In the real world, people cannot relate tangibly to pretend stuff if there is not an icon of sorts. Really it is the building and all the side entertainment that accompanies that building that keeps the concept of belonging alive. The old adage of build the temple, the people will come still holds true in the modern era. That in itself is idolatry and in essence it is the 'church' that is the item first and foremost in their lives. Even the church building is an idol and as the story goes he does not dwell in temples made of hands yet most churches have a 'temple' of sorts. As for the Christian side, if say he was executed by madame guillotine, would xians wear miniatures of that around their neck, would churches have this emblazoned on their walls and alters? Would they have perhaps a beheaded Jesus head?Īll religions have icons of their pretend gods whether in paintings or sculptures and as much as evangelicals would like to claim they do not do this, I am sure I could walk into any church and show them just how wrong they are. When you invent an invisible god, somewhere along the line you are going to have to provide the flock with something tangible to relate to. The same thing has grown with the churches where there are icons one should relate to, whether these be a crucifix like the orthodox churches do, and empty cross like the protestants do, the menorah in Judaism. Neither the idol snake nor the angry god in the sky could do anything. That is one pretty fubar god when he makes and edict then a short while later (as the story goes) does a complete 180. Well if you read a little further, later on they had to bow down to an idol that was a snake for healing.

Oh lawds is i in heaven