Old Gods, New Names: The Spirits Behind Post-Modern Idolatry

Introduction: The Return of Old Spirits

Brothers and sisters,

Idolatry is not a relic of the ancient world. It is the oldest sin in human history — and the most enduring. From Eden to Egypt, from Babylon to the boardroom, the human heart has always had a tendency to build altars to other gods.

The names have changed, but the spirits behind them remain.

The world may no longer bow before statues of Baal or Asherah, but today’s society kneels before the glowing idols of wealth, fame, pleasure, and power.

We live in a post-modern world that calls itself “enlightened.” But it is haunted by the same old spirits wearing new disguises.

I. The Ancient Idols and What They Represented

1. Baal – The Idol of Power and Prosperity

Baal was the god of storms and fertility — the bringer of rain, the giver of crops.

People worshiped him for success, status, and sensual pleasure.

But the prophet Elijah declared, “If the Lord is God, follow Him!” (1 Kings 18:21).

Today’s Baal still reigns — in the marketplace, in politics, and even in the church when success replaces obedience and numbers replace faithfulness.

2. Asherah / Ishtar – The Goddess of Lust and Beauty

Asherah’s worship involved sensuality and ritual prostitution.

She represented sexual freedom and physical attraction.

Today’s Asherah is broadcast on our screens, celebrated in pop culture, and disguised as “self-expression.”

We call it “freedom,” but it enslaves the soul.

3. Molech – The God Who Demands Children

In ancient times, parents offered their children to Molech in fire, hoping for favor and security.

It was idolatry that cost the most innocent lives.

Today’s Molech is the spirit behind abortion, exploitation, and neglect — when society sacrifices its children to the gods of convenience, ambition, or pleasure.

4. Mammon – The Spirit of Greed

Jesus Himself warned, “You cannot serve both God and Mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

This idol whispers, “You are what you own.”

Today’s Mammon lives in materialism, consumerism, and even in prosperity preaching that treats God as a vending machine.

When money becomes our master, God becomes our servant.

5. Caesar – The Idol of Political Power

Rome demanded worship of the emperor as “lord and god.”

The early Christians refused — they confessed only, “Jesus is Lord.”

Today’s Caesar demands allegiance not through temples, but through nationalism, ideology, and the illusion that politics can save us.

We forget: no human ruler is the Messiah.

II. The Post-Modern Revival of Ancient Spirits

In every generation, idolatry adapts. The modern world claims to be secular, yet it is profoundly spiritual — only its gods have changed costumes.

Ancient Spirit Modern Form What It Demands

Baal - Celebrity culture, power, success Compromise and self-promotion

Asherah - Pornography, sexual anarchy Purity and covenant

Molech - Abortion, neglect, exploitation The lives of the vulnerable

Mammon - Greed, consumerism, Integrity, and contentment

Caesar - Nationalism, party worship, Conscience and truth, Self Humanism, “my truth” Worship, and autonomy

The post-modern world no longer bows to idols of stone — it bows to the idol of Self.

We hear it everywhere: “Follow your heart,” “You do you,” “Live your truth.”

But Scripture says, “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9).

III. The True Image: Christ Alone

Colossians 1:15 declares: “Christ is the image of the invisible God.”

If idols are false images, Christ is the true image.

If idols enslave, Christ liberates.

If idols demand sacrifice, Christ became the sacrifice.

The Gospel is not about adding Jesus to our pantheon of desires;

It’s about tearing down every false god that claims His throne.

IV. Our Christian Response

1. Discern the Spirits

1 John 4:1 says, “Test the spirits whether they are of God.”

Not every trend, ideology, or movement carries the Spirit of Christ.

2. Renounce False Allegiances

We must declare, “Jesus is Lord” — not money, not party, not nation, not self.

When Christ reigns, idols fall.

3. Live Counterculturally

While the world chases power, we serve.

While it worships wealth, we give.

While it exalts self, we humble ourselves before God.

4. Re-center on Worship and Justice

True worship does not end with singing — it flows into justice, compassion, and holiness.

As Micah 6:8 reminds us: “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Conclusion: The Call to Tear Down the Altars

The prophet Gideon was commanded, “Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and build an altar to the Lord your God on top of it.” (Judges 6:25).

That call echoes today. God is still looking for men and women who will tear down the altars of pride, greed, lust, and self — and rebuild His altar in their hearts.

Let us remember:

The idols of old may have new names,

But the Lord of old remains the same.