Golden Calf

The graven image is an idol—an object or image, such as a statue that is worshiped as a deity or a god. Idolatry leads people to treasure something... more

by Spadecaller

Title

Golden Calf

Artist

Spadecaller

Medium

Digital Art - Digital & Photographic Art

Description

The graven image is an idol—an object or image, such as a statue that is worshiped as a deity or a god. Idolatry leads people to treasure something with little or no concern for ethical conduct. There are fears and temptations that can lure people to stray from the righteous path. The most common of these stem from the desire for money, power, security, recognition, sex, drugs, and food.


Instead of providing beneficial service, many people work primarily to make money while trampling over the rights of others. For many, money is an artificial symbol of self-importance. The devastating effects of greed on society are unfathomable. In today’s world, the obsessive preoccupation with food is the main cause of rampant obesity. Food, drug, and sex addiction enslave the human body and spirit. When political leaders value their need for power above all else, the consequences are disastrous. Coming to idolize unworthy goals is often a slow, insidious transition and too often people fail to see when it is happening.


Under the Talmudic division of the third-century Jewish Talmud, the first of the ten commandments acknowledge the central monotheistic theme, “I am the Lord thy God." Under the Philonic division used by Hellenistic Jews and Protestants, the commandment instructs, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." And, under the Augustinian division used by Roman Catholics and Lutherans the message is a direct commandment; "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image."


“Golden Calf” is a hand-painted digital poster and photo composite created in Spadecaller’s Florida Studio on 4/20/2023.

Uploaded

April 20th, 2023