All 4 Uses of
idolatry
in
Common Sense, by Thomas Paine
- It was the most prosperous invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry.†
Chpt 2. *
- And when a man seriously reflects on the idolatrous homage which is paid to the persons of kings, he need not wonder that the Almighty, ever jealous of his honour, should disapprove of a form of government which so impiously invades the prerogative of heaven.†
Chpt 2.
- The hankering which the Jews had for the idolatrous customs of the Heathens, is something exceedingly unaccountable; but so it was, that laying hold of the misconduct of Samuel's two sons, who were entrusted with some secular concerns, they came in an abrupt and clamorous manner to Samuel, saying, BEHOLD THOU ART OLD, AND THY SONS WALK NOT IN THY WAYS, NOW MAKE US A KING TO JUDGE US, LIKE ALL OTHER NATIONS.†
Chpt 2.
- Here is idolatry even without a mask: And he who can calmly hear, and digest such doctrine, hath forfeited his claim to rationality an apostate from the order of manhood; and ought to be considered as one, who hath not only given up the proper dignity of man, but sunk himself beneath the rank of animals, and contemptibly crawl through the world like a worm.†
Chpt Appe
Definition:
the worship of idols (physical objects representative of gods)
or:
excessive admiration and devotion to something or someone
or:
excessive admiration and devotion to something or someone