Idolatry

I have been reading the book "Counterfeit Gods" by Tim Keller recently and it is kind of kicking my butt. The more I've read it the more I've realized my tendencies towards idolatry in areas where I didn't think I struggled. I am glad our God is a merciful and forgiving God!

I would like to post an excerpt from the book where he is dealing with "hidden idols in our lives." Specifically, Keller goes after different idols that we have in religion. For a wonderful example of not doing what Keller is warning against, please see Steven Bean's post from yesterday. Steve's post was filled with grace, humility, and a desire for God's truth to be honored; which I really respect and I am looking forward to reading that series.

"An idol is something that we look to for things that only God can give. Idolatry functions widely inside religious communities when doctrinal truth is elevated to the position of a false god. This occurs when people rely on the rightness of their doctrine for their standing with God rather than on God himself and his grace. It is a subtle but deadly mistake. The sign that you have slipped into this form of self-justification is that you become what the book of Proverbs calls a "scoffer". Scoffers always show contempt and disdain for opponents rather than graciousness. This is a sign that they do not see themselves as sinners saved by grace. Instead, their trust in the rightness of their views make them feel superior"."