What is idol worship, verses in comparison with Graven images…
First a graven image is an inscription or image on a surface of stone or marble with flower, human or animal form. When referring to idol worship (not referring to statues or artworks) in that the object of the graven image itself is worshipped as opposed to God (not seeking God first), and not as in inspiration, focus for prayer point intent, or in admiration of traits and in respect. Graven images used outside of worship as a symbol of intent are not idol worship, since the worship focus is still the higher Divine.
Is Idolizing your favorite person Idol worship?
To idolize is to admire, revere, and love greatly. In admiring traits of your favorite celebrity, being inspired by them, loving and adoring them for what they are or represent or even for their accomplishments is not Idol worship. Even if you express reverence and adoration (worship) for your favorite star, hoping that their magical aura and admired traits would rub off on you, you are still only idolizing not idol worshiping. Only when you take a graven image and pray to the image without involving the Divine, do you practice Idol worship. It is praying to the symbol as opposed to focusing intention to pray to the Divine first, that is idol worship. To worship is to praise, bow to in reverence and honor. Don’t bow to statues.
The golden calves in the Bible were created to represent a God figure to bow and worship to instead of the Divine. They were not created as a house of Holy Spirit or as art, but as a graven image that was then worshipped. This explains what idol worship actually was.
Idols…
The little statues, depictions of saints, artworks etc. are not graven idol worship. In truth, these things are just beautiful artworks to inspire us, to help us focus, and to reflect upon; while, remembering that the Divine inspired someone and worked through that someone giving them also the talent to create that art.
All art is inspired by the Divine, and all art should be treated knowing that the Divine had purpose for that art.
As far as Saints go, to be inspired by the story constructs or to pray for intercession should not be idolatry. Saints were once intercessors on Earth to seek out and pray with, as former holy figures considered ascended to be near the Divine, they are still considered to be intercessors. Intercessors are prayer partners to agree with you and empower a Divine response. When two agree, it will be done (paraphrase Matthew 18:19). Your prayers are still directed at the one and only Great Divine.
Additional thoughts…
When considering idolatry, it can mean a lot of different things to different people. It is on the other hand avoidable by seeking the Divine or even the higher self first through your preferred method of prayer. Follow your heart, seek truth, and trust in what you find there. In our world of information overload there is a lot of noise, and sometimes in that overwhelm it is easy to get lost, confused, misguided, or frustrated. Clarity always comes from inner truth and higher wisdom.
We can’t apply idol worship to any and all things that we give time to besides the Divine. Who says, oh no I cooked, I worked, I cared for my baby, I betrayed the Divine? Just focus on some gratitude throughout the day, apply some mindfulness, and realize that unless you do or love to the complete exclusion of the Divine, you can’t be idol worshipping accidentally. Keep in mind all you do, especially if you love what you do, or if it is in service are ways in which the Divine works with and through us, not just in our conscious efforts to do Divine works. Considering favorite hobbies, talents, caring for your home, family idols prevents the Divine from working through what you do in life. Instead, just be grateful and dare to hold love in your heart for the Divine and all that is in your life. There are many kinds of love, and love is a beautiful commandment and guide for our greater good.
What about Love?
What and who you love, as long as the Divine has your greatest love can’t be idolatry, for there are no rules in love. A good check and balance to live by is to make the Divine and gratitude part of everything you do no matter how small. Thank the great Divine for all you cherish, and idolatry is not a concern. God never said we couldn’t love anything else, or that we could not have anything, or that we could not enjoy anything, God said to love, to be joyful, to live abundantly. You may love life, and feel grateful for it, that should be a good thing. You may honor your parents or cherish your family or loved ones, it is a commandment to honor your parents and family is a virtue. We need to stop overthinking and attempting to superimpose old constructs onto every new or current thing, and remember not to overthink and judge everything looking for some reason to chastise ourselves or blame ourselves for some misfortune. Everything can’t be an idol, and as long as the Divine has a place in your heart, and gratitude from you, you should be on the right path away from idolatry.
Brightest Blessings…
A side thought about the what ancients considered idols of the past… In Hindu temples to bless the sacred space they pray to empower an artwork object with Divine spirit as the holy house for the Divine to dwell (we call it an idol) and the then Divinely blessed object sanctifies the temple. To them, it is Divine spirit existing present on Earth. We bless our temples, the buildings, or set up alters to call on Divine spirit to be with us in houses to hold Holy Spirit. They worship the Divine, not really the “idol,” but we call it idol worship? I believe we need to set aside judgement of others and ourselves and trust in the Great Divine of higher thoughts and wisdom, who created us all to be the judge. We can keep the Divine in our hearts and still live in the world, and with a little effort maybe some greater kindness to ourselves and others.
