Saying what idolatry is definitelyit is very difficult, because even objects, exaltations, boards, pillars, statues that a man exalts can already be considered idols of the material world. And what is the opinion about this topic in different religions of the world? In general, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism and various forms of paganism are similar in opinions. They do not particularly welcome such an approach, and for them idolatry (a religion based on the worship of many gods) is unacceptable.
The Creator has no form or body, and therefore all of itimages are just an interpretation of the human mind. You can draw people, but you should not give them an excessive mystical or cult meaning. Any exaltation of objects eventually leads to ritual worship and, accordingly, violates the meaning and meaning of the worship of the Most High.
Idolatry in Buddhism and Islam: what are the differences?
Theme:"Man and religion" is relevant for people of all continents. For example, in India, where the overwhelming majority of people in the country practice Buddhism, this question is relevant for almost everyone. And despite the huge amount of divine images and statues they have, they do not worship them, but to the one to whom they are dedicated. For them, these objects are only intermediaries.
As for Islam, everything is much more complicated.This creed does not accept any images of the Creator, its followers have no idols. Of the material objects in this religion, there is only one connecting thread with the Creator, and this is a stone located in Mecca.
Idolatry is the cornerstone of Christianity
Christianity is very subtle about this subjectas idolatry. Religion, based on the worship of many gods, penetrated here neatly and covertly, at least according to some opponents of the traditional church. They do not understand why she welcomes the veneration of paintings in the form of icons, statues, chairs, bones and other attributes of divine subjects, because the exaltation of objects and images to the rank of sacred is strictly prohibited by Scripture. But ministers and parishioners do not see any trick. And the thing is that believers do not treat them like idols or gods.
Translated from the Greek word "icon" means"form". Therefore, it is unacceptable to consider them as gods or idols; it is only an image of God, Angels, saints. Praying in the face close to the heart, a person does not refer to a material object expressed graphically and artistically through metal, wood, paint. His petition or internal confessions are dedicated to the one who is depicted on the icon. Everyone knows that it is easier to convey the thought to the Almighty when you see his cross or the Most Pure Image. To use such a bright "conductor" is much more pleasant than to be content with empty walls.
Protestants, pagans and idolatry
Considering idolatry in Christianity,Protestants noted that some of his directions had lost their original connection with the Creator. And all this happened due to the violation of their own scriptures, where it was clearly stated many times that one should not worship anything material, exalt images, objects created by man. But Christians in their defense speak of something else, for example, icons are given to people, so that they reverently resurrect in remembrance the works of God, as well as the exploits of the Saints. Sacred images are like books, only here the faces appear as text content.
Pagan idolatry is a religion foundedon worshiping many gods - beats all records in the number of accusations against him. Followers of this religion are most accused of worshiping idols. But the truth is that, unfortunately, not all the adherents of paganism can adequately distinguish and distinguish between the appeal to the tree post and the prayer to the Creator.
Here and now do not make yourself an idol
Frequent change of priorities in society hasvery detrimental effect on a person as an individual. Today, for many, idols and idols have become money, power, popularity, worldly goods, and position in society. Of course, this causes a gradual degradation of the population of different countries. The role of faith in this case is very large, regardless of religion or confession. Currently, the issue of increasing the importance and significance of cultural and spiritual values over material manifestations has reached the Rubicon. This also can be attributed to the proper attitude to the institution of the family, the relationship between parents and children.
The substitution of spiritual values for low,subordinate to animal instincts, became most noticeable with the advent of such concepts as "sex symbol", "my idol" and the like. It was during this period that the simple worker began to be ridiculed, and the priority veneration went, for example, to the singer, model, boxer, or fashionable footballer. Such over-appreciation of material values, craving for fame, worship led to the degeneration and derogation of the moral and ethical laws of being.
To balance and eliminate distortedperception of the world, it is important for everyone to think about whether he lives according to his conscience, whether he goes the same way. It becomes more and more clear to the conscious person how idolatry has been transformed and evolved. Religion, based on the worship of many gods, clothed in new modern forms that are important to see in the bud. In this case, the person is already facing a conscious choice, and does not wander like a blind man. He understands what is good for him, recognizes what is being imposed, and clearly sees what can be safely abandoned. Good luck!
