What modern practices might parallel the idolatry condemned in Jeremiah 32:35? Jeremiah 32:35 — The Heart of the Issue “They built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Ben-hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it ever enter My mind, that they should do this abomination, causing Judah to sin.” Why God Calls It an Abomination • Life is God-given and sacred (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:13-16). • Sacrificing children to gain favor or convenience assaults both God’s character and His image-bearers. • Idolatry redirects worship from the Creator to created things, provoking judgment (Romans 1:25). Modern Echoes of Child Sacrifice • Abortion on demand — terminating unborn life for personal, relational, or economic convenience (Proverbs 6:16-17). • Commercial exploitation of children: trafficking, pornography, forced labor (Matthew 18:6). • Entertainment that normalizes violence against the young, dulling sensitivity to their worth. Other Contemporary Altars • Consumerism and materialism: worshiping “stuff” and status; Jesus warns, “You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24) • Careerism: sacrificing family, health, and integrity on the altar of advancement (Ecclesiastes 4:8). • Sexual idolatry: pornography, hookup culture, and any practice that devalues God’s design for purity (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). • Technology and social media obsession: allowing screens, likes, and algorithms to dictate identity and purpose (1 John 5:21). • New Age and occult practices: crystals, tarot, astrology, manifesting—modern substitutes for trust in the living God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). • Celebrity and sports worship: investing passion, time, and resources in personalities or teams more than in Christ (Colossians 3:2-4). Guarding Our Hearts from Subtle Altars • Regular Scripture intake to renew the mind (Romans 12:1-2). • Honest self-examination: “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Stewardship of life: championing the unborn, protecting the vulnerable, honoring family. • Simplicity and generosity: storing treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). • Spirit-led community: mutual accountability and encouragement to keep Christ pre-eminent (Hebrews 10:24-25). |
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