The Difference Between Idols and False gods

by Wes | Jan 29, 2024 | Theology

Sometimes we use the terms “idols” and “false gods” interchangeably, but there is nuance to those words that might prove helpful. In fact, identifying our “idols” can sometimes help us recognize the “false gods” we didn’t even realize we were worshiping. So, let’s spend a few minutes thinking about the false gods and idols that are prevalent in our world (and perhaps, in our own hearts).

False gods vs. Idols

There is certainly quite a bit of overlap between “false gods” and “idols,” but generally, an idol is something that can be seen. In other words, an idol is something visible. Idols in the Bible were often referred to as, “images.”

In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make man in our image…” The Hebrew word that is translated “image,” in that verse, is “selem.” The same word is used throughout the Old Testament to refer to idols. One example is 2 Kings 11:18, “Then all the people of the land went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and his images they broke in pieces…” The idols of the false god Baal are called, “images.”

A false god, on the other hand, is typically thought to be invisible and transcendent. So, idols/images were made to represent and reflect the invisible god’s presence. The pagan worshipers would direct their devotion to the image because it was thought to be a physical representation of their god. 

The True Image of God

As was mentioned earlier, Genesis 1:26 says the true and living God, YHWH, also commissioned images of himself. God’s images (idols) are human beings. Each human—regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnicity, mental capacity, physical capability, or life choices—is an image of God. 

To be clear, “image of God” is not something you do, it is something you are. Before you were able to think, speak, or do anything else, you were an image of God. And if there comes a time when you can no longer do these things, you will still be an image of God.

This is the primary reason “graven images” were not to be made of YHWH. For instance, the golden calf that Aaron made in the wilderness was supposed to be an image of YHWH (see Exodus 32:4-5). This was wrong because YHWH has already made images, we are his images.

What Are Your Idols?

Now, it’s time to look around your life and ask yourself, what are your idols? Spend a moment reflecting on these questions:

• What are the physical objects towards which you express devotion?
• Are there any inanimate objects you love so much you are tempted to speak (or even sing) to them?
• Are there any items you would fight someone to protect, because they represent something bigger, something intangible and transcendent?

I can think of a few examples, but I’m going to refrain from suggesting them, because I want us to examine our lives.

Choose one item that comes to mind with incredible sentimental value. Imagine someone desecrating that item, spitting on it, stomping on it, threatening to light it on fire. Does rage build up inside of you, to the point that you might want to hurt that person?

Do you see? We are ready to do harm to an actual image of God in order to protect a false image, an idol to a false god. I would argue that there is no object in the world that is worth harming an image of God (human being) in order to protect it. Humans are the true images of the true and living God.

What Are Your False gods?

This leaves the question, what are your false gods? If you can identify your idols, your objects of devotion—things you love, adore, praise, and protect—then you can probably discover the false gods behind those idols. Idols are the physical representations of false gods. So, ask yourself:

• Why do you love this particular object?
• What does it represent to you?
• Why does it fill your heart with certain emotions?
• What is the intangible idea behind this object to which you are devoted?

Many of us would like to convince ourselves we only have one God. However, it is very easy to become syncretic (combine two religions into one). Like ancient Israel and Judah, we often continue to worship the God of the Bible, but also take false gods into our hearts as well. We try to make God share his glory with others.

In other words, our loyalties often become divided. We are not pure of heart. We try to keep God, but also give our loyalty to ideologies, philosophies, and worldly pursuits. In his book, Counterfeit Gods, Tim Keller argues that when anything becomes “ultimate,” it has become one of our gods. Concerning any important idea you hold, ask yourself, “Is this idea of such ultimate importance that I would destroy a true image of God in order to defend it?”

God is not interested in being our favorite God; he wants to be our only God. We must forsake our idols and renounce everything that rivals our loyalty to him. Devotion to God and love towards his images is the only path that leads to life.

I love you and God loves you,

Wes McAdams