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: