What's Wrong With Idols?
Deuteronomy 32:15-25 Rabbi Adam Allenberg led the class last week to review the “notion of idolatry” as referenced in the poem.
Reminders about the mention of idols back in Genesis with Rachel ‘stealing’ her father’s idols and then again in Exodus with the ‘Golden Calf’ episode where Aaron was a key instigator but later becomes the high priest.
And then there is some confusion about what is an idol versus what is an artistic adornment or representation rather than an ‘idol’.
This is clearly not a ‘cut and dry’ issue. Why by the time we get to Deuteronomy 32:15-25 the whole concept of ‘other gods’ becomes the absolute worst sin?
Moses uses every tactic known to convince the people that the worst thing they can do is to follow those other gods they will find in the land. Here he uses fear tactics to warn them of the dire consequences if they don’t heed this message.
Hal pointed out that this is really more about gods than about idols.
Randy notes that it appeals to our ‘guilt’ complex.
Haya points out that this is not necessarily the best parenting style to use fear of failure approach.
Then Sol brings up the issue of Particularism vs Universality and the tensions between these ideas.
The discussion asked ‘what is wrong with those other gods?’
And the answer was something like - ‘they are ok for others but not for us!’
An idol creates a problematic view would put a boundary around God which is not appropriate for us.
The practices of the Canaanites were abhorrent and completely against the values of the Israelites. This is the main warning – not to be influenced by these people who live by a different set of values. It is a strong message to keep the ritual system they know to reinforce their values and system of ethics and justice.
Reminders about the mention of idols back in Genesis with Rachel ‘stealing’ her father’s idols and then again in Exodus with the ‘Golden Calf’ episode where Aaron was a key instigator but later becomes the high priest.
And then there is some confusion about what is an idol versus what is an artistic adornment or representation rather than an ‘idol’.
This is clearly not a ‘cut and dry’ issue. Why by the time we get to Deuteronomy 32:15-25 the whole concept of ‘other gods’ becomes the absolute worst sin?
Moses uses every tactic known to convince the people that the worst thing they can do is to follow those other gods they will find in the land. Here he uses fear tactics to warn them of the dire consequences if they don’t heed this message.
Hal pointed out that this is really more about gods than about idols.
Randy notes that it appeals to our ‘guilt’ complex.
Haya points out that this is not necessarily the best parenting style to use fear of failure approach.
Then Sol brings up the issue of Particularism vs Universality and the tensions between these ideas.
The discussion asked ‘what is wrong with those other gods?’
And the answer was something like - ‘they are ok for others but not for us!’
An idol creates a problematic view would put a boundary around God which is not appropriate for us.
The practices of the Canaanites were abhorrent and completely against the values of the Israelites. This is the main warning – not to be influenced by these people who live by a different set of values. It is a strong message to keep the ritual system they know to reinforce their values and system of ethics and justice.
posted by Chavarah @ 9:41 PM
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