Images and Idols

One of the Ten Commandments is a prohibition against worshiping idols. There is a good reason for that. Images can do nothing for us, except to excite the imagination and channel the focus of attention onto the image / idol. Maybe this is why some religions use statues and icons to help their believers stay focused on their prayer or meditation. Unfortunately, what can happen is that the personality represented by the image becomes the object of worship. 

Apart from religion, how does this play out in the rest of our lives? For one thing, we can think about the fact that some people seem to have a need to worship other people. Entertainers, athletes, politicians, for example. This alone can result in an enormous waste of time and emotional energy. But on a much deeper level, worshiping a human being can bring tragedy.

Have you ever known someone who fell in love with a person whom they placed high on a pedestal? Even to the point of lowering himself so much that he allowed himself to be abused by the one he loved? 

A middle-aged married couple came for therapy. The wife showed no empathy, appeared to be a mean-spirited narcissist, while he was submissive and emotionally dependent on her approval. He once said in an individual session, “I live for her smile”. During their last marital session, as usual, she remained aloof, as he begged her to reconcile with him. She suddenly became irate, stood up to leave and he fell to his knees, imploring her to stay. Not looking back, she stalked out. 

This poor man did not really love her; he loved the image of her, the smile and her sexy looks. He was obsessed with her image and loved the way he felt when she smiled. He had made her an object of worship; an idol, a goddess.

Can any person fulfill the promise of a god or goddess? Of course not. Thus, the man in the scenario above was doomed to be hurt, as would anyone who idolizes a human being in the context of a close relationship. Even in the realm of celebrity, how many fans have been disappointed when their heroes behaved very badly?

A separate issue is that no one can withstand the pressure of being worshipped. Eventually, the so-called idol becomes resentful and even contemptuous of the dependent person.

This issue may not be common. However, if it speaks to you, and if it affects your quality of life, it may be a good idea to get help. And if you would consider professional assistance, please feel free to reach out. My phone number is (219) 309-3928. I assure you that this kind of problem can be resolved, and it would be an honor to be of service.

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Thanks for reading!