Idolatry, as Maimonides presented it, begins with a subtle diversion of worship—revering the intermediaries of divine power, such as celestial bodies, rather than the Creator. This diversion gradually evolved into a world where the knowledge of God became obscured, and people fell into corrupt practices, venerating man-made figures. Maimonides takes us on a journey through history, explaining how these initial deviations led to the entrenched idolatry of the ancient world.

In a modern context, the concept of idolatry remains equally relevant. Although we no longer face the same physical manifestations of idols, the essence of idolatry—placing intermediaries, material desires, or ideologies above divine truth—remains a danger to human spirituality. Whether it’s consumerism, self-worship, or the over-reliance on technology, these can take the place of genuine connection with the Creator.

Maimonides’ Words on the Roots of Idolatry:

As Maimonides explains, the very core of idolatry started from misunderstanding God’s role in the universe and misattributing powers to His creations. This idea is encapsulated when he writes:
“Once they reasoned that God created the stars and gave them dignity, they thought it appropriate to honor them, too, imagining that this honored God. Thus, they began to build temples to the stars…”
(Ch. 1, V. 1)

From this, we understand that the root of idolatry lies in misplacing honor and veneration where it doesn’t belong.

Balancing Modern Relativism with Torah’s Absolute Truth

As we move through the teachings, one challenge we face in today’s society is the rise of moral relativism. While Maimonides’ teachings make it clear that the Torah provides an absolute framework for truth, modern thought often proposes a “do what feels right” mentality. This can erode moral boundaries and create a sense of spiritual confusion.

However, we must carefully navigate this terrain. Not all forms of relativism are inherently harmful. Some flexibility is necessary when it comes to cultural practices and human laws. Yet, when relativism leads to the denial of absolute truths found in the Torah, it becomes problematic. Maimonides affirms that Torah law is immutable, serving as a divine anchor in a changing world.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks succinctly highlights this tension:
“Relativism suggests that each society can have its own version of truth. The Torah’s view, however, is that certain truths—such as justice and human dignity—are universal and unchanging.”
(Sacks, The Dignity of Difference, p. 45)

This balance is vital to avoid falling into the traps of modern-day idolatry, whether it’s worshipping our desires, opinions, or social trends.

Quotations and Commentaries

Maimonides’ Commentary on Idolatry:
“Even those who worshiped idols knew God existed, but they mistakenly believed that their veneration of the stars honored Him.”
(Ch. 1, V. 2)

By quoting the above, Maimonides identifies the confusion that arises when human logic takes precedence over divine instruction. People believed their idol worship was still honoring God, a misstep that is not too dissimilar from the ways modern societies sometimes mistake “moral freedom” for true righteousness.

Rabbi Moshe Weiner writes,
“We live in an age where ideologies replace the divine. From worship of human intellect to the glorification of scientific progress—modern society risks falling into a new form of idolatry, that of self-reliance above divine truth.”
(Weiner, Path of the Righteous Gentile, Ch. 4)

This reminds us of the constant tension between faith and worldly distractions, urging Noahides and all people to place their faith in the eternal truths of the Torah.