Idolatry

centuries about whether it is appropriate, or not, to use an icon of Jesus in worship or religious practices. Those that are against the use of an icon believe that this practice violates the second of the Ten Commandments because it can be seen as idolatry. On the other hand, those that are for the use of an icon believe that it is justified by the doctrine of incarnation; Jesus used a physical body to accomplish a spiritual work the same can be said for the use of icons. The painting, Prince…

We have all heard this story before: “I will never join the Lord’s church. There are just too many hypocrites.” We often dismiss this argument as foolish, and for good reason. But what if these people have a point? If every congregation of the Lord’s people did an intensive self-examination, it is probable each one would find several hypocrites in their midst. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for congregations to tolerate sinful marriages, gossip, and division. It should be no wonder some say…

The arrival of the Nazarene to the earth caused distress not only to the Jews but also to the Romans. Since that day forward there was a persecution against everyone whom believed in the Nazarene. After the dead of Jesus the Nazarene the Apostles started preaching the good news, apparently a different way of life and a new religion for the Jews. Therefore, they didn’t accept it; they have rooted in their hearts the Law of Moses. However, their witness's miracles performed by the believers of…

patriotism as an extension of selfishness and the “great and damning sin of mankind.” Furthermore, God tells His people, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exod 20:3). Yet, many churches continue to honor the nation, despite the danger of idolatry. For example, worshippers in the United States will likely witness several things during worship on Sunday morning: a bible, a cross, a baptismal pool, a hymnal, and an American flag posted on stage, often posted higher than the…

The word occultism derives from the Greek word occultus meaning hidden. Occultism is the study of the arts or occult practices like magic, alchemy, astrology, spiritualism and clairvoyance, among others. The interpretation of the occult and concepts can be found in the belief structures of certain philosophies and religions such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, theosophy, Wicca, Thelma, neo-paganism or Satanism religions. The meaning of occultism is the secret knowledge and practices dealing with the…

In Flannery O’Connor’s perspective, O.E. Parker is an unwilling agent of spiritual grace who cannot understand what is happening to him until he is beaten and rejected by his wife, Sarah Ruth. Throughout the story, Parker gets a tattoo of Christ on his back. Many who read this story believe Parker has defiled his body by placing a tattoo of a sacred image on his back. Parker displays what he wants to change and become religious; however, his wife does not give him a benefit of the doubt and…

Due to this, it would be feasible that the main reason the people were instructed in the Bible to bringing animals to the altar to sacrifice transpired to keep them from the idolatry of eating the blood. Principally, the LORD made a decree in Lev 17:1-7, to the Israelites to bring their sacrifices which they had in the open field, unto the priests at the door of the main tent, and slay them as sacrifices of peace offerings.…

As we observed his work throughout his life, we see that he sets many examples of Christian imagery and diction in this contrast as he explains about the novel "The scarlet letter" he had created, despite of considerable ambiguity that have been frequently reinforcing these images. Lucid, graceful, and well composed, Hawthorne's short stories came slowly but steadily into critical favor, and many of the best of novels soon became American classics. There was the possibility that Hawthorne was a…

She had to marry Demetrius or be sent off to the convent. “Why should not I then prosecute my right? Demetrius, I’ll avouch it to his head, made love to Nedar’s daughter, Helena, and won her soul; and she, sweet lady dotes, devoutly dotes, dotes in idolatry, upon this spotted and inconsistent man. Scornful Lysander, true, he hath my love” (I. i 105-110.…

to “Adventure for such merchandise”(II, ii, 75), as he tries to find the words to describe his love for Juliet all he can find himself saying is how he wants her as an item. Juliet’s lust is also evident as she describes Romeo as “the God of [her] idolatry”. (II, ii, 120) She knows nothing about who Romeo is, and cannot find human characteristics for Romeo, only his physique. Their love lacks depth and meaning, as they know nothing but each other’s beauty. Romeo and Juliet’s love for each other…