Q&A: Are Idol-Worshippers and Idolatry the Same Thing?
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Are Idol-Worshippers and Idolatry the Same Thing?
Question
Are atheists and agnostics considered idol-worshippers, and does the saying, “The Jews worshipped idols only in order to permit sexual immorality to themselves,” apply to them?
Answer
Absolutely not. What connection is there? An idol-worshipper is someone who engages in the worship of an idol.
Statements like that are not valid regarding anyone. This is a non-binding description, and not necessarily a general one, so there is no point in discussing whom it does or does not apply to. Think for yourself about people’s motivations and form your own view on the matter. There is no point in forming positions on such issues in light of Talmudic sayings. a0