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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Aldarc" data-source="post: 7154934" data-attributes="member: 5142">We should probably be clear of our terms here, particularly when we speak of idolatry. Idolatry is not worshipping other deities. It's not a prohibition from worshipping other deities. It does not even mean that idols are false gods. Idoltatry is the veneration of cultic images, particularly statues, idols, figurines, and the like, often with the belief that (1) the idols are somehow representative or an extension of a deity, and (2) there is an efficacy in this veneration. Basically there is some 'power' in the idol that generally connects the worshiper with the power/deity that the idol represents. Idolatry is part and parcel for most polytheistic practice. Cultic images exist and they serve cultic purposes. You go to a Temple of Zeus and you see a statue of Zeus. You worship and provide sacrifices or offerings there. You may have small figurines in your household shrine of Zeus, Hera, Athena, Hestia, and a collection of local minor deities and family patron deities that you turn to on most day-to-day needs. The image is a sort of spiritual anchor/medium between you and the deity. In the context of the biblical texts (and the history of "Abrahamic monotheism"), the issue of idolatry, polytheism, and the efficacy of all involved is incredibly complicated, though biblical scholars, historians, archaeologists, etc. increasingly recognize that the hegemonic emergence of Abrahamic monotheism happened at a far later point than is implied in the text. We often associate idolatry with the worship of false gods, but these are actually two separate theological matters, which are both separate from the issue of iconoclasm. When we look at the Decalogue/Ten Commandments, we can even see that declaration of monotheism/henotheism and not making graven images/idols are, gramatically, two separate imperatives. I only mention this because I feel obligated due to the "loosey-goosey" use of terms. So I wanted a chance for us to establish some clarity of terms and additional background info, and  I really really don't want to get into a debate about this. Please. And thank you.</blockquote>

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