Idolatry: it’s all about me - narcissism
May 25, 2015
Idolatry: it’s all about me - narcissism
You gotta serve somebodyIt may be the devilor it may be the LordBut you gotta serve somebody
1. Idolatry is a consequence of being a worshipper: we all have to worship/ serve something.
3. Idolatry is misplaced commitment
2. Idolatry is worship of the created rather than the creator
4. Idolatry dehumanises - we become like what we worship
Ps 115: 6,7Ps 135:
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold,the work of human hands.16 They have mouths, but do not speak;they have eyes, but do not see;17 they have ears, but do not hear,nor is there any breath in their mouths.18 Those who make them become like them,so do all who trust in them!
You got to serve yourselfnobody gonna do for youYou gotta serve yourselfnobody gonna do for youWell you may believe in devils and you may believe in lawsBut if you don't go out and serve yourself, la, ain't no room service here
342,408
Caravaggio’s Narcissus
Gen X: 1961-1981Gen Y: post 1981?
iGen or Gen Me 1981-1999 shaped by technology
Different generations:
Be yourselfBelieve in yourself
Love yourselfExpress yourselfRespect yourself
If it feels good do it
Typical expressions:
Me firstIt’s all about me
Self-esteemSelf-actualisation
Unwillingness to take personal responsibilityFocus on celebrity and money
Typical characteristics:
Where are we?
Who are we?
What’s the problem?
What’s the solution?
I am me!
In a world that has no meaning - unless I choose to give it meaning
Society, family and anything that doesn’t let me express myself
Be me – be myself, do what feels good!
CREATORCREATORCREATORCREATOR
CREATIONCREATIONCREATIONCREATION
CREATORCREATORCREATORCREATOR
CREATIONCREATIONCREATIONCREATION
self
CREATORCREATORCREATORCREATOR
CREATIONCREATIONCREATIONCREATION
self
CREATORCREATORCREATORCREATOR
CREATIONCREATIONCREATIONCREATION
self
CREATORCREATORCREATORCREATOR
CREATIONCREATIONCREATIONCREATION
self
CREATORCREATORCREATORCREATOR
CREATIONCREATIONCREATIONCREATIONself
CREATORCREATORCREATORCREATOR
CREATIONCREATIONCREATIONCREATION
self
For the Christian, the self is the problem not the potential paradise. Understanding this problem involves an awareness of sin
Dear Sirs,
I am.
Sincerely yours,
G. K. Chesterton
GoodGo d
godGod
1. Ask God
2. Ask others
3. Read
4. Watch out
5. Go to other cultures and return
6. Watch adverts critically
7. Say YES to the Jealous God who demands full
allegiance.
Exposing idols- a seven point plan: