A Great Read!

I just finished reading Timothy Keller's book about idolatry in modern society.  It's called Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power and the Only Hope that Matters.  I've read books by Keller before - The Reason for God & The Prodigal God come to mind. I enjoy Keller's writing style and his insights.  Needless to say, I was not disappointed with this book.  It's certainly a great read!

The book points out how modern people deceive themselves by thinking that idolatry is only a problem of ancient cultures who crafted gods out of wood and stone.  Instead, Keller points out that modernity is literally littered with idols of every kind imaginable.  In Keller's own words: "Though we think we live in a secular world, idols, the glittering gods of our age, hold title to the functional trust of our hearts."(p.xxvi)  In the pages between the front and back cover, Keller examines in detail various idols having to do with sex, wealth, success and power.  Even religious people are plagued by hidden idolatry such as valuing doctrine over relationship, moral and theological superiority, and the elevation of spiritual gifts.  Overall, we need to be aware of our propensity toward idolatry.  The deceiver tends to use the good things of God and twist them to his advantage.  I think it boils down to priorities and perspective.  Keller finds his conclusion in focusing on Jesus Christ.  Worship.  It's a matter of "setting your heart on Christ as your peace and your life."  This formulates "the road to freedom from the counterfeit gods that control us."  (p.177)
See also Fixing our Eyes on Jesus