Is it Idolatry?
The "Heavenly Rest" plush doll has received overwhelming positive feedback, with 99.95% of comments and reviews being favourable. However, some remarks suggest that the doll could be seen as idolatrous, similar to the golden calf. These concerns often come from atheists who mock religion, but some genuinely worry that the doll might violate the Second Commandment. Let’s delve into what the Bible says about idols:
1. Gods The First Commandment in Exodus 20:3 states: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
The emphasis on "other" is crucial. This commandment is about not worshipping any gods apart from the Creator. Jesus is not an "other" god but the central figure in Christianity.
2. Material Exodus 20:4 says:
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."
The term "graven" refers to metal, as seen in Leviticus 19:4 and Exodus 34:17, which mention "molten" gods." Isaiah 2:20 speaks of casting away idols made of silver and gold. Our plush doll, made from cotton, does not fall under the category of graven images.
3. Likeness The continuation of Exodus 20:4 includes:
"...or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."
Critics might argue that a likeness of Jesus, who is in heaven, could be problematic. However, this logic would also label any picture, painting, movie, or sculpture of Jesus as idolatry. By this reasoning, children's books, the "Christ the Redeemer" statue, nativity scenes, and even Christian media would be forbidden. Clearly, this interpretation can lead to an extreme and impractical application.
Furthermore, Deuteronomy 4:16 warns against making idols in human form:
"Do not act corruptly and make an idol for yourselves in the shape of any figure: a male or female form."
If taken literally, this would mean all human figures, including toys like Barbie or GI Joe, would be considered idols, which is an overly strict interpretation.
4. Worship Exodus 20:5 clarifies:
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God..."
The issue is not the creation of the object but the act of worshipping it. The Bible condemns worshipping idols, not merely their existence. Leviticus 26:1 and Jeremiah 25:6 emphasize the prohibition of worshipping man-made idols. The crux of idolatry is replacing God with an idol, which is not the intention behind our doll.