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'''Idolatry''' is the worship of something as a substitute for [[God]].  It is prohibited in the first commandment of the [[Ten Commandments]]. Modern [[secularism]] is considered to be a form of idolatry.  Devotion to the [[NFL]] is a form of idolatry, as is obsessive watching of [[television]].

'''Idolatry''' is the worship of something as a substitute for [[God]].  It is prohibited in the first commandment of the [[Ten Commandments]]. Modern [[secularism]] is considered to be a form of idolatry.  Devotion to the [[NFL]] is a form of idolatry, as is obsessive watching of [[television]].

Idolatry is considered by the Jewish and Christian [[faith|faiths]] to be gravely sinful.  Early Jews and Christians accepted [[martyrdom]] rather than comply with orders to commit idolatry.

Idolatry is considered by the Jewish and Christian [[faith|faiths]] to be gravely sinful.  Early Jews and [[Christian]]s accepted [[martyrdom]] rather than comply with orders to commit idolatry.

Muslims consider statues of religious figures to be a form of idolatry, and do not refer to themselves as Muhammadans for the same reason, as they feel that this term implies that they worship Muhammad.<ref>Schimmel, Annemarie. ''Islam: An Introduction''. State University of New York Press, 1992.</ref>

[[Muslim]]s consider statues of religious figures to be a form of idolatry, and do not refer to themselves as Muhammadans for the same reason, as they feel that this term implies that they worship Muhammad.<ref>Schimmel, Annemarie. ''Islam: An Introduction''. State University of New York Press, 1992.</ref>

Most religions that make use of idols do not actually worship the image itself. Far more often they are regarded as focus points for worship or as a likeness of the god. Only rarely is the image itself considered to be the god. They can also be used to convey or focus on a particular aspect of a many-faceted deity, and this usage is common in Hinduism.  

Most religions that make use of idols do not actually worship the image itself. Far more often they are regarded as focus points for worship or as a likeness of the god. Only rarely is the image itself considered to be the god. They can also be used to convey or focus on a particular aspect of a many-faceted deity, and this usage is common in [[Hinduism]].  

==References==

==References==

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[[category:Paganism]]

[[category:Paganism]]