§ I. On Idolatry

Idolatry is an action by which worship due to God alone is given to a creature; but this is done not only by sacrifice, but also by any sign of honor by which someone intends to submit himself to a creature as to God, for example, by genuflection. - Cf. St. Alphonsus, n. 12.

A twofold idolatry is distinguished: one is material and the other formal. The first is inculpable, and has place when from ignorance of every kind divine honor is rendered to some creature, for example, if a priest from invincible error should exhibit for adoration a host not consecrated. The other is 1st, perfect, when someone, reckoning in his mind that an idol is the true God, adores it; 2nd, imperfect, when someone, knowing certainly that the idol does not deserve worship, nevertheless renders this to it from hatred toward God or from some other evil end; 3rd, simulated, when from fear of some harm someone exhibits only external worship. Although each of these three is a most grave sin, nevertheless the worst of all is imperfect idolatry, which is so called not by reason of malice, which certainly is greatest, so that by some it is called simply malicious, but because it honors the idol only by will, not by intellect. - Cf. Scavini, lib. 2, tract. 5, n. 138. - Baller., note (a), p. 231.