Idol facts for kids

An idol is an object or image that people use in their worship of a god. It can also mean someone who is greatly admired by many people, like a pop idol or a sports hero. The act of worshipping idols is called idolatry.

What is an Idol?

An idol is usually a statue, picture, or symbol. It represents a god or a spirit. People might use idols to help them focus during prayer. They might also believe the god's presence is somehow connected to the idol.

Idols in Different Religions

Different religions have different views on idols.

Christianity and Images

In Christianity, there are different ideas about using images. Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians often use icons and Christian art. They see these as helpful for worship. They believe that since Christ became human, it is okay to make images that remind them of God.

However, many Protestants believe that making and using such images for worship is wrong. They think it goes against the Ten Commandments.

The Ten Commandments and Idols

The Ten Commandments are a set of rules from the Bible. One of these rules says: "You shall not make for yourself a carved image... you shall not bow down to them or serve them."

This means that some Christians believe people should not make images of God. They also believe people should not worship these images. They feel that worshipping an image takes away from worshipping God directly.

Other Religions and Images

In Islam, art often uses patterns or beautiful writing. This is done to avoid making images that could be worshipped.

Judaism also has rules about images. Jewish art is usually broader in style.

In Hinduism, people use murtis. These are statues or images of gods. Hindus do not believe the murti itself is the god. Instead, they see it as a way to connect with the god's presence. It helps them focus their worship.