Idolatry and Accountability in Romans One
Idolatry and Accountability in Romans One
Paul's discussion of idolatry in Romans 1:18-32 serves as a foundation for understanding the concept of idolatry and its relation to accountability. According to Paul, idolatry originates from humanity's refusal to acknowledge God, leading to a descent into ignorance and moral corruption [1]. This passage describes how people "traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things" [3].
The apostle's critique of idolatry is not limited to the Gentiles; he also addresses the issue of judgmentalism among those who claim to be righteous. In Romans 2:1, Paul writes, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou be that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things" [2]. This verse highlights the hypocrisy of judging others while committing the same sins.
The early Church Fathers interpreted Paul's discussion of idolatry as a warning against the worship of created things rather than the Creator. John Chrysostom, for example, notes that idolatry involves not only the worship of physical idols but also the elevation of human passions to the status of gods [4]. Similarly, Tertullian connects idolatry to the prohibition against adultery in the Decalogue, emphasizing the depth of guilt associated with idolatry [7].
The concept of idolatry has been understood differently across various Christian traditions. The Reformed tradition, represented by Charles Hodge, views idolatry as a form of polytheism, where saints are worshiped as gods and attributed with divine powers [5]. In contrast, the Catholic tradition, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, identifies the cause of idolatry as humanity's inordinate affections, which lead to the veneration of created things [6].
The connection between idolatry and accountability is a recurring theme in Romans 1. Paul's description of idolatry as a manifestation of humanity's rebellion against God underscores the accountability of those who engage in such practices. As Adam Clarke notes, Paul's discussion of idolatry serves as a prelude to his larger argument about justification by faith [8].
The biblical concept of idolatry remains relevant in contemporary Christian thought, with various traditions continuing to grapple with its implications. The patristic writers, such as Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, emphasize the importance of distinguishing between true worship and idolatry, highlighting the need for Christians to cultivate sympathy, compassion, and truth [9].
Sources
- 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 ”
- Romans “Romans 2:1 (Tyndale) — Therfore arte thou inexcusable o man whosoever thou be yt iudgest. For in ye same wherin thou iudgest another thou condemnest thy selfe. For thou that iudgest doest eve the same selfe thinges”
- Romans “and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things. -- Romans 1:23”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: idolatry, and one holds mammon lord, and another his belly his god, and a third some other most baneful lust. But, “you do not sacrifice oxen to them as the Gentiles do.” Nay, but what is far worse, you butcher your own soul. But “you do not bow the knee and worship.” Nay, but with greater obedience you do all that they command you, whether it be your belly, or money, or the tyranny of lust. For this is just what makes Gentiles disgusting, that they made gods of our passions; calling lust Venus, and anger Mars, and drunkenness Bacchus. If then you do”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 43: from all parts of the earth at the same time; that they know our thoughts and unexpressed desires. This is to assume that they possess divine attributes. In fact. therefore, the saints are the gods whom the people worship, whom they trust, and who are the objects of the religious affections. The polytheism of the Church of Rome is in many respects analogous to that of heathen Rome. In both cases we find gods 285 many and lords many. In both cases either imaginary beings are the objects of worship, or imaginary powers and attributes are as”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part (Secunda Secundae), Of Idolatry, Art. 4: Article: Whether the cause of idolatry was on the part of man? I answer that, Idolatry had a twofold cause. One was a dispositive cause; this was on the part of man, and in three ways. First, on account of his inordinate affections, forasmuch as he gave other men divine honor, through either loving or revering them too much. This cause is assigned (Wis. 14:15): "A father being afflicted with bitter grief, made to himself the image of his son, who was quickly taken away: and him who then had died ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 4: Tertullian IV, Minucius Felix, Commodian, Origen — CHAP. V.--OF THE PROHIBITION OF ADULTERY IN (part 1): THE DECALOGUE. Of how deep guilt, then, adultery--which is likewise a matter of fornication, in accordance with its criminal function--is to be accounted, the Law of God first comes to hand to show us; if it is true, (as it is), that after interdicting the superstitious service of alien gods, and the making of idols themselves, after commending (to religious observance) the veneration of the Sabbath, after commanding a religious regard toward parents second (only to that) toward ”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 1 (introduction): St. Paul shows the Romans his Divine call to the apostleship, and for what end he was thus called, Rom 1:1-6. His salutation to the Church at Rome, and his commendation of their faith, Rom 1:7, Rom 1:8. His earnest desire to see them, that he might impart to them some spiritual gifts, Rom 1:9-15. His description of the Gospel of Christ, Rom 1:16, Rom 1:17. The crimes and profligacy of the Gentile world, which called aloud for the judgments of God, Rom 1:18-32. Preliminary Observations Different interpreters have divided this epistle into certain parts or”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. XXXI.--RECAPITULATION AND APPLICATION OF THE FOREGOING ARGUMENTS. (part 3): 3. Since, therefore, there exist among them error and misleading influences, and magical illusions are impiously wrought in the sight of men; but in the Church, sympathy, and compassion, and stedfastness, and truth, for the aid and encouragement of mankind, are not only displayed(4) without fee or reward, but we ourselves lay out for the benefit of others our own means; and inasmuch as those who are cured very frequently do not po”