Charles Spurgeon

Revenge, lust, ambition, pride, and self-will are too often exalted as the gods of man's idolatry; while holiness, peace, contentment, and humility are viewed as unworthy of a serious thought.

British Clergyman

Trevor Nunn

In my teens, I developed a passionate idolatry for a teacher of English literature. I wanted to do something that he would approve of more, so I thought I should be some sort of a scholar.

English Director

Virginia Woolf

It is curious how instinctively one protects the image of oneself from idolatry or any other handling that could make it ridiculous, or too unlike the original to be believed any longer.

British Author

Isaac Newton

Opposite to godliness is atheism in profession, and idolatry in practice. Atheism is so senseless and odious to mankind, that it never had many professors.

English Mathematician

Meryl Streep

I had this sort of idolatry for certain actors who preceded me, people who inspired me, so I'm honored to be that way for young actors.

American Actress

Pope John Paul II

Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes.

Polish Saint

William Wordsworth

Rapine, avarice, expense, This is idolatry; and these we adore; Plain living and high thinking are no more.

English Poet

John Bach

Idolatry is really not good for anyone. Not even the idols.

Welsh Actor

George Bernard Shaw

The art of government is the organisation of idolatry.

Irish Playwright

Ann Oakley

Families are nothing other than the idolatry of duty.

British Sociologist

Originally, idolatry involved worshiping statues or symbols as gods, often in religious contexts.

Religious Origin

Idolatry suggests excessive devotion, which can imply neglecting other important aspects of life.

Negative Connotation

Idolatry can be used metaphorically to describe any intense devotion or blind adoration.

Metaphorical Use

Idolatry is often used to describe the extreme admiration of celebrities and public figures.

Celebrity Focus

Using 'idolatry' hints at a possible imbalance or unhealthy fixation towards someone or something.

Watch for Balance

Idolatry carries an emotional weight, signaling more than just liking—it's about deep emotional investment.

Emotional Intensity

 This is done in order to avoid idolatry, or confusion between the representation of divinity and divinity itself. Keeping it real, so to speak, in the relationship between the individual and the divine. However, this can be a challenge to maintain, given that the urge to visually represent and interpret the world around us

A brief history of...

 for crimes such as homosexuality, adultery, blasphemy, idolatry, talking back to your parents -- and picking up sticks on the Sabbath. Well, let's click the zoom lens down one order of magnitude and look at the century scale.