FALSE GODS DEGRADE MANKIND

22. (a) Describe the main characteristic of invented gods. (b) What is their effect on their worshipers?

²² A revealing aspect of the gods devised by men is that they are remarkably like those humans who devised them. Observing this, psychologist William Sargent writes, in his book The Mind Possessed, that man has created gods in his own image, “reflecting his varying imaginings, aspirations and fears.” The apostle Paul goes farther. He says that they have “turned the glory of the incorruptible God into something like the image of corruptible man” and other creatures. (Rom. 1:23) Thus mythical gods often reflect human weaknesses and depraved qualities, a sure evidence of their being the “contrivance of man.” (Acts 17:29) Various Egyptian gods and goddesses, for example, were believed to suffer internal pains and headaches; they were bloodthirsty, and their numbers included drunkards and masturbators. And the book Jews, Gods and History notes that “the Greek gods themselves set the pattern for the unbridled lust and perversion which finally weakened the moral fiber of that people.” Those who worship such gods take on their degraded characteristics.​—Rom. 1:18, 25-32.

Clergymen have created a god of their own, in their own image. Their pagan Trinity doctrine represents God as a “mystery.” Because of their ‘artfully contrived stories,’ in practice, He comes through to worshipers as weak and vacillating, lacking any real standards, allowing them to engage in all kinds of immoral conduct. (Jude 4) They present him as a war god at the beck and call of politicians and clergymen alike. During wars, their god fights for whatever political leader the clergy happen to be serving. Is it any wonder that his worshipers have become like their god?​—2 Thess. 2:10-12; 1 John 4:5, 6.