostly forces, and gods may represent natural forces, social functions,

or abstract concepts.

Southwestern tribal religions are generally characterized by animism (the attribution of a

soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena) and shamanism (a person regarded

as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits). Many tribes believe in

spirits inhabiting natural elements and relying on shamans as intermediaries between the human

and spiritual realms. Ceremonies played a vital role, with some tribes like the Pueblo

performing them to ensure the continuation of the world and appeal to powerful being. Kachina

figures represent the spiritual beings who help the Pueblo cultures survive.

Satanism, as a religion, encompasses a range of beliefs and practices, primarily revolving

around the figure of Satan, a figure linked to rebellion and enlightenment emphasizing

self-indulgence, individual freedom, and a rejection of traditional religious morality. It's important to note that Satanism isn't a monolithic religion, and different groups hold diverse

views on Satan's nature and the purpose of their faith.

Hinduism is a multifaceted religion with origins in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a

diverse array of philosophies, practices, and beliefs. It is often described as a "way of life"

rather than a rigid set of doctrines, encompassing a vast range of traditions and rituals that

revolve around specific idols. Key concepts include Brahman, the ultimate reality or universal

soul; karma, the principle of cause and effect; and samsara, the cycle of reincarnation. Hindus

also strive for moksha, liberation from this cycle, often through practices like yoga and

meditation. Hindus believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continuous cycle of life, death, and

reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect). One of the key thoughts of

Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in soul. This philosophy holds that living creatures have a

soul, and they're all part of the supreme soul.

Polynesian religions were diverse and involved beliefs in pantheons of gods represented in

various forms, local and family spirits, and the concept of "mana," a sacred supernatural

power. Christianity, particularly Protestantism and Catholicism, was adopted by many

Polynesian cultures following missionary efforts, often blending with pre-existing traditions.

Taoism holds that humans and animals should live in balance with the Tao, or the universe.

Taoists believe in spiritual immortality, where the spirit of the body joins the universe after

death. For example, trees are to be worshiped as equal as god within man.

African traditional religions are diverse belief systems with roots in indigenous African

cultures, characterized by animism, ancestor worship, and the belief in both a supreme creator

and lesser deities. These religions often emphasize the interconnectedness of the natural and

spiritual realms, with practitioners seeking to maintain harmony with the spirit world through

rituals, offerings, and spirits in nature.

There is evidence of idolatry within the Catholic faith, whether seen in the need to replace the

toe of Saint Peter’s statue, or a picture on the wall.

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Each of these religions are practiced here in America and are evidence of man’s need for

someone to be viewed higher than self. Each one seeks for something better than what is

experienced here on earth. Sadly, unknowingly, many Americans have been swallowing parts

of others’ religion! And yes, be aware of what we hear in the news on TV for religion may

explain why the increase in evil.

How thankful you and I can be for our faith in Almighty Eternal God. He has provided direct

communication with us and we have direct access to Him through prayer. He is our creator and

rules with righteous justice, requiring responsibilities toward Him in our worship to Him. He

has provided a way of peace while we live in this world. How sad it is that the world does not

know Him despite the fact that all mankind now has access to the Bible.

Ro 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of

Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long

ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the

commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, [leading] to

obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

            I could hardly believe it when Silas reached kindergarten age.  How in the world had that happened so quickly?  When he found out he had to go back the second week, he said, “You mean I have to go again?!”

            “Yes,” his mother told him, “there is a lot to learn.”

            “But I already learned,” he said, sure that now he would get to stay home with her and his little brother.  Of course, he found out otherwise quickly.

            I know that no one would say it out loud, but sometimes I get the feeling some of my brothers and sisters have the same attitude.  “I already learned!” which is supposed to justify their never studying for a Bible class, never attending an extra Bible study, never darkening the meetinghouse doors for anything but the Lord’s Supper, as if it were a magic potion that would save them that week regardless of anything else they did.  What they have “learned” are usually the pet scriptures, the catchphrases, the simplistic theories that try to explain away the profound depth of the Scriptures—all those things that smack so much of a denominational mindset.

            I have amazing women in my Bible classes, and let me tell you, most of them are neither young nor new Christians.  These are women of a certain age, as we often say, who have sat on pews for longer than many others have been alive, yet they see the value in learning still more. 

            And that does not necessarily mean learning something new.  Sometimes the learning has more to do with a deeper comprehension, uncovering another level of wisdom, or an additional way of applying a fact to one’s life, leading to a changed behavior or attitude.  When I see someone in their later years actually change their lives because of a discovery made in Bible class, I am reminded yet again of the power of the Word.  The most amazing thing about this living and active Word, is that if you are not blinded by self-satisfaction, every time you study it you can see something new.  It’s like peeling an onion—you keep finding another layer underneath.

            You may have “already learned” a great many things, but if that is your attitude, you will never grow beyond the boundaries you have placed upon yourself with that notion.  Like a kindergartner who has learned his letters and numbers, you will be stuck in the basics, the “first principles,” and never come to a fuller comprehension of the magnitude of God’s wisdom and His plan for you.  If you are still deciding how long to keep a preacher based upon how much you “enjoy” his preaching and how many times he visited you in the hospital, if you are mouthing things like “I never heard of such a thing” or “I am (or am not) comfortable with that,” with not a scripture reference in sight, you still have a long way to go. 

            God wants meat-eaters at His banquet.  That means you need to chew a little harder and longer.  Yes, it takes time away from recess to sit in class and learn some more.  Yes, you have to process some new information which may not be as comfortable as you are used to.  Your brain may even ache a little, but that is how you learn, by stretching those mental muscles instead of vegetating on the pew.

            You may think you have “already learned,” but I bet you even my kindergartner grandson figured out very shortly that there was a whole lot more he needed to know.  He’s a pretty smart kid.  How about you?

 

Whom will he teach knowledge? and whom will he make to understand the message? them that are weaned from the milk…Isa 28:9.

 

Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection…Heb 6:1.

" . . . true worship is essentially a vertical exercise, the human response to the divine Creator and Redeemer. For this reason the goal of authentic worship is the glory of God rather than the pleasure of human beings, which means that forms of worship should conform to the will of God rather than to the whims of fallen humanity."

Daniel Block "For the Glory of God: Recovering a Biblical Theology of Worship".