Icons and Idols
This week.
Wow, this week.
Whether you’ve had a week that has been calm or rocky in your own circle this week, the external news, events, and cold (even for us Canadians) has been enough to send our minds twirling. I hope from last week’s devotion that you had a chance to know that God surrounds and loves you and can calm your storm in any situation.
This week, I found myself wondering about seeing through that storm–not just for some horizon, but really seeing through the rain, the wind, the present moment to the path we’re on, and perhaps even seeing through our questions and doubts as to whether we will make it through at all.
Sometimes we come face to face with things that will block our view to where Jesus would like us to see. Naming those things for what they are is crucial to our journey with Christ.
So let’s explore that…
Many years ago, I read a book that changed the way I see the world through the eyes of faith. Madeline L’Engle, who wrote a Wrinkle in TIme and other amazing books, wrote a short personal book called Penguins and Golden Calves: Icons and Idols. She described how there are things in our lives that help us see through an object or person to a better understanding of God; she talks about penguins that can lead us to wonder at creation, stars that make us aware of the vastness and complexity of the galaxies we can’t see and the One who made them. Those are the icons.
Sometimes, we hear that someone is an ‘icon”. It’s kind of fun to be called that, isn’t it? In the original understanding of the word, it meant more than being great; it meant that that person pointed to something divine, demonstrated something that led to a better understanding of God. We saw through that person or that piece of creation and were led onward on our journey of faith. That’s an icon. So if we’re called that–well, we’re directing people to God. No pressure.
Then, there are other things that block our vision and understanding of God. Those are the idols. People or objects that force our attention only on themselves and block any other progress. Structures that say “You must stop here, I am all there is to see here, don’t go any further, don’t question any more.”
As those who are on a journey with God, no matter where we are at, we see both. We have questions of God–and God never says stop asking questions, even when perhaps we’re not ready for the answers yet. Our icons are those who allow us to see God through them, through creation, through words or art of music or a random action or….you get the picture.
Our idols are those things which demand attention only for themselves–things that claim ultimate power over our lives when that power belongs to God. One of the most dangerous things about an idol is it stops us from wondering–everything about the idol is right in front of us, all there, a big stop sign. Don’t go any further, idols say. And don’t question me. This is all there is. If we look at human history, we know where that leads. One of the key things about idols is that they demand fear. It’s not like the ‘fear of the Lord’ that is respect and admiration and a healthy sense of knowing what’s right. The fear idols inspire is paralysing and punitive.
You and I were never called or created to live in fear. Remember, iIn the Bible, God and God’s messengers say “Do not fear” 365 times. That’s enough for once a day for a year.
Our journey of faith doesn’t stop, and icons can lead us from place to place and get us unstuck sometimes. They can cause us to wonder at the sacrifice, grace, creativity, and love of a God who asks us to keep journeying and keep discovering what it means to live as forgiven, loved people. They can open us to helping others see the love of God too.
Now that’s something no idol can stop.
I’d really encourage you to read L’Engle’s book, and look around.
Who, or what, are icons in your life?
How do you see a little more of God through them?
What are the idols?
May you see God more clearly today because of all the wonderful icons God puts around you. May you know the love that says there is nothing to fear, and with God’s help, may you get the idols out of the way.
Peace in Christ,
Rev. Susan
Content © Susan Kerr 2025. Photo: Book cover of Penguins and Golden Calves: Icons and Idols by Madeline L’Engle (1996: Crosswicks Inc.) May not be reproduced or circulated without permission of the author.