Modern Day Idolatry
This Sunday we are going to study Romans 1:18-32, which talks a lot about idolatry. An idol is a "functional lord." It drives my life, gives me security and an identity. Unlike Jesus, an idol deceives and enslaves. In his study on this passage, Tim Keller identifies numerous modern day idols. Here is a partial list:
- Workaholism. Work becomes the thing you live for — to be productive and useful, and to make a name for yourself.
- Codependent “enabling.” Needing to feel needed is what you live for. I can't let people down.
- Beauty and image. This can have various forms, including eating disorders.
- Romance. You live for a relationship. You must have him/her or life seems unlivable.
- Perfectionism in general. You live to keep complete control of your life.
- Materialism. Money and possessions become the salvation and driving force of your life.
- Fascism. Make an idol of one’s race or nationality. “I am acceptable because I am an ______,” rather than getting identity as a child of God.
- Communism. Make an idol of the state. Government, not God will solve all problems.
- Populism. Making an idol out of public opinion or majority rule, rather than what God says is right.
- Capitalism. Making an idol out of the market. Like communism, seeing all our problems as economic ones.
- Rigid multi-culturalism. One’s ethnic group or culture is my righteous identity. Cultural pride.
- Enlightenment humanism. Makes an idol of reason and scientific investigation.
