Why Is Idol Worship Depholished in Abrahamic Religions?

Abrahamic religions have a very narrow-minded view of the world, often adopting an “My Way or The Highway” approach. This attitude extends to their perspective on idol worship, a practice they often despise.

So-called “idol worship” refers to the devotion of millions of people to figures they see as magical entities or divine beings, rather than adhering strictly to the Abrahamic God and his perceived supremacy. In the eyes of those who practice idol worship, the abhorrence from Abrahamic religions is unjustified and misguided.

The Narrow-Minded View of Abrahamic Religions

While many in Abrahamic regimes view idol worship with disdain, it is more likely that they themselves engage in various forms of ‘idol worship,’ including the crucifix worn as an amulet for protection against evil spirits, as well as statues that often symbolize pagan deities.

The term “idol worship” is often misused to characterize ancient traditional practices. In reality, there is no such thing as “idol worship.” Any book accessible through education can be seen as a form of visual knowledge, similar to how an idol serves as a visual encyclopedia for those who may not understand the language. Just as a sniper does not worship the scope but simply uses it to aim, a practitioner does not worship an idol; it is merely a tool or “pointer” to a higher human ideal, serving a higher purpose.

Universal Truth and Idol Worship

The fundamental disagreement lies in the interpretation of universal truth. According to this principle, everything other than God is His creation and thus not worthy of worship. In the Islamic sense, an “idol” can take on various forms: money, power, and even one's children. Just as the sun provides light but is itself a creation that acts under divine command, idol worship becomes absurd. Since everything good and evil stems from God, praying to another entity or appointing a protector besides God is a serious insult to God Himself.

This narrow perspective of Abrahamic religions often leads them to overlook the spiritual and cultural significance of idol worship in other beliefs. For example, while the practice of idol worship is seen as abhorrent, it is often considered a trillion times better than idolizing the figure of Satanic worship, which is seen as the worst form of worship.

Conclusion

Understanding the reasons behind the despising of idol worship in Abrahamic religions is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and culturally sensitive world. It is time to reevaluate the term “idol worship” and recognize the rich spiritual and cultural practices it represents, rather than viewing it through a narrow and judgmental lens.

Keywords: Abrahamic religions, idol worship, universal truth