Morals of the Church
Library › Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology › Volume I › Book II. On the Exercise of the Christian Life, or on the Cultivation of the Virtues › Treatise II. On the Cultivation of the Moral Virtues › Dissertation I. On the Precepts of the Decalogue › Part I. On the First Precept of the Decalogue › Section II. On Opposed Vices › Chapter I. On Superstition › Article II. On Vicious Worship of a Creature

Section — Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology

§ I. On Idolatry

592.

I. Notion. Idolatry occurs when divine honor is shown to a creature, for example to a demon. It is the same by what sign the honor is shown, whether by sacrifice or genuflection, etc., provided that the sign placed signifies divine honor either from the intention of the agent or from common estimation (St. Alphonsus, III, 12).

Superstition, Idolatry, and DivinationIdolatry

593.

II. Division. Idolatry is twofold, formal and material or simulated, according as it is committed with the intention of adoring, or without that intention, as if someone out of fear adores an idol. Formal idolatry is perfect or imperfect according as one intending adoration holds the creature for God, or does not hold it for God, but for example adores it out of hatred toward God.

Idolatry

594.

III. Morality. 1. Idolatry is a most grave sin, because it bestows divine honor on a creature and thus, "so far as is in itself, makes another God in the world, diminishing the divine sovereignty" (St. Thomas, II-II, q. 94, a. 3).

  1. Idolatry differs in species from superstitious observance, insofar as the former involves a sin of infidelity or heresy, or at least is opposed to the profession of faith (St. Alphonsus, III, 13).

Idolatry