A non-idolater is an individual who does not worship idols or engage in idolatry. This person refrains from attributing divine qualities or adoration to physical objects, symbols, or figures. This can manifest in rejecting religious practices centered on idol veneration or maintaining a secular worldview, refusing to elevate anything besides the absolute deity or moral standard they may have chosen. The non-idolater's belief system prioritizes direct worship of the true deity, moral absolutes, or the importance of ethical conduct and/or rational thought above all else. Essentially, they avoid the sin of idolatry, as defined in a given culture.
Non-idolater meaning with examples
- Despite the widespread practice of ancestor worship in her culture, she remained a staunch non-idolater, focusing instead on her direct relationship with God and the teachings of the scriptures. She saw the worship of ancestors as a violation of divine law and clung to her principles even in the face of social ostracism.
- The religious reformer, a declared non-idolater, led a movement to dismantle the ornate temples and replace them with simple spaces for prayer and contemplation, emphasizing the importance of internal devotion over the external displays of idol worship. His actions challenged the long-standing traditions of his community.
- In a world saturated with consumerism, the ethical philosopher lived as a non-idolater, resisting the allure of material possessions and the glorification of wealth. They focused on living a life guided by principles and purpose rather than external symbols and objects of self-aggrandizement.
- Rejecting any form of worship that was not of the true and proper nature, the Puritan was a non-idolater of the highest order. They saw sin in every form of object worship and dedicated their life to rooting out every practice within the community that deviated from the teachings of their God.