Very few Christians have ever confessed committing the sin of idolatry, although the Lord in the Bible refers to idolatry as one of our major temptations. Idolatry is the sin against the first of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:2ff). The prophets repeatedly prophesy against the worship of idols. The writer of the book of Wisdom makes the shocking statement: "The worship of infamous idols is the reason and source and extremity of all evil" (Wis 14:27). Paul warned: "I am telling you, whom I love, to shun the worship of idols" (1 Cor 10:14). John abruptly concludes his first letter: "My little children, be on your guard against idols" (1 Jn 5:21).

Idolatry in our culture usually doesn't have anything to do with strange statues or perverted religious ceremonies. Idolatry is to make someone or something more important than God. Paul calls greed idolatry (Eph 5:5; Col 3:5). Idolatry is to give some of our heart, soul, mind, and strength to something other than God (see Mk 12:30). This makes it impossible for us to give all to the Lord. If we're not giving 100% to the Lord, we are automatically in idolatry.

Therefore, return "to the Lord, your God" (Hos 14:2). "Say no more, 'Our God,' to the work" of your hands (Hos 14:4). "What more" have we "to do with idols?" (Hos 14:9)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 23, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 1998