Paganism and Idolatry in the Pauline Literature

The book explores the central theme of idolatry and paganism in the Pauline Epistles, offering an in-depth analysis of how Paul's teachings engage with the widespread idolatry in the Greco-Roman world. The Pauline letters, written in the context of a Roman Empire where polytheism and emperor worship were dominant, consistently challenge the Christian community to reject idolatry, not only in its physical forms but in all its manifestations in thought and practice.

In his letters, Paul emphasizes that idolatry is not merely the worship of physical idols but a deeper spiritual error?turning away from the Creator and worshipping created things. This is especially evident in Romans 1:18-32, where Paul argues that humanity's rejection of the true God leads to a descent into moral decay and spiritual darkness. Paul presents idolatry as the root cause of sin, a failure to honor God as the Creator, and a rejection of divine truth in favor of falsehood. The consequences of idolatry, according to Paul, are not only theological but moral and social, as it leads to disordered relationships and a corrupted understanding of human identity.