Thursday, September 1, 2011

Idolatry and Stupidity

The Hebrew prophets like Jeremiah are hard on misdirected worship (idolatry).  And one of the most difficult things for some to relate to is their insistence that idolatry is not only mistaken or wicked; it's just dumb.

Look at Jeremiah 10, for example: "idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field - they're just lumps of wood - those who worship them are both stupid and foolish".  Some choice quotes from a chapter of sarcasm.

This kind of sarcasm is a dangerous weapon for believers to deploy.  After all, the New Atheists can use it against us pretty effectively. But sometimes it's hard to resist.

Take growth for example.  I think it is fair to say that growth plays the role for us that "idols" played for Jeremiah: something that can't be questioned, must be fed, and is thought to ensure prosperity for all.

Really?



That's just dumb.

1 comment:

byron smith said...

That was awesome. Thanks!