What is your idol?

1. 67

   aka-djposted 12 years ago

   If an idol is defined as "any human construct, be it a physical object/image, an idea(l), or concept", what is yours.
   
   The Bible is very clear that we "shall have no other god(s), but God alone". Him only shall we worship.
   Now worship is defined as "bowing oneself, or prostrating oneself before aid god". This includes no-material things such as fame, riches, knowledge, race, nationality, science, political persuasion etc" We may not be physically bowing down "before this idol", but we give ourselves completely over to them. In a sense "bowing in our inner selves, in our service to obey, said idol."
   
   What you hold in highest esteem, above everything else? That's your idol/god.

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      canadawest99posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Science and knowledge are not material things and are not idols.  They are the keys to truth and enlightenment.  Your definitions are totally whacked.

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      1. 67

         aka-djposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Not really.
         They are good. I don't question that, but, if either becomes an idol, then it's not good.

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         1. 59

            mohitmisraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            An idol is a representation,  Islam has the Holy Kaaba which also becomes and idol.
            Nothing wrong in having an idol,all the prophets Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Krishna, Zaratushtra etc represent god the Light so there is absolutely nothing wrong with idols. All the prophets and saints are my idols.

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   2. 0

      just_curiousposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'm going to have to disagree with your definitions and the intent of the command there dj.
      
      To throw knowledge in as something we 'bow to' is dangerous. Is that what I've been missing in the christian argument? God thinks it's bad to learn anything? Where in the world did you read that one? Did it ever occur to you that the two words, god and knowledge, might be synonymous? What's the Bible verse? Seek and you will find? We have questions. About everything we see. Only religion would stand in the way of questions.
      
      You're right, about material things. But this goes a whole lot further than moving a statue around to dust the mantle. It has to do with taking care of this world. What did he say about the birds? Something to the effect that God knew their needs and took care of them. How many live at the edge of their means so they can cram their lives with material things that mean nothing, ten minutes after they get it home? It is the whole materialistic concept that he was talking about. Take what you need, no more.
      
      You are right about not bowing to nationalities, race, political parties or religious affiliation . Holding any of these as important bands people together in isolated groups. The whole world is your neighbor. To favor one person to the detriment of the other, shows a lack of love.

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         aka-djposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Ok, disagree if you like. It's ok.
         
         All I'm saying about knowledge is that if IT becomes the end in itself, rather than a MEANS to an end, it can be an idol.
         
         I did say, clearly, I hope, that I am all for knowledge and learning. BUT, if that pursuit keeps one from knowing God, then it's not worth it. It becomes the idol of their life!

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            just_curiousposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I can't see how the pursuit of knowledge would impede a relationship with God, but I do get what you're saying. I do think some use it as a wall so they can believe God is impossible, but I don't see it as an idol; more of self imposed blinders. Refusing to accept God as a possibility is a roadblock to knowledge.
            
            My primary problem is, if God existed in all the awesome power and ability that mainstream Christianity insists on I'm pretty sure he could, and would, have made his presence known. Without that, one has to proceed on the premise that religion has no answers and whatever the answers to everything within our world are up to us to find.
            
            Whatever the answer, I think it's obvious religion has gotten it wrong.

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            1. 59

               mohitmisraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Religons are based on the experience of the enlightened ones.they talk of the Ecstasy of union with the Light or god, everyones source, the essence of this universe permeating everything including you.
               This experience is considered as the pinnacle of knowledge for man .

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                  just_curiousposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  I agree, to an extent. But  the religious literature I've read seems to dumb it down. Make it palatable for the masses. No work. No gain. Just a neat little package to collect money from. Or at least that's the way Christianity looks to me.
                  
                  Whatever the answer, I think the rabbis are right. It's unknowable in the truest sense of the word. A glimpse is all many of us get. To pile a faith structure around it, that has no logic or meaning, impedes the search.

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                  1. 59

                     mohitmisraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     I agree with you as well, sadly most of these books have been changed over time.Its corrupt man who is to blame, the essence was knowledge of the Light, pure. Its very difficult writing on spirituality or religious philosophy as its the most condensed form of philosophy where two lines have great depth to their meaning.
                     
                     I feel exactly like you and thats the reason I have become a poet and wrote a book  to show god with more clarity and simplicity ,more honest.
                     
                     Although the essence of god permeates these holy books which makes them timeless, yet the language and threats are not for man today.
                     "A glimpse is all many of us get"- and this is very personal an experience.

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                     1. 0

                        just_curiousposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        I wish I read poetry. I'd love to read your thoughts on the subject. My mind doesn't wax poetic, and can rarely follow it. But, you sound like a peaceful, enlightened soul.

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                        1. 59

                           mohitmisraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Cheers you seem nice as well
                           
                           I hope you can relate to my poetry, I believe my work is very different to anything till date .
                           Check out some of my hubs.

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                           1. 82

                              earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                              Aw geez Mohit! I bet you say that to all the girls!
                              
                              You used to like me..... for a while.

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                              1. 59

                                 mohitmisraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                 You can be reasonable at times and we have had intelligent debates but at times you can extremely unreasonable.
                                 You are coming to conclusions, I dont dislike you.
                                 We may not agree with our beliefs that doesn't mean I dont like you.Have friend who are atheist we dont abuse each other over our beliefs.
                                 
                                 just_curious and I  match frequencies here  ,so off course we will connect.
                                 
                                 
                                 I was an atheist  like you but different,I just stayed away from religion,spirituality.

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                                 1. 82

                                    earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                    Lets see how long that "frequency" lasts shall we? I have religious members of my family and friends to Mohit, but they don't explain to me how I should think.

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                                    1. 59

                                       mohitmisraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       Are they enlightened poets who have dedicated 10 years of their life spreading god knowledge, this is my job.
                                       I share how I think with everyone and not just you.
                                       
                                       I always give examples
                                       
                                       Also if you notice I reply to your question but you often  just reply with rudeness like rubbish nonsense etc. which does get annoying  and I give it back to you.Be nice and I will e nice irrespective of our beliefs.Dot think you can say nonsense etc to my answers and I will say thank you.There is a limit to my patience.
                                       
                                       You know a bookstore ranked my work 1 in Religion and Spirituality so you know I posses knowledge on this subject

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                                       1. 82

                                          earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          I feel many of them would say they are enlightened, we have a few who are enlightened in many ways. We have a big family!
                                          
                                          I agree Mohit, you are one dedicated person, and I feel sure you will understand that telling others that they do not know something is a common problem when it comes to religion, as there are as many beliefs and opinions as stars in the sky.
                                          
                                          If we were discussing psychology it would be a bit more cut and dried, but not much.
                                          If we were discussing a hobby or even feelings we may agree completely
                                          No offense mate, but I study every day too, but admittedly not religion these days.
                                          You don't want to hear my rave on brain chemistry.

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                                    2. 59

                                       mohitmisraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       If I was interested in chemistry I would be on a science form, you should be there you will enjoy it more.Here this is just a war zone and you are one of the warriors intent on battle.

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                                       1. 82

                                          earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          But you need to be interested in all of it if you want to philosophize Mohit.
                                          
                                          One religious believe does not make a case for anything without broad general knowledge to allow a view of the bigger picture to ensure it all fits together within a factual framework.
                                          
                                          Brain chemistry affects religious belief.

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                                    3. 59

                                       mohitmisraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                       Ernesthub my book is currently ranked 2 in religious philosophy books, not yours, you will not be able to with all your knowledge you possess.
                                       
                                       So please no lecture, its not needed.

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                                       1. 82

                                          earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                          Like I said, they don't explain to me how I should think.
                                          
                                          Mohit if you wrote the bible my response would be the same.
                                          
                                          I don't believe that jesus ever said a word in the bible, there are no gods, I do not believe any of the quoran or bible are any sort of truth. Just recycled stories going back to the times of ra.
                                          
                                          You may know every thing there is to know about religion, still no sale. .

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   3. 60

      kessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Using your definition  of Idol, you an every other christian I know is worshipping the idol created for christianity.
      
      Re read your post and you would see it as plain as day.. that is only if you desire to know Truth.
      
      BTW...False knowledge is good as total ignorance....which ultimately is the False God.

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2. 52

   paarsurreyposted 12 years ago

   What is your idol?
   
   I believe no idols.

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   1. 59

      Beelzedadposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Not true, Muhammad is your idol.

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   2. 52

      paarsurreyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't worship any idols.

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3. 41

   MaineWriterposted 12 years ago

   I often times wonder if my tattoo of Jesus would be a constructive image of HIM. God aka Jesus is my true belief.

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4. 58

   Jeramiposted 12 years ago

   When I read the First comandment.
   
     I read  Thy shall have no other gods  BEFORE  Me.
   
     Put Him First.
   
     Whatever the definition of having a God was at the time this was written ...  It seems clear to me that it was OK to have them   BUT  to put  HIM first.
   
      Just my thoughts.

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