Idolatrous Tendencies in Hermeneutical Approaches to Scripture

Idolatry in Biblical Context

Idolatry, or the worship of created objects or images as divine, is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative. The second commandment explicitly prohibits the creation and worship of idols, warning that God is a jealous God who will not tolerate the worship of other gods ^[1]. The biblical definition of idolatry encompasses not only the worship of physical images but also the attribution of divine qualities or powers to created objects or beings.

The origins of idolatry are described in Romans 1:21-25, where Paul explains that humanity's rejection of God led to a descent into ignorance and moral corruption, resulting in the worship of created things rather than the Creator ^[3]. The forms of idolatry varied, including fetishism, nature worship, and hero worship, with the Israelites being influenced by surrounding cultures during their history ^[3].

Idolatry in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, idolatry is often associated with the worship of false gods and is condemned as a form of spiritual adultery. The prophets frequently denounced Israel's idolatrous practices, warning of the consequences of such actions. For example, Isaiah critiques the Israelites for their covetousness, which is likened to idolatry, as it distracts from the worship of the true God ^[5]. Jeremiah similarly condemns the Israelites for their idolatry, stating that their worship of other gods will lead to their downfall ^[9].

The Deuteronomic code emphasizes the severity of idolatry, prescribing severe punishments for those who engage in it. The text warns against making idols in the form of any creature and associates idolatry with detestable practices ^{[7, 10]}. The consequences of idolatry are not limited to the individual but are seen as affecting the community as a whole.

Idolatry in the New Testament

In the New Testament, idolatry continues to be viewed as a significant threat to the faith. Paul lists idolatry among the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20, alongside sorcery and other vices ^[2]. The Tyndale House commentary on Galatians notes that idolatry was common in Galatia and was often accompanied by sorcery and sexual immorality ^[8]. The New Testament writers maintain the Old Testament's condemnation of idolatry, emphasizing the need for believers to avoid practices that involve the worship of created objects or beings.

Hermeneutical Approaches and Idolatry

The interpretation of Scripture can itself become idolatrous if it involves elevating human understanding or interpretation above the text itself. This can occur when interpretive methods or traditions are given precedence over the plain meaning of Scripture. For instance, the allegorization of Scripture, as seen in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus, can lead to a form of idolatry by distorting the original meaning of the text ^[4].

Some traditions interpret idolatry more broadly, seeing it not just as the worship of physical idols but as any form of devotion or allegiance that detracts from the worship of the true God. This can include the elevation of human traditions, interpretations, or even aspects of Christian practice to a status that rivals or supplants the authority of Scripture.

Conclusion

The biblical condemnation of idolatry serves as a warning against the dangers of attributing divine qualities or powers to created objects or beings. The theme of idolatry is not limited to the worship of physical images but encompasses any form of devotion that detracts from the worship of the true God. As such, it remains a relevant concern for Christian communities, cautioning against the elevation of human interpretations or traditions to a status that rivals the authority of Scripture ^[6]. The historical and biblical contexts of idolatry provide a rich background for understanding the complexities of this issue and its ongoing relevance for Christian theology and practice.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Idolatry — Forbidden -- Ex 20:2,3; De 5:7. Consists in Bowing down to images. -- Ex 20:5; De 5:9. Worshipping images. -- Isa 44:17; Da 3:5,10,15. Sacrificing to images. -- Ps 106:38; Ac 7:41. Worshipping other gods. -- De 30:17; Ps 81:9. Swearing by other gods. -- Ex 23:13; Jos 23:7. Walking after other gods. -- De 8:19. Speaking in the name of other gods. -- De 18:20. Looking to other gods. -- Ho 3:1. Serving other gods. -- De 7:4; Jer 5:19. Fearing other gods. -- 2Ki 17:35. Sacrificing to other gods. -- Ex 22:20. Worshipping the true God by an image, & c. -- Ex 32:”
Galatians “Galatians 5:20 (Webster) — Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Idolatry — Image-worship or divine honour paid to any created object. Paul describes the origin of idolatry in Rom. 1:21-25: men forsook God, and sank into ignorance and moral corruption (1:28). The forms of idolatry are, (1.) Fetishism, or the worship of trees, rivers, hills, stones, etc. (2.) Nature worship, the worship of the sun, moon, and stars, as the supposed powers of nature. (3.) Hero worship, the worship of deceased ancestors, or of heroes. In Scripture, idolatry is regarded as of heathen origin, and as being imported among the Hebrews through contact with ”
Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Philetus — (beloved) was possibly a disciple of Hymenaeus, with whom he is associated in (2 Timothy 2:17) and who is named without him in an earlier epistle. (1 Timothy 1:20) (A.D. 68-64) Thep appear to have been persons who believed the Scripture of the Old Testament, but misinterpreted them, allegorizing away the doctrine of the resurrection and resolving it all into figure and metaphor. The delivering over unto Satan. seems to have been a form of excommunication declaring the person reduced to the state of a heathen; and in the apostolic age it was accompanied with”
Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 57:17: covetousness--akin to idolatry; and, like it, having drawn off Israel's heart from God (Isa 2:7; Isa 56:11; Isa 58:3; Jer 6:13; Col 3:5). hid me-- (Isa 8:17; Isa 45:15). went on frowardly--the result of God's hiding His face (Psa 81:12; Rom 1:24, Rom 1:26).”
Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 40:18: 40:18 To whom . . . What image: Earlier in the book, idolatry was shown to be ridiculous (16:12; 37:16-19). Chapters 40–48 open up a much more extensive argument against idolatry. Idols are symbolic representations of gods and, at times, other religious concepts. Those who worship them don’t recognize the implication that they are man-made trinkets. Idols are powerless (41:7, 22-24; 48:14), give a false sense of security (42:17), delude people (44:20), and lead to severe disappointment (42:17; 45:16, 20). They cannot help those who care for them. In fact, they ar”
Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 4:16: 4:16 idol: Idolatry inherently confined the Lord to the artist’s imagination. Israel was not to make idols in the form of any of his creatures (4:17-18). Idols and images could lead to worship of the creature rather than the Creator (5:8-9; Rom 1:23-25).”
Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 5:20: 5:20 Idolatry, the worship of false gods, was common in Galatia and was often accompanied by sorcery (see Acts 19:19; cp. 1 Sam 15:23; Rev 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15) and sexual immorality (cp. 1 Cor 6:9, 15-20). • Hostility arises from angry pride rather than the Spirit’s humility and love (Gal 5:22-23). • Quarreling refers not to standing up for what is right, but to stirring up discord and looking for a fight (1 Cor 3:3; 2 Cor 12:20; 1 Tim 6:4; Titus 3:9). Those who are guided by the Holy Spirit seek to speak the truth in love with a peacemaking attitude (Gal ”
Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 8:2: spread . . . before the sun, &c.--retribution in kind. The very objects which received their idolatries shall unconcernedly witness their dishonor. lover . . . served . . . after . . . walked . . . sought . . . worshipped--Words are accumulated, as if enough could not be said fully to express the mad fervor of their idolatry to the heavenly host (Kg2 23:5). nor . . . buried-- (Jer 22:19). dung-- (Jer 9:22; Psa 83:10).”
Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 29:17: 29:17 The detestable practices were abominable manifestations of paganism, especially regarding worship (see 7:25-26; 12:31; 13:14). • idols: The Hebrew term, meaning round things, probably alludes to dung. These objects were so reprehensible that they were compared to excrement.”

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