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Tim Maas
Why did people worship man-made idols (Psalm 115:4-7)?
Psalm 115:4-7 New International Version (NIV)
4
But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
5
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
6
They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
7
They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
Psalms 115:4 - 7
ESV - 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 5 They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
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Asked April 30 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
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Tim Maas
I would say that it is because, despite the witness of Himself that God has given in nature and in the conscience (as noted by Paul in Romans 1:20 and Romans 2:14-15), humans are still sensate beings who deal with the world around them primarily by means of what they can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell. They are thus more inclined to relate to a visible, tangible object (such as an idol) than an invisible Deity (even if that Deity has been known on occasion to communicate with selected humans). (Of course, this ignores the basic paradox that a "god" of their own creation is incapable of being greater than themselves, and is thus not worthy of their worship.) It was for this reason (as C. S. Lewis said) that the initiative was on God's side to reveal Himself to humans, which He did throughout the Old Testament by means of his selection of Israel as His chosen people; by His appointment of prophets to speak on His behalf; and by the fulfillment of their prophecies (testifying to their authenticity), ultimately culminating completely and finally in the incarnation of Christ, who was both truly God and also truly human.
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