Should Christians Give the Middle Finger to Idolatry?

By Robb Brunansky - Posted at The Cripplegate:

Social media has been abuzz over an unbiblical and vulgar ad released recently by Doug Wilson’s Canon Press. In this ad, Canon Press seeks to recruit a particular kind of young man, who is not afraid to (as the ad says) give the middle finger to idolatry. The idolatry in view is illustrated with a clip of the opening ceremonies from this year’s Paris Olympics, when people mocked Jesus’ last supper.

It is entirely appropriate that every sincere believer took exception to this open blasphemy. We know that the world hates Christ, and this outrageous display served as further demonstration that sinful people by nature hate God. However, many Christian responses have evidenced a fleshly anger, seeing idolaters as enemies to be destroyed in the name of saving western civilization.

Is this the proper response to idolatry according to Scripture?

When we consider how God responds to idolatry in Scripture, we see that God always brings devasting destruction upon idolatry. He tolerates no rivals, nor does He allow other gods to take His place or usurp His glory. Yet how does God destroy idolatry? A wrong view will certainly lead to a fleshly response to idolatry and idolaters. There are two parts to this answer of how God destroys idolatry. The first is that God offers idolaters terms of mercy and peace through the gospel.

God could destroy idolatry and idolaters in one fell swoop in divine judgment, but He doesn’t. Instead, the Lord destroys idolatry by redeeming idolaters through the gospel. Scripture shows us God’s heart for people who have fallen headlong into idolatry and details how He rescues idolaters from certain destruction.

Let’s start where idolatry began with Adam and Eve.

Continue here.