More on true false idols (yes, 'false idols' is redundant, but many don't know idols are all false)

To really see the depth of true false idols as opposed to temptations (money, sex, power) see if expiation of the inherent sense of guilt in fallen human beings is occurring. Environmentalism is a good example in our day. It includes the deification of 'Gaia' or Mother Earth. "We must sacrifice for the Earth. We are nothing. If you don't sacrifice for the Earth we will have to kill you." Cultish. Sacrifices are demanded from all and given willingly from active adherents.


Multiculturalism is another. It is the old worship of the noble savage by another name. With the twist of self-flagellation. "That North African Muslim immigrant just raped my daughter, but it's OK, I deserve it. We all deserve it." If the noble savage burns down their very neighborhood the worshipers of that idol accept it. Their idol can't mock them enough. It feeds their expiation of guilt.


Leftist politics is another, where the state (socialism, communism, fascism) becomes God (is idolized, fetishized, worshiped); and sacrifices - including human sacrifice, sometimes to the degree of genocide - are made to it. The state can't torment them enough. Can't kill them enough. Can't tyrannize over them enough. It expiates their inherent sense of guilt.


All the above expiates fallen human beings' inherent sense of guilt. They can't bring themselves to recognize their Creator, or the Mediator Jesus Christ, but they still feel a strong need for expiation of their inherent guilt. So they turn to the creation rather than the Creator. And humans and human institutions.


There is a category of false idol that seems more shallow which is the cult of personality that happens in the entertainment/celebrity fascination area. You see it in politics too, of course. Rock stars are the generic term. Both words metaphorical - even biblical - words for Jesus Christ. But nobody makes sacrifices to Lady Gaga (I don't think) like they do to multiculturalism.