NG IDOLATRY

m Cavanaugh, American theologian wrote describing idolatry:
“Idolatry is not primarily considered to be a metaphysical error (things beyond the physical world), a question of ontology (relating to our existence and being). The key question is not what people believe but how they behave. What constitutes idolatry is usually not the mistaken attribution of certain qualities to material objects, but the attitude of loyalty that people adopt toward created realities…Idolatry is primarily a way of life, not a metaphysical worldview…”
I believe this is an outstanding definition of idolatry. Idolatry is so often assumed to be some practice of having a totem, a carved deity, a sacred pillar, having a lucky marble or bead, secret chants and doctrines that are considered spiritual, or metaphysical. Cavanaugh’s point is ‘not what we believe’ about certain things, but how we behave. It is developing a loyalty in our soul to some physically created thing (of any kind). As he mentions, “Idolatry is primarily a way of life, not a metaphysical worldview…”

Examples of this idea would be how we behave toward what the Bible variously calls the ‘seven deadly sins,’ or vices. They are the sins are pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth. They can all become idols in our ‘attitude of loyalty’ to them. Just as having a positive behavior of toward sin with the seven virtues of humility, gratitude, charity, temperance, chastity, patience, and diligence. It is a way of life… the Kingdom Way.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Jesus