GDR writes:
For example I contend that when the Israelites claim to be told by God to slaughter every man woman and child amongst their enemies we are to understand that we are to learn not to let other gods, (in modern terms I suggest that the other gods are money and power), become part of our lives as they had done
purpledawn writes:
I expect those who consider money to be a false god will explain how they feel money can be presented as a deity, false or otherwise. How is money worshiped? Wanting something doesn't mean it is viewed as a deity or is a deity.
I'll try and explain what I meant in the quote you used.
My contention is that the early Hebrews were still heavily influenced by the pagan gods of their neighbours, and as a result they transferred some of the pagan beliefs into their own theology. When they did that they were in effect worshipping false gods in their attempt to gain favour with whatever god would give them power and influence, even though they still claimed that it was Yahweh that they worshipped. It was Yahweh in name only. I think that is often still the case today, and that is the lesson to be learned from the scriptures.
CS Lewis writes in Mere Christianity that the "great sin" or the all encompassing sin is pride or self conceit. It seems to me that one of the major ways that pride shows itself in our lives is in a lust for power. One major ways of achieving power is to acquire wealth.
If we make the attainment of wealth and power one of the central features of our lives, I maintain that we are worshipping false gods in a less blood thirsty, but still similar way to the various cultures in the ancient world.
There is also the obvious difference between serving a god and serving God.
Everybody is entitled to my opinion.