I was reading one of the football forums and someone mentioned that the zeal and passion that some fans show for Aggie football bordered on idolatry. I hadn't thought of it like that before. I have been guilty of making sports WAY too important in my life, and I've been examining my heart to see if it's an idol of mine. I'm thinking about doing a study on modern day idols; do y'all have any thoughts? Another one I deal with is politics. I place too much importance on who the leaders are and what they do/say.
Modern Day Idolatry
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Last: 3 yr ago by dermdoc
Good catch. Anything more important than God is an idol. Whether it's sports, politics, cars, drugs, or even your own family.
Gotta say that #1 around the US has to be money. I can't tell you how many people I've seen throw their parents under the bus and burn bridges with their family over an inheritance. Or the evil things people will do to make an extra dollar or bury their competition.
Gotta say that #1 around the US has to be money. I can't tell you how many people I've seen throw their parents under the bus and burn bridges with their family over an inheritance. Or the evil things people will do to make an extra dollar or bury their competition.
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OP I'm sure your heart is in the right place.... that said, how the hell can aggie football or any other sports fan thing you got going on in your life be idolatry???? This is where Christianity goes off the cliff when believers start beating themselves up over every little thing. Did you turn your back on God because Aggies didn't win a championship yet? Did you burn down a local church because Mond overthrew the wide open receiver once more? Relax and enjoy sports... if they ever come back. Relax and enjoy blessings God gives you. Stop beating yourself up over inconsequential things
The state is often an idol. Far too many American Christians worship America.
gordo97 said:
OP I'm sure your heart is in the right place.... that said, how the hell can aggie football or any other sports fan thing you got going on in your life be idolatry???? This is where Christianity goes off the cliff when believers start beating themselves up over every little thing. Did you turn your back on God because Aggies didn't win a championship yet? Did you burn down a local church because Mond overthrew the wide open receiver once more? Relax and enjoy sports... if they ever come back. Relax and enjoy blessings God gives you. Stop beating yourself up over inconsequential things
Amen
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
craigernaught said:
The state is often an idol. Far too many American Christians worship America.
This!
gordo97 said:
OP I'm sure your heart is in the right place.... that said, how the hell can aggie football or any other sports fan thing you got going on in your life be idolatry???? This is where Christianity goes off the cliff when believers start beating themselves up over every little thing. Did you turn your back on God because Aggies didn't win a championship yet? Did you burn down a local church because Mond overthrew the wide open receiver once more? Relax and enjoy sports... if they ever come back. Relax and enjoy blessings God gives you. Stop beating yourself up over inconsequential things
Anything one places in their head above God is an idol. Football is that for some people.
You haven't seen people obsessed with football or other sports? Football is a way of life for millions of people. All the way down to tons of home decorations, clothing, trips, and just overall money spent. It's actually very religious when observed and absolutely an idol. Have you seen soccer fans haha? But yes just watching football isn't idolatry. Just depends where your heart is. I've seen tailgates that cost like $20K. As a Christian you know where that money could go.gordo97 said:
OP I'm sure your heart is in the right place.... that said, how the hell can aggie football or any other sports fan thing you got going on in your life be idolatry???? This is where Christianity goes off the cliff when believers start beating themselves up over every little thing. Did you turn your back on God because Aggies didn't win a championship yet? Did you burn down a local church because Mond overthrew the wide open receiver once more? Relax and enjoy sports... if they ever come back. Relax and enjoy blessings God gives you. Stop beating yourself up over inconsequential things
Honestly great for the OP to even be conscience of idols. Most are not which can absolutely lead you away from God. Other posters mentioned America in general. Absolutely the case. We obsess over our jobs, vehicles, homes, food, and entertainment where God is mainly reserved for a rock band on Sunday morning and a 30 min sermon...if even that. So no don't relax when it comes to identifying idols...repent throughout your life and God will show you what is occupying your time and heart.
I would say it depends on how we operationally define "idolatry".
If we are talking actual worship, I would say "No".
If we're talking about something more practical in terms of priorities, maybe.
If we are talking actual worship, I would say "No".
If we're talking about something more practical in terms of priorities, maybe.
I am absolutely guilty of making sports an idol. There are times where my day is completely ruined or made based off the outcome of a sporting event.
My battle is always making sure I put these things in their proper place and not letting that happen. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
My battle is always making sure I put these things in their proper place and not letting that happen. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Whether it's and idol or not, the OPs heart is in the right place.
On Saturdays when the Ags lose and I'm in a horrible mood the rest of the day and am even kind of short with my own family, it's time to refocus priorities and remember that true joy comes from Christ, not how the Ags play.
It's nothing to feel condemned or ashamed over, but I think it's a healthy refocusing of our thoughts.
On Saturdays when the Ags lose and I'm in a horrible mood the rest of the day and am even kind of short with my own family, it's time to refocus priorities and remember that true joy comes from Christ, not how the Ags play.
It's nothing to feel condemned or ashamed over, but I think it's a healthy refocusing of our thoughts.
Frok said:
I am absolutely guilty of making sports an idol. There are times where my day is completely ruined or made based off the outcome of a sporting event.
My battle is always making sure I put these things in their proper place and not letting that happen. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Same here.
Even if it isn't an idol, my interest in A&M football is often quite unhealthy. I know I'm not even close to the worst too.
Before I was truly following Jesus, a bad Aggie loss would completely destroy me. I mean days on end I would be upset about it. When I realized the absolutely fleeting nature of sports it made me realize how utterly absurd that is. It is absolutely a form of worship.
"We may observe people worshipping statues, and we accuse them of idolatry. We say that these lumps of wood, clay, or metal are lifeless, and so posses no divine qualities. Indeed we find the idea of worshipping statues so bizarre that we even laugh with contempt at those who do it.
Yet far more dangerous than statues that are visible are the numerous idols which are invisible.
Power is an idol. Some people who posses powerful personalities desire power for themselves, and in this way make it their idol. Others like to be under the sway of a power powerful personality, who makes decisions on their behalf, and in this way releases them from the task of making moral choices for themselves; thus they make the powerful person their idol.
Fame is another invisible idol. Some people with the gift of speech love to bask in the warmth of adulation, and so make the admiration of others their idol. Those others find perverse pleasure in treating the gifted speaker as a god, whose every word must be treated as infallible.
What I am saying is that the most dangerous idols are not outward objects made of wood and clay, but reside inside the human heart"
John Chrysostom
Yet far more dangerous than statues that are visible are the numerous idols which are invisible.
Power is an idol. Some people who posses powerful personalities desire power for themselves, and in this way make it their idol. Others like to be under the sway of a power powerful personality, who makes decisions on their behalf, and in this way releases them from the task of making moral choices for themselves; thus they make the powerful person their idol.
Fame is another invisible idol. Some people with the gift of speech love to bask in the warmth of adulation, and so make the admiration of others their idol. Those others find perverse pleasure in treating the gifted speaker as a god, whose every word must be treated as infallible.
What I am saying is that the most dangerous idols are not outward objects made of wood and clay, but reside inside the human heart"
John Chrysostom
Amen to that. I look back on Aggie losses and it's flat out embarrassing how it ruined my day and consumed my thoughts. I've been extremely humbled recently and it's so much easier to watch sports. With that said the 2011 loss was the work of the devil and I'll take it to the grave.Fightin2010 said:
Before I was truly following Jesus, a bad Aggie loss would completely destroy me. I mean days on end I would be upset about it. When I realized the absolutely fleeting nature of sports it made me realize how utterly absurd that is. It is absolutely a form of worship.
The biggest case for idolatry I've seen is the economy. The economy seems to be a golden calf--it is put above anything else, including life. Consumption is the byproduct of that, and is idolatry for the masses.
Now tell me abortion and today's democrat party.bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb said:
The biggest case for idolatry I've seen is the economy. The economy seems to be a golden calf--it is put above anything else, including life. Consumption is the byproduct of that, and is idolatry for the masses.
I'm not sure what you are sayingWest Texas Lawyer said:Now tell me abortion and today's democrat party.bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb said:
The biggest case for idolatry I've seen is the economy. The economy seems to be a golden calf--it is put above anything else, including life. Consumption is the byproduct of that, and is idolatry for the masses.
Quote:
OP I'm sure your heart is in the right place.... that said, how the hell can aggie football or any other sports fan thing you got going on in your life be idolatry???? This is where Christianity goes off the cliff when believers start beating themselves up over every little thing. Did you turn your back on God because Aggies didn't win a championship yet? Did you burn down a local church because Mond overthrew the wide open receiver once more? Relax and enjoy sports... if they ever come back. Relax and enjoy blessings God gives you. Stop beating yourself up over inconsequential things
I'd say I'm sure your heart is in the right place too...but I think the problem in the American church isn't beating yourself up of inconsequential things. It's thinking that inconsequential things can't become worse and everyone is just ok.
Take it to F16 Barbara.West Texas Lawyer said:Now tell me abortion and today's democrat party.bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb said:
The biggest case for idolatry I've seen is the economy. The economy seems to be a golden calf--it is put above anything else, including life. Consumption is the byproduct of that, and is idolatry for the masses.
Haha I was specifically thinking of OK state 2011
bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb said:
The biggest case for idolatry I've seen is the economy. The economy seems to be a golden calf--it is put above anything else, including life. Consumption is the byproduct of that, and is idolatry for the masses.
What do you mean by the economy? It is simply the way resources are managed.
lobopride said:gordo97 said:
OP I'm sure your heart is in the right place.... that said, how the hell can aggie football or any other sports fan thing you got going on in your life be idolatry???? This is where Christianity goes off the cliff when believers start beating themselves up over every little thing. Did you turn your back on God because Aggies didn't win a championship yet? Did you burn down a local church because Mond overthrew the wide open receiver once more? Relax and enjoy sports... if they ever come back. Relax and enjoy blessings God gives you. Stop beating yourself up over inconsequential things
Anything one places in their head above God is an idol. Football is that forsomelots of people.
cavscout96 said:lobopride said:gordo97 said:
OP I'm sure your heart is in the right place.... that said, how the hell can aggie football or any other sports fan thing you got going on in your life be idolatry???? This is where Christianity goes off the cliff when believers start beating themselves up over every little thing. Did you turn your back on God because Aggies didn't win a championship yet? Did you burn down a local church because Mond overthrew the wide open receiver once more? Relax and enjoy sports... if they ever come back. Relax and enjoy blessings God gives you. Stop beating yourself up over inconsequential things
Anything one places in their head above God is an idol. Football is that forsomelots of people.
Been there
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Whatever occupies your attention, adoration, and allegiance can be considered an idol. Some are small some are big. Social Media can be an idol. Alcohol, pornography, sex, drugs, can all be idols.
"Aggies don't lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do!" - Aggie Code of Honor
I think why the country is where it's at is due to becoming such a godless nation over the last 15 years. I have no idea what happened between 2005 and 2020 but I know more people who have renounced Christ than ever before. So many people making the following idols in their heart:
- Money
- Sex
- Porn
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Sports
- Politics
- Politicians
- Athletes
- Musicians
- Jobs
And so much more. I reflected even on my own self and what I deemed important for years and fawned over including lots of athletes, celebrities, and musicians. I turned to Jesus more and more everyday and realized that being fascinated with people's lives is nothing more than an idol. For every athlete, celebrity, or musician I unfollowed, was another pastor or theologian I did follow over the last two years. Between those items, a thirst for money and an obsession with pornography that lasted a decade, I ran to Christ. Luckily, I've got a great church community, set of parents, friends, and girlfriend who have all walked me through that darkness as I have died of myself. Sadly, hundreds of millions of Americans need to do the same and turn to Jesus.
- Money
- Sex
- Porn
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Sports
- Politics
- Politicians
- Athletes
- Musicians
- Jobs
And so much more. I reflected even on my own self and what I deemed important for years and fawned over including lots of athletes, celebrities, and musicians. I turned to Jesus more and more everyday and realized that being fascinated with people's lives is nothing more than an idol. For every athlete, celebrity, or musician I unfollowed, was another pastor or theologian I did follow over the last two years. Between those items, a thirst for money and an obsession with pornography that lasted a decade, I ran to Christ. Luckily, I've got a great church community, set of parents, friends, and girlfriend who have all walked me through that darkness as I have died of myself. Sadly, hundreds of millions of Americans need to do the same and turn to Jesus.
Are we just going to ignore that this conversation is happening on Texags, or not?
TexAgs1992 said:
I think why the country is where it's at is due to becoming such a godless nation over the last 15 years. I have no idea what happened between 2005 and 2020 but I know more people who have renounced Christ than ever before. So many people making the following idols in their heart:
- Money
- Sex
- Porn
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Sports
- Politics
- Politicians
- Athletes
- Musicians
- Jobs
And so much more. I reflected even on my own self and what I deemed important for years and fawned over including lots of athletes, celebrities, and musicians. I turned to Jesus more and more everyday and realized that being fascinated with people's lives is nothing more than an idol. For every athlete, celebrity, or musician I unfollowed, was another pastor or theologian I did follow over the last two years. Between those items, a thirst for money and an obsession with pornography that lasted a decade, I ran to Christ. Luckily, I've got a great church community, set of parents, friends, and girlfriend who have all walked me through that darkness as I have died of myself. Sadly, hundreds of millions of Americans need to do the same and turn to Jesus.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing.
craigernaught said:
The state is often an idol. Far too many American Christians worship America.
I would agree that this would be wrong, but I dont see anyone worshipping the country.
I mean, I have deep deep patriotism. I would fight and die for this country and what it stands for. Is that worshipping the country?
You can see the idolatry when you see the reaction to anyone who dares "disrespect" or "desecrate" the icons of the state.Dr. Mephisto said:craigernaught said:
The state is often an idol. Far too many American Christians worship America.
I would agree that this would be wrong, but I dont see anyone worshipping the country.
I mean, I have deep deep patriotism. I would fight and die for this country and what it stands for. Is that worshipping the country?
Or this. This has no business in a church:
I love Jesus, I love Rockets, I love Aggies, I love Astros...... and I love a good ale..... and I love sharing all that with people
Dr. Mephisto said:craigernaught said:
The state is often an idol. Far too many American Christians worship America.
I would agree that this would be wrong, but I dont see anyone worshipping the country.
I mean, I have deep deep patriotism. I would fight and die for this country and what it stands for. Is that worshipping the country?
Not necessarily, but it can be.
War often turns the state into an object of adoration and praise providing people with identity, purpose, meaning, and hope.
There are some people who just want to be violent (human nature I guess). The state provides an opportunity to bless that violence and convinces people that an evil, even if a necessary evil, is good. For some, war is the sacrament of the state. For others, it's just a necessary action in the common defense of people. The two are often blurred.
craigernaught said:Dr. Mephisto said:craigernaught said:
The state is often an idol. Far too many American Christians worship America.
I would agree that this would be wrong, but I dont see anyone worshipping the country.
I mean, I have deep deep patriotism. I would fight and die for this country and what it stands for. Is that worshipping the country?
Not necessarily, but it can be.
War often turns the state into an object of adoration and praise providing people with identity, purpose, meaning, and hope.
There are some people who just want to be violent (human nature I guess). The state provides an opportunity to bless that violence and convinces people that an evil, even if a necessary evil, is good. For some, war is the sacrament of the state. For others, it's just a necessary action in the common defense of people. The two are often blurred.
There have always been the fighters who do the fighting in any culture. The "warriors" so to speak. War sucks but there is a time for it
God cared so much about America that He forgot to mention it anywhere in the inspired Word. Kind of like the Baptist church...or RCC church, or Methodist church or...well never mind.
And I know many baptists who swore Obama was THE antichrist. Lol
American society and "christianity" are imploding. I wonder why?
And I know many baptists who swore Obama was THE antichrist. Lol
American society and "christianity" are imploding. I wonder why?
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