This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Idolatry. That is what we know, what we do and who we are. Our gods are what we spend time, money and conversation on. That list includes financial gain, popular culture, connecting to electronic entertainment and food, music, sports and fashion.
We care very little for things of real value ... rule of law, safe communities, family stability, health and wellness and obtaining enough education to participate effectively in democracy.
When we read our sacred books we find much said about worship of idols made from wood that cannot speak. To the ancients those idols were not just discredited deities in heaven. They were the earthly leaders who did not point people toward true happiness and independence on earth.
They were political idols like kings and false prophets ... today's politicians, party leaders, presidents, members of Congress, federal and state bureaucrats and military leaders. They were economic idols like large landowners lying down on beds of ivory ... today's corporate executives and bankers. They were cultural icons like priests, Pharisees, physicians and scribes ... celebrities like today's news, health care, religion and education leaders.
We believe we are a faithful, believing, ethical, informed people. But we are not. We are hypocrites and idolaters of the worst kind.
Robert Kimball Shinkoskey
Woods Cross