The history of idolatry is
different but yet similar in every culture and peoples who adopted this
religious route. However, what united all the idolaters is the fact that they
remain in the dark, believing in false gods, made by man in order to fill a certain
void. According to the following passage from the Old Testament Book Wisdom of
Solomon (14:12-31) we see how idolatry is also evil, keeping its faithful far
from God’s embrace.
Solomon continues praying:
12Our God, the idea of making an
idol was itself the first step toward being unfaithful to you. 13Idols were not
here in the beginning, and they won't be around forever. 14They resulted from
human pride, and so you have plans for them to end quickly.
15For example, a father made an
idol to look like his child who had suddenly died, and the dead child then
became an object of worship by later generations, who followed mysterious and
secret ceremonies. 16Over the years, such godless ceremonies became customs and
then laws, as rulers commanded idols of themselves to be carved and worshiped.
17And when people lived far from their rulers, they tried to make idols that
looked like their rulers, so that they could honour and flatter those rulers as
if they were there with them.
18-19In fact, some people who did
not know what their rulers looked like were led to worship them, because of the
skill and the tireless efforts of those who made beautiful idols to please
their rulers. 20Finally, many people started worshiping their earthly rulers as
gods. 21As a result, idolatry became a hidden trap for those who were suffering
or were under the authority of rulers, and they called these idols gods,
although you alone are God.
22Not only are such people
ignorant about you, but this ignorance makes them terrible enemies of each
other, even while they think they are living at peace. 23They kill their
children as sacrifices and conduct secret ceremonies, they follow strange
customs and act like wild people, 24they are immoral and cause great pain by
being unfaithful in marriage, and they are deceitful murderers. 25Violence,
murder, robbery, deceit, corruption, dishonesty, riots, and lying are
everywhere. 26No one knows right from wrong or shows gratitude or cares about
anyone else; all of them are sexual perverts or share weird marriage unions or
are otherwise completely disgusting.
27The worship of worthless idols
is the cause and result of all kinds of evil. 28Their worshipers act crazy, or
give false messages in the name of God, or live sinful lives. They never speak
the truth, and they tell lies in court 29because they trust in these lifeless
idols and don't expect to be punished. 30But they will be punished for
worshiping idols instead of you, the Holy God, and for disgracing you with
their deceitful lies. 31Sinners don't receive help from the idols they worship,
but the penalty for their sins follows them in hot pursuit.
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