Idolatry
Worship of an idol as a deity, forbidden in Abrahamic religions.
Idolatry, also known as idol worship, is the worship of an idol as though it were a deity. In Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), it connotes the worship of something or someone other than the Abrahamic God as if it were God, and is forbidden by texts such as the Ten Commandments. The term is also used derogatorily to refer to cult images or deities of non-Abrahamic Pagan religions. Conversely, followers of animistic and polytheistic religions may regard the gods of monotheistic religions as false gods. The definition of idolatry has been contested within Abrahamic religions, with many Muslims and most Protestant Christians condemning Catholic and Eastern Orthodox veneration of the Virgin Mary as a form of idolatry.
- Etymology
- From Greek eidololatria (εἰδωλολατρία), compound of eidolon (image/idol) and latreia (worship)
- First English appearance
- Mid 13th century
- Related terms
- Idolism, iconolatry, idolodulia
- Opposing concepts
- Aniconism (opposition to icons), iconoclasm (destruction of images)
- Key religious contexts
- Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), Dharmic religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism), ancient polytheistic religions
Lore & Background
In Judaism, idolatry is prohibited by the second commandment against graven images. Maimonides interpreted that idolatry itself is not a fundamental sin, but the grave sin is the denial of God's omnipresence that occurs with belief that God can be corporeal. Biblical scholars have historically focused on textual evidence, but post-modern scholars have begun deconstructing this, noting that archaeological evidence suggests Jewish religious practices included images and cultic statues in the First Temple period, Second Temple period, and late antiquity. In Dharmic religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, idols (murti) are considered symbolism for the Absolute, not the Absolute itself, and are means to focus worship.
Reader's Guide
Idolatry has been a central and contested concept in the history of religions, particularly within Abrahamic traditions where it is forbidden as worship of false gods. The term carries strong polemical weight, used to delegitimize the religious practices of others. The history of religions has been marked with accusations and denials of idolatry, often accompanied by violence, as seen in iconoclasm—the destruction of images as icons of veneration. The definition itself has been disputed within Abrahamic religions, with some groups accusing others of idolatry for practices such as venerating the Virgin Mary. In contrast, Dharmic religions view idols as symbolic tools for focusing worship, not as the divine itself. Ancient polytheistic cultures, including those of Egypt, Greece, Rome, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, commonly used cult images and statues, with idols carrying different meanings across cultures. The material depiction of deities has played an eminent role in all cultures worldwide. The opposition to icons is called aniconism. The legacy of idolatry is thus a complex interplay of theological prohibition, cultural practice, and interreligious conflict, where the same object may be seen as a meaningful symbol by one group and as a false idol by another.
Did You Know?
- The term idolatry comes from the Ancient Greek eidololatria, meaning 'worship of idols'.
- The earliest historic records confirming idols are from the ancient Egyptian civilization.
- In Judaism, Maimonides interpreted that idolatry is not a fundamental sin, but the denial of God's omnipresence is.
- In Dharmic religions like Hinduism, idols (murti) are considered symbolism for the Absolute, not the Absolute itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is idolatry in simple terms?
Idolatry refers to treating a physical image or object as though it holds divine power and directing worship toward it. Within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, it specifically means giving the reverence reserved for the one God to something else entirely.
Where does the word 'idolatry' come from?
The term traces back to the Greek compound eidololatria, blending eidolon (meaning image or idol) with latreia (meaning worship or service). It first showed up in English-language usage around the mid-1200s.
Which faiths consider idolatry a serious prohibition?
The three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—all explicitly forbid the practice, with the Ten Commandments serving as a well-known scriptural boundary. The concept is also discussed in relation to Dharmic traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, though the framing differs considerably.
What's the difference between idolatry, iconoclasm, and aniconism?
Idolatry is the act of worshipping a physical representation as divine, while iconoclasm is the deliberate destruction of religious images and aniconism is the broader theological stance against using images in worship at all. Both iconoclasm and aniconism function as reactions against the practice of idolatry.
Is the term 'idolatry' used only in a negative way?
Within Abrahamic discourse the word carries a strongly pejorative tone and is often applied dismissively to the deities or rituals of polytheistic and animistic faiths. Adherents of those traditions, however, may flip the label and view the singular God of monotheism as just another false deity among many.
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