Two Types of Idolatry

This goes well with the previous post. For more on this topic, see Tim Keller's Counterfeit Gods.

Darrin Patrick:

Surface Idols. The more observable of the two types of idolatry, surface idols are often easily-seen offshoots of deeper, less obvious sins. Some examples include:

• Image idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I look certain way.
• Helping idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if people are dependent on me.
• Work idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I am highly productive.
• Materialism idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom, and possessions.
• Inner Ring idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I am part of a particular social or professional group
• Ideology idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if my political party or social cause is in or gaining power.

Source Idols- The more subversive idols are the ones that drive all the other types of idolatries in our lives. They include:

• Comfort idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I experience a certain quality of life or a particular pleasure.
• Approval idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I am loved and respected by ________.
• Control idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I am able to get mastery in my life over a certain area.
• Power idolatry- Life only has meaning / I only have worth if have power and influence over others.

From Church Planter

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