In their zeal to eradicate symbols of racism, Black Lives Matter supporters are (possibly unintentionally) revealing God’s hatred of idolatry. Even before Moses gave the second commandment (Exodus 20:4-6), God ridiculed the idols of Laban (Genesis 31:19,30-35). Idolatry was a snare to the Israelites throughout their history, up to the deportation to Babylon. Although the New Testament does not record it, the iconoclasm of the Byzantine Empire in later centuries testifies to the enduring temptation.
Do modern statues of historical figures constitute idols that are worshipped? The emotional reaction of those who seek to protect them suggests the truth that the problem is really in their hearts. These “heroes” or role models are more important to them than faith and truth, and closer to their hearts. That is the true danger of idolatry.
Regrettably, most BLM supporters are not true iconoclasts. Their proposal is simply to replace statues of historical figures with statues of other, ‘acceptable’ people. Idolatry lives on! What few have recognized is that all fallen humans have feet of clay. (Romans 3:23) When statues of them are erected, their feet of clay lead to their destruction, just as Daniel explained to Nebuchadnezzar. (Daniel 2:33-35).
The verdict seems clear. We must cleanse our hearts of worship of people or false pretenses. Worship and serve the one true God.
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