Idolatry - Pros and Cons
I've been wanting to talk about this for a long time but no evail because of time constraints along with a lack of any true effort.
Adopting a hero or a role model, some kind of figure to mold yourself after isn't a bad thing - it's often encourage in society and even in my own point of view. But where does the line become drawn between idolatry and simple role modeling?
To have a similar taste in dress, quotes, even style similar to that kind of person is a good thing. It gives a flavor of influence while still making it your own. I suppose the idolatry point comes in once the flavor of your own is missing. Ville Valo from HIM is proobaly one of the examples I convey best the is almost borderline idolatry - similar dress style, similar vacant stare at times, even similar habits that could and should be avoided. I think the one thing that stops short of idolatry is how I write and what I read and believe. It's so easy though to slip into that category.
The more terrifying thing is that many people can choose an idol who stands for somethign wrong or backwords. Or even, an idol that isn't worthy of even praise. Mousallini, Hitler, Pol Pok... these people had followers. Every idol and role model needs a second look - not because they deserve it but because you deserve it.
Peace can be achieved through understanding. TO have something or someone you can look towards can help achieve peace. Buddha, Ghandi, Jesus, Martin Luther King, Brandon Beke, Andy Brady, your favorite teacher, anyone who can convey a good example of inner peace working outward. Live to love, Love to live and choose the people who have done the same
Adopting a hero or a role model, some kind of figure to mold yourself after isn't a bad thing - it's often encourage in society and even in my own point of view. But where does the line become drawn between idolatry and simple role modeling?
To have a similar taste in dress, quotes, even style similar to that kind of person is a good thing. It gives a flavor of influence while still making it your own. I suppose the idolatry point comes in once the flavor of your own is missing. Ville Valo from HIM is proobaly one of the examples I convey best the is almost borderline idolatry - similar dress style, similar vacant stare at times, even similar habits that could and should be avoided. I think the one thing that stops short of idolatry is how I write and what I read and believe. It's so easy though to slip into that category.
The more terrifying thing is that many people can choose an idol who stands for somethign wrong or backwords. Or even, an idol that isn't worthy of even praise. Mousallini, Hitler, Pol Pok... these people had followers. Every idol and role model needs a second look - not because they deserve it but because you deserve it.
Peace can be achieved through understanding. TO have something or someone you can look towards can help achieve peace. Buddha, Ghandi, Jesus, Martin Luther King, Brandon Beke, Andy Brady, your favorite teacher, anyone who can convey a good example of inner peace working outward. Live to love, Love to live and choose the people who have done the same