I do not remember exactly how long ago it was that for the first time I just sat and shuddered at the implications of verses like Zephaniah 1:5 and 1 Kings 11:4. "...those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Molech." "...when Solomon became old, his wives turned away his heart to follow other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God."
As the implications cascaded through my mind, my naiveté was shattered. Previously I had assumed there were only two possibilities. Either a person worshiped God or idols. But here was a disturbing third possibility. An Israelite could attempt to worship idols alongside of God. And if this was possible for them, could not a Christian sing praises to the Lord while also engaging in idolatry? And if so, what might this look like in an American context?
The Many Faces of Idolatry
For the most part, Americans are not confronted with the carved stone and wooden variety of idolatry which plagued ancient Israel. Yet, the underlying dynamics of secular idolatry is identical to that age-old scourge. In the ancient Near East, people were tempted to serve various gods because they believed those gods could provide for them. In America, people can be tempted to serve many different vehicles (wealth, social contacts, work, power, possessions, knowledge. etc.) because they believe these paths will protect and provide for them.
In a secular context, gods do not take the form of wood and stone, instead the type of pernicious adoration which might try to sneak under our radar will probably be more in line with Paul's warning in Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5. Greed, amounts to idolatry. And there are many forms of greed. Luke 12:15 All forms of greed constitute serving something other than God because of what it is believed to provide. If I only had more _____, then everything would be OK.
Baal is the Hebrew word for master.(1) Whether someone's master is a power represented by a stone or a recipe for success, both sets of beliefs lead to serving one's Baal in place of the Creator.
Monotheistic & Polytheistic Christians?
Biblical monotheism involves the worldview that the LORD is our ultimate Source for everything we need. Polytheism either cuts up the pie allowing for there to be many ultimate sources or it at least involves the practice of hedging one's bets. A polytheistic worldview can always make room for one more god to ensure my well-being.
If a Christian were polytheistic, what might this look like? Perhaps on Sunday he or she would gather with the saints to serve God. The motive might be to praise God for salvation or it might be to ensure salvation. Then from Monday through Friday, life would serve those forces which provide for prosperity and well-being. Because God is not really believed to be the Provider, he or she would perhaps live under the weight and worry of being responsible for where the buck stops. When financial blessings flow, they might be viewed as being "all mine" since he or she pushed the right buttons to receive them. Except for perhaps a token contribution on Sunday, resources might be used with a self-centered mentality.
The monotheistic Christian as described in scripture also worships on Sunday and goes to work, but it is an entirely different week. God is praised for providing salvation and one's resources. Since God enables the means to make wealth, the fruits of labor are seen as the out pourings of God's blessings. God's generosity is used both for sustenance as well as to generously honor the Giver and further the Supplier's purposes in this world. With the weight of tomoroow's sustenance resting in God's hands, contentment and peace shrouds today. Ideally, the work itself will be done to serve the Lord and not just a human boss. Similarly, the purpose of working ought to rise above simply making money to also include representing God and His ways in the work place.
Zephaniah 1:5 says, "...those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Molech." Is it not naive to think, because people worship on Sunday this guarantees that they are not also idolaters? Considering how the threat of idolatry was a continual problem throughout Israelite history, would it not be naive to think this greatest of dragons has simply vanished?(2) Gaining a firm understanding of this danger, the necessity to believe and adopt a biblical worldview regarding God should be clear. Recognizing our Creator for who He truly is, instead of living under the virtually impotent and boxed in variety of a god, empowers all of the difference.
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2003
(1) Probably the most common association with the word baal is the Caanite storm god. However, since this word means master, it could also be applied to God. In Hosea 2:16, the LORD describes His people shifting from calling Him their Baali (My Master) to Ishi (My Husband).
(2) The New Testament writers have warned Christians about the dangers of idolatry through such texts as: James 4:4, 1 Corinthians 10:7, Colossians 3:5.
Other articles which might be of interest
Lessons from 580 B.C. for the Second MillenniumWhat Does it Mean to Live as a Christian? Part 1: To Break Down My Idols
Insights from the Master on Idolatry
Freedom from Idolatry (An American Free At Last)