Idol worship and sacrifice

[Tanakh Keeper]

Idol worship is a practice in which one worships a physical form, instead of the creator of the physical form. Idolatry came about because ancient people recognized that they were dependent on a higher power. They knew they had to rely on a controlling heavenly force, though they were unsure whether there was a single power or a multiplicity of powers. Regardless, they still constructed idol(s) that represented in physical form, the higher power(s) in which they believed. G-d knows that humans, as physical beings, have an urge to show devotion to physical objects. Idolatry is a counterfeit attempt to satisfy the basic human need to connect to a dimension beyond ourselves. Idolaters labels as “gods” people or objects, and then attempt to use them to get salvation and comfort. These created things with a physical presence are more controllable than an all-powerful G-d that is in all places at all times. However, ultimate freedom can never be found in denial. To experience true freedom, we must seek out the authentic values and meanings for which all humans desperately want, which is the One Creator.

Sacrifices are an outgrowth of our drive to serve and worship a higher power. As we are physical beings, we are driven to show our passion to higher powers with physical gifts. Indeed the true meaning of the Hebrew word for sacrifice is “closeness”. This is why the admonitions and prohibitions against idol worship are the single most common warning that G-d tells us. E.g. D e u t 5:8 You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness which is in the heavens above, which is on the earth below, or which is in the water beneath the earth. To direct worship to a physical form is a type of rebellion against the Creator. G-d is always present at all times, prayers can always be directed to Him instead of wasting worship towards physical forms. To worship an image or likeness is to assign powers to that person or object. D e u t 5:7 You shall not have the gods of others in My presence. Also to temper the human need for devotion to higher powers and to properly guide the closeness that we want to feel to the authentic source, G-d prohibited sacrifices unless they are given at the Temple, under proper guidance from our leaders. His Laws help us to focus our sacrifices on the Creator, instead of on a creation.

[4 Zion]

G-d prohibited sacrifices unless they are given at the Temple, under proper guidance from our leaders. His Laws help us to focus our sacrifices on the Creator, instead of on a creation.

Yeah, I agree. A sacrifice is devoting something of definite value personally. It can be time or resources. A sacrifice without value that doesn't cost us anything is much like the sacrifice of a defective( worthless) animal to G-d. Devotion of time or money can also be this if the intent is to receive praise of men.

[Cybelle Hawke]

Hi Tanakh

When I read the part of idols, the Wailing Wall/Western Wall came to my mind. Is this not a form of directing worship to a physical form?

[Tanakh Keeper]

Nope. The Western wall is a holy place. We don't pray TO the wall, we pray TO G-d in that location.

[Cybelle Hawke]

Yes of course. But how/where do the pieces of papers putting in that wall fit in? (I am just trying to understand it better)

[Tanakh Keeper]

It's a tough fit. <small joke there.> So many prayers stuffed in the cracks, you know.

It's an ancient Jewish tradition. The Temple Mount is the holiest site on Earth, and the tradition says that the presence of G-d constantly rests on this site. Jewish mystical tradition teaches that all prayers from around the world ascend to the Wall, from where they then ascend to heaven.

[Hamster]

I never thought about that. Do they remove the letters regularly to make room for new ones?

[Tanakh Keeper]

Ah, I believe so.

[Bowman]

It's a tough fit. <small joke there.> So many prayers stuffed in the cracks, you know.

It's an ancient Jewish tradition. The Temple Mount is the holiest site on Earth, and the tradition says that the presence of G-d constantly rests on this site. Jewish mystical tradition teaches that all prayers from around the world ascend to the Wall, from where they then ascend to heaven.

Where does the Tanakh state that you need to write prayers on paper and stuff them into cracks in a wall?

[Hamster]

Where does the Tanakh state that you need to write prayers on paper and stuff them into cracks in a wall?

It's an expression of piety, not a biblical requirement

[Bowman]

It's an expression of piety, not a biblical requirement

Another man-made Jewish practice.

[Hamster]

Another man-made Jewish practice.

Yeah, pilgrims visit a holy site and pray there. Why is that tradition bad?

[Cybelle Hawke]

Tanakh, every religion has traditions. Every religion has holy places. Every religion has symbols.

If the papers in the Western Wall are mere tradition, what would you then feel fit for "directing worship to a physical form"? Can you give an example?

[Bowman]

Yeah, pilgrims visit a holy site and pray there. Why is that tradition bad?

Jews that take on this man-made practice are idol worshipping....which is absolutely no different than Muslims going to mecca, walking around the kabba, praying and kissing a black stone.

No where in the Tankh does it ever say to write prayers on paper and stuff them into cracks in a wall.

Yahweh had specific instructions - and this was never one of them.


Modern Jews which practice this are reverting back to idol worship which their ancestors repeatedly did over, and over, and over....they still don't get it.

As Christians, we can pray whereever, whenever, and in any direction - because our God cannot be limited to any physical thing.

[Tanakh Keeper]

Tanakh, every religion has traditions. Every religion has holy places. Every religion has symbols.

If the papers in the Western Wall are mere tradition, what would you then feel fit for "directing worship to a physical form"? Can you give an example?

I don't understand your question. How does making written prayers to G-d equate to worshipping a man?