Impostors of God: Idolatry

It is a rare thing for Christians and other faith groups to speak biblically about idolatry.  Idolatry strikes too close to home and to who we really are, especially when we claim to be people of faith. Biblically understood, idolatry occurs when we seek life from something or someone that is not God—an Impostor(s).  Idols may be things, ideas, persons, or institutions exalted as a god(s). Whenever we put our trust in idols (and we all have and we all do) we end up serving and worshipping the impostor (things, ideas, persons, or institutions). There are contemporary and familiar idolatries that have captured us and to which we have given our worship and servitude: money, possessions, power, race, sex, class, nation, religion, ideology, causes, etc.  I doubt that any of us can deny that we have leaned on and trusted these impostors of God.  Of course, if God is not, then any thing, person, idea, institution, or any other substitution for God (biblically referred to as principalities and powers) will fill the gap.

We idolize many things—and not one of us is exempt.  This is the essence of the biblical view of the fall. The whole creation has become alienated from God and, therefore, from itself.  The Bible views the fall as pervasive, affecting not only people and their relationships but also institutions, nations, governments, and systems.  We cannot claim any special exemption from the fall for ourselves (even if we are people of faith), or for our nation, or our churches, or other favorite idols.

We are all uncomfortable with this biblical suggestion that we, as individuals, as groups,  and as a nation are a part of this fallenness.  We become defensive and angry.  We reject the biblical view of the fall and “fall into the notion” that our nation, our system, our “side,” our basic values and purposes are righteous and honorable.  We engrave on our money, “In God We Trust,” and in our pledge to the flag, “one nation, under God."  We idolize.  As Jim Wallis wrote, “The American people are able to gobble up half the world’s consumable resources and still ‘praise God from whom all blessings flow.’” 

The prophetic function of “truth-telling” was and is still a central part of responsible biblical faith, but the prophet, too, lives in the midst of the fall and often serves the Imposters of God.

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore chose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

"Dance then, wherever you may be...
For I am the Lord of the Dance," said He!